Daily Wisdom

“And the Lord said unto Samuel, How long wilt thou mourn for Saul, seeing I have rejected him…” 1 Sam 16:1

As a Christian you must learn to move in the Lord’s will or the Lord will move without you (Saul). Samuel had spent and invested a great amount of time and energy in Saul, to only have him step out of the Lord’s will causing God to move on to a young David as king. But, Samuel gets challenged by God, “how long wilt thou mourn, seeing I have rejected Saul?” God’s not blaming Samuel for mourning, but possibly Samuel’s affection and will for Saul caused him to indulge in it, yet it was in vain. Samuel, through God’s rejection of Saul, is challenged to acquiesce in God’s divine will. If God will be glorified in Saul’s squandered opportunity, Samuel ought to be satisfied. As much as you want to plan your life, it always has a way of surprising you, and in spite of how it appears God is still in control; stay in peace and more importantly stay in pace with God.  Those who stay devoted to God’s will over their desire will reach their destination in God. The Lord has you where you are for a time such as this (Esther 4:14), don’t get confused with who’s serving whose will.  You may not like the timing of God’s will, but you must have faith to trust in the transition.

The greatest hinderance of God’s work in your life comes from trying to serve God outside the will of God.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” Eph 4:32

Love yourself enough to forgive the acts of others!  Unforgiveness unleashes a myriad of emotions: hurt, anger, hatred and eventually bitterness, all upon yourself.  Forgiveness doesn’t always heal the relationship, but it does allow God the heal your heart.  Lifting the weight of emotions that weaken you making room for those that strengthen: peace, joy, hope, love and freeing both the unforgiven and the unforgiving.  It’s ultimately defined as a promise, not a feeling. When forgiving someone you promise not to hold their sins against them, as Christ did you, and more so stop harboring internally the emotions that come by their acts. Don’t cheat yourself out of your peace because of your pride in waiting on a apology, thus allowing their weakness of embarrassment, guilt, or being ashamed to stop you from your healing. Be ok with a sorry you never get, knowing what you get in return is far greater.  To be a Christian (Christ-like) means forgiving the inexcusable, because God has forgiving the inexcusable in you.  Remember, forgiveness is not achieved by the guilty being punished, but because the wounded are merciful!  Want to feel loved, love to forgive.

To forgive is to set a prisoner free, and realize the prisoner was you.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“And Saul said unto Samuel, I have sinned: for I have transgressed the commandment of the LORD, and thy words: because I feared the people, and obeyed their voice.” 1Sam 15:24

If God has cut you off, it’s often because you handed him the scissors. Saul’s ultimate sin that removed him from being king of Israel was due him for trying to please a people instead of God.  Interesting to consider that while God’s power was responsible for placing him, Saul was now seeking the people to promote him.  Sadly today man is apt to invest more time in a social app for approval and encouragement than they do in the bible seeking God’s. Don’t get caught up in what man applauds rather than what God approves.  The confusion for many comes in gain (approval, worth, power) they seek by their choices. Sadly what Saul ultimately desired was human/flesh desires by way of man’s applause and approval. Instead the true worth we have to gain in seeking God comes in what we lose… pride, ego, greed, jealousy, selfishness along with insecurity, depression and ultimately death. The answer to our purpose is not in what we gain, but lose: which ultimately is our gain!

The applause you live for is the loneliness you have to live with when it stops. (vs 35)

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Saul said: I have performed the commandments of the Lord. And Samuel said, what meaneth then this bleating of the sheep in mine ears, and the lowing of the oxen which I hear?” 1 Sam 15:13-14

The sound of sin can appear soothing. Saul’s willingness to go against the Lord’s wishes by keeping the best of the sheep and oxen from the victory over the Amalekites for sacrifice proved to be anything but soothing to the Lord. Sin is not judged by the horrendousness of the act committed, but who the act was committed against; it originates from a heart that is not satisfied or content in the Lord. Just as Saul was unable to hear the sounds of the spoils as sin, he was just as deaf to the Lord’s word; he was commanded to take no spoils from the battle. Don’t let the noise of the world cause you to be deaf to the voice of God. This was not Saul’s first sin, showing that continuing in sin silences the soul to the source of truth. The solution for addressing your sin is turning up the volume on the voice of God (his word) so that it drowns out the untruths that are screaming around you..

Judgement only seems obsessive to those who are obsessed with their sin.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“... I (Saul) forced myself therefore and offered a burnt offering. And Samuel said to Saul, Thou hast done foolishly; thou hast not keep the commandments of the Lord thy God, which he commanded thee:” 1 Sam 13:12-13

Patience is the ability to see past your emotions.  In 1 Sam 13 Saul had given up on waiting on Samuel in Gilgal as ordered by the Lord, and after seven days in a unscriptural manner performed a sacrificial offering on his own “foolishly” (vs 12).  This started a emotional rather than an obedient worship in Saul towards God. In ch. 14 we quickly see again Saul gave up on the priest seeking God’s direction (1 Sam 14:19)  and acted in his emotions to seek after his enemy, and demanding his army not to eat for a full day in order to pursue them. This entrapped his son Jonathan to break the oath of not eating and prompter Saul to try and kill him. Pro 29:11 tells us a fool gives to his anger (emotions) and the wise man keeps himself under control. When you fall to your emotions over truth you’re prone to mistake God’s patience with his absence, often resulting in foolish acts like Saul.  We have to understand that our patience in God determines his ability to use us (Deut 31:6).  Paul answers such a challenge in Phl 4:6 “Be careful (anxious) for nothing; but in every thing by prayer…”  The danger of emotional living is that is fueled by happiness, which is not scriptural verses joy and peace which is.  The more you engage in emotional behaviour the greater your desire for it will become, it’s addicting because it’s achievement only exist in positive happenings. Whereas the peace of God is beyond our understanding and comes by God and from God, and keeps (meaning to mount guard over in the Greek) our heart and mind through Jesus. (Phl 4:7)  

Don’t get blinded by just what you want in God, and miss what he wants in you!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Sanctify them through thy truth: thy word is truth.”  Jn 17:17

If you're struggling between God’s word and your way, you might as well choose the later one. Because if you truly believed the first one, you wouldn’t be considering the second. A God and his wisdom that is small enough for your logical understanding, wouldn’t be a big enough God for all your needs. This is the epitome of faith, when your actions (obedience) are based on the validity of the source not your reasoning or thought. Nor is the validity of truth diminish by your inaction or is it increased when you do; truth cannot be manipulated, truth is truth.  It’s by his truth that God sanctifies us (sets us apart), when you refuse to live or act in his truth you are no longer set apart, but rather grouped with the wisdom and logic of the world.

Logic will get you from A to B, but faith will take you where you never would’ve imagined.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“... for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Phl 4:11

Find contentment by killing comparisons. Age old struggle, Cain compared himself to Abel and the disciples (Peter to John) struggled as well.  Comparison only has two options and both equal failure: 1.) Comparison resulting in feeling better, which is pride. 2.) Comparison resulting in feeling worse, which is low self-esteem. You must swap lies with truth. God calls us to walk by faith, while Satan wants you to walk by sight. (2 Cor 5:7)  The danger of living by sight is that you don’t see the whole picture, Satan mixes in a little truth to hide the lie he wants you to miss.  The world is forever pointing out things that should be ours, creating in you a sense of entitlement. Then Satan points you to those who have attained the things you hope for, pushing you farther into discontentment. David, when facing Goliath was not interested in just being like his brothers. He had no interest in finding matching armour to blend in, he just wanted to embody God’s character.  Discontentment distracts your devotion to Christ, and gets you focused on that around you instead of him who’s within you!

Discontent develops when you desire what you don’t have more than what you do have.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Beloved, let us love one another; for love is of God: and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.” 1 Jn 4:7 (1Jn 4:4-12)

What are you doing with your love?  Interesting to consider that King Saul possessed certain sacraments of religion and yet failed in his love towards David.  In (1 Sam 19) we see Saul was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied even as he persecuted God’s servant.  The source of our love is the critical point. The Father and Judas both lifted up Christ! The Father in love, Judas in betrayal. So one must consider not what one does, but with what mind and purpose he does it.  You can find those fierce in their love and others who are seductively gentle, a father can punish his boy and the kidnapper caresse him. Offered a choice between gentleness and punishment you would see one’s preferred choice over the other. But, when you consider the people who give them you understand stand love punishes and wickedness caresses.  This is what is important, human actions can only be understood by their root in love. All kinds of human action may appear good and to originate in love,  but many flowers have thorns.  God gave us the simplest of command “love thy neighbor as yourself” (Mt 22:39)... God said love!  Do what you will: if you hold your peace, hold it in love; If you cry out, cry out in love.  Let the the root of God’s love in you be the springboard in all that you do.  The bible is the only book I know where the author is in love with the reader; do you love those you encounter the same way as your Saviour when he encounters you?  Love is the most powerful action God’s given us, he changed the world with his. Again, what are you doing with your love?

Love is not measured by its acceptance, but in its deliverance!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.” 1 Cor 9:19

Jesus said the greatest among us is the servant (Mt 23:11-12).  Paul mentions in (1 Cor 8:13) his willingness to deny himself if it be the means of benefiting others. Our freedom in Jesus is endless, man did not save us, it was only Jesus redemptive work on the cross. But, we must not look at man as an obligation or burden, but as an opportunity afforded us through Jesus to invest in and share such freedom. Paul was willing to go to great extents to do so, even sacrificing his freedom amongst man.  Early historians claim Christians would sale themselves into slavery in order that they might have access to and benefit slaves. Obviously God has not called all men to such actions, but he has called one and all who know their eternal hope in Jesus to share openly with those around them.  May it require you to place yourself a little lower than you’re normally comfortable with, maybe? But, again Jesus said the greatest is the servant, do you seek the attention and affirmation of man or God?  Their is no reward of man that offers eternal benefit or freedom.  Truthfully it often creates the bondage of desire and greed for more. The statement Paul makes, “that I may gain the more” is taken from merchants, who spared no pains, but took every method to acquire gain and profit. What profit are you desiring to accumulate, worldly or eternally (Col 3:2)?  Some have said:  “I’m extreme in taking this Jesus stuff so seriously,” I feel extremely confident Jesus took it seriously when he died on the cross for me. Why would I not be willing to sacrifice as a servant and place myself a little lower for his gain, and let him worry about my gain!

If investing in souls for eternal gain was your job, would you still be employed?

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified.” 1 Cor 2:2

Clarity in complexity. Life is complex with its many venues and moments. The more we live and experience it the more confusing it can become. Such as marriage, Paul states in 1 Cor 7:28; 38 that while marriage does one well, there will be trouble in the flesh, but one that does not marry does better. The truth is this, singleness affords simplicity. So consider, while the institution of marriage is God approved and can be well for the individuals, it will add complexity to life and its choices. That’s why Paul stated, I determined to keep it simple and focus on Christ and his crucifixion for our sins. Paul is not against marriage, he’s just pointing out that marriage offers complexity and that life at its core is about Jesus Christ and his love for us.  The more we live this life, in spite of its complexity, with our minds focused on Christ the simpler and less complex we’ll find it. Don’t allow yourself to fall into the trap of trying to find simplicity, hope and peace in what this complex world offers. Instead focus on Christ and rejoice in his hope and you’ll find patience in your tribulation. (Rom 12:12)  Know this, simplicity is the start of contentment.

KISS... “Keep It Simply Spiritual”  

HSAY… Todd

Daily WIsdom

“The transgression of the wicked saith within my heart, that there is no fear of God before his eyes.” Psa 36:1

David speaks from a point of observation from within his heart, how the wicked act without observance of God. The eye may not lie, but don’t think it can’t be lied too.  It’s said: beware of half truths, you may have gotten hold of the wrong half.  Never underestimate the influence of people you allow in your lives, and the truths they live by (1 Cor 15:33). Deception will seldom reveal itself in falsehood, but rather cloth itself in a way that is appealing and desirable to the eye. Working to give you what you want for the present, but will demand so much more in return. Refuse to entertain yourself with things, and as well such people who chose to participate in what God went to the cross for. Instead search the truth in the scriptures for the heart of God, you’ll begin to see more clearly what is real and start understanding his will.

Real eyes realize real lies.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“But the LORD said unto Samuel, Look not on his countenance, or on the height of his stature; because I have refused him: for the LORD seeth not as man seeth; for man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart.”  1 Sam 16:7

Perception is derived by many things, but the most persuasive are your opinion and expectations. Lose them and you’ll start seeing things properly right away.  You have ownership of your opinions and expectations, but be careful not to confuse them with facts and truth. Secondly, your perspective often defines your perception, if your perspective does not line up with God’s one of you need to change your mind.  Other’s perception is out of your control so live as an illustration to attract what you expect, reflect what you desire, become what you respect all by mirroring Christ.  Even though you may feel another’s perception is wrong, don’t hesitate to apologize. It doesn’t mean one is right or wrong, it means you value your relationship above circumstances.

Faith is a shift in perception from your thoughts to God’s.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“And when he came to himself…” Lk 15:17

In the parable of the prodigal son we see one of the best illustrations of true humility when “he came to himself.”  In his ability to acknowledge where he was compared to where God was he accomplish what many Christians struggle with, changing their mind (vs 21) and not just their position.  True humility motivates you to find God’s position and get there as soon as you can yourself. If humility only causes you to change your position, and not your mind you were only moved out of embarrassment not enlightenment.

The strength and height of your character will only be in proportion to the depth of your humility.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“O Lord, thou hast pleaded the causes of my soul; thou hast redeemed my life.” Lam 3:58

Proper perspective is knowing what God has promised rather than what man perceives. The presence of God does not mean he will always right your problems, but it will give you the right perspective. What you see depends on how you view life, many see dirt as just that while the farmer sees hope. But, often such perspective is hindered by your lack of knowledge to stimulate your hope. Transform your knowledge in Jesus and you’ll transform your perspective in eternal hope. The more you grow in your relationship with Jesus, the more everything around you falls into the proper perspective. The most difficult time in your life may be at the doorway of your promise land, will your perspective see it as an exit or an entrance?  Remind yourself that your perspective does not have to derive from what the world sees, but as Jesus sees. The parables are just that, a heavenly perspective told in an earthly story.  Make sure you’re seeing properly, and you’ll make eternal progress.

Perspective is simply your vision to see either what God promises or man perceives.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Gal 1:10

The word persuade means to “teach” (Acts 18:4). Obviously Paul was not called to teach God himself, but to teach man concerning Christ.  It’s not our purpose to persuade God through man, but rather to persuade man through God. The second purpose Paul puts forth is his aim to please? Just like a school teacher, they’re not called to please you as a student but simply teach; knowing what they have to offer is greater than how you feel. Paul was willing to please God and have a few people upset with  him than to please a few people and have God upset.  “If you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die from their rejection.”  Look at this way, ultimately do you seek the approval of your peers or your boss? So why would we seek the approval of man over the creator of man. Finally, Paul clarifies that he who seeks the approval/applause of man is “not a servant of Christ.” (Mt 6:24 “No man can serve two masters…”)  You can’t impress people with yourself and impress them with Jesus simultaneously. To serve two masters you’ll have to lie to one.  God called you to love others, not impress them.

Joshua 24:15 “choose ye this day whom you will serve”

If we displease God, does it matter whom we do please!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well.”  Psa 139:14 (vss 13-15)

Stop and consider, maybe God closed the door because he knows you are worth so much more than what’s being offered. Don’t get confused between worth and value; job, money, health offer degrees of value in life, but they do not define your worth.  In the same light your value doesn’t decrease based on other’s inability to see your worth.  Self-worth comes from within, it can’t be given to someone nor can you expect another to give it to you.  Don’t let your worth depend on or be measured by something you may lose. Your true worth is not found in your fellowship with others, but in your relationship with Jesus. Knowing who and what you are in Jesus will lesson the concern in who and what your are to others. Jesus has selected you, it matters not who rejected you or neglected you; your worth to HIm outweighs all opposition.  

Your worth does not lie in your abilities, but in your identity… as a child of God!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly.” Psa 84:11

Grace doesn’t stop at sin, “God will give you grace and glory” it overcomes sin and delivers you into glory,  the presence of God where his goodness prevails. Promising no good thing will be withheld from you who walks uprightly in truth. (Phl 4:19)  He is both your provider (sun), and your protector (shield). When you feel you’re losing the battle, know that by his grace you’ve already won the war. And even in the worst of trials you’re never beyond the reach of grace, and even in the best of life beyond the need of grace. Grace excuses you from the dependence on your ability, and only requests you to depend on his. Sadly, “when we’re on the receiving end of his grace it’s refreshing, but when required of us disturbing:” Lk 12:48 (whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much is required )

Grace is where glory begins, and glory is where grace is perfected.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God; And are built upon the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Jesus Christ himself being the chief corner stone; In whom all the building fitly framed together groweth unto an holy temple in the Lord: In whom ye also are builded together for an habitation of God through the Spirit.”  Eph 2:19-22

Our thoughts can be backed by so much insecurity, they create lies we start to believe.  Insecurity, like its prefix settles “in” the soul as an infectious disease, multiplying itself showing symptoms of doubt, anxiety, fear and loneliness. Yet it’s interesting that our culture is so sympathetic towards insecurity it allows for open public correction, disapproving of it on the basis of being an offense to the individual's worthiness.  I know this will seem to add full to the fire of one’s insecurity but, God disapproves of your insecurity because it's an offense to his son’s worthiness. It may appear counterintuitive, but according to the bible, Paul states insecurity derives from “confidence in the flesh” (Phl 3:3).  Consider, confidence and insecurity relate like a coin. On one side is confidence that derives from the flesh by possessing the qualities and attributes society deems as worthiness. But the other side of the coin is just as dangerous; the insecurity that comes from not possessing them. Yet, in either case you’re placing your confidence in personal self-refuting attributes. For many Christians this is the static thinking that again permeates the soul. It’s not wrong simply because it makes you unhappy as society would claim, but for more serious reasons by which it robs the soul of its worthiness by: 1.) Creating distraction with self. 2.) Dissatisfaction with God. 3.) Justification from others. 4.) Justification by works. The underlying theme is “self” as the defining theme of your insecurity. Paul directly addresses insecurity: “But what things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ,” (Phl 3:7-8) Paul warns that you’ll never find confidence in any attributes of  “self”, but only in knowing you’re a fellow citizen and heir in the household of God. Paul’s message would not be, you are special. But rather, you are righteous in Christ and the crowning proof will be revealed at the finish line (2 Tim 4:6-8).  

Insecurity reigns in a empty heart of a self defining brain.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Therefore judge nothing before the time, until the Lord come, who both will bring to light the hidden things of darkness, and will make manifest the counsels of the hearts: and then shall every man have praise of God.” 1 Cor 4:5

The most faithful of Christians can make decisions and create circumstances that appear questionable to others. From the prodigal son to King David himself, we are all prone to find ourselves in a position that draws criticism and judgment from others. A prodigal life is easy to cast judgment on, illustrating their mistakes and magnifying their situation. But, Paul states he knows nothing by himself and is not justified to judge what only the Lord is able (vs 4). Judging others by your standards does not define them, rather it defines you. It’s one thing to feel you’re on the right path, but it’s another to think yours is the only path that’s right.  There’s only one who can judge freely, and he will in his time concerning hidden things we’re not entitled to or aware of.  Judging others often only points out the obvious, rather try offering optimism instead of opinion.  Remember God stated King David was a man after his own heart, even though at times David's heart was covered by a dirty cloak.

Don’t look down on others, only God is allowed to sit that high.

HSAY… Todd