Daily Wisdom

1 Sam 2:1 “And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.”

Hannah’s prayer is one of thanksgiving and praise towards the Lord’s mercy to open her womb (1 Sam 1:11). While her prayers started with her former wants, she was quick to turn it to God’s goodness. Her mouth spoke out of an abundant heart deeply affected, and when she had received mercy she owned it, and turned into thankfulness to His praise. Let’s be cautious not to abandon our prayers after the Lord’s mercy arrives like the nine lepers in (Lk 17:17). Praise is our spiritual rent, our tribute, and we would be slack in our obligation not to pay it. Hannah’s mercy was an answer to prayer, what we win by prayer we must wear with thanksgiving and praise. But also notice her prayer was mental, private and unheard in the Lord, but in her thanksgiving spoke with a “mouth enlarged” that all may hear her testimony to the Lord’s great mercy and goodness. Her supplication even with groanings was not uttered, but now her lips were opened to show forth hope and encouragement for those who are weaker or slack to attend the throne of grace with proper worthy praise (Psa 107). Gratitude must be more than a feeling, God wants us to show it forth by giving thanks and praise to the Lord with our lives.

Before you can dance in the rain, you must learn to praise Him in the storm!

HSAY… Todd 

Daily Wisdom

Gen 6:5 “And God saw the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every imagination of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”

There are “66” books, “31,102” verses and starting with the first book Genesis and ending in the last book Revelation the Word of God references the heart (833) times. And tucked within the middle (Psalms, Proverbs) alone there are (206) references. The social issues in our society are not an external instrument of any shape, size or origin, it’s an internal problem – the heart! Man cannot legislate morality into another man, nor will a confiscation of rights correct a wrong. Pro 6:14 “Frowards (perversity) is in the heart, he deviseth mischief continually…” showing man’s heart is a continual issue.  Thus, if or when the heart ever separates itself from wisdom and influence to control it (Pro 2:10; 3:1; 3:3), it will become destructive. Pro 4:23 “Keep thy heart will all diligence, for out of it are the issues of life.” The most dangerous thing man can do is act in his own wisdom and impulse as an absolute source of truth for others. It will become self-serving and manipulative against others. The only viable source that is corrective and sustaining is man’s ability to subject his heart in humility to the only One who is capable of controlling it.

Morality cannot be legislated, but behavior can be modified when humbled in the Master.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

2 Tim 3:14 “But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them.”

With the explosion of mass-media, endless information is accessible at the tips of your fingers. If you’re not accessing it, you’re uninformed. However, if you do access it you are often misinformed. Timothy was besieged by false teachers and pressures in a growing church and ministry. Such social pressure of popular opinion and self-beliefs could have caused him to modify his doctrinal truths. Anyone is entitled to their own opinion. But they are not entitled to their own facts. Our society is inundated with false theology, beliefs, truths based on opinion and the populous vote. The majority of popular opinion does not make something truthful, Jesus and the disciples we’re not popular, but truthful. The problem with being truthfully honest, everybody wants honesty until you’re honest with them. Do not allow a public opinion to distort or crowd God’s eternal truths. Reflect daily on the foundational truths of God’s Word (Jn 6:67-69).  Opinion and cultural belief’s will continual to change, but truth never changes. The ultimate fake news is the belief that man has the answer for man’s problems. It’s ok to have your own opinion, just ready and quick to change yours if it doesn’t line up with God’ Word!

Man’s greatest battle can be the fight between what is truth and what he thinks is truth!

HSAY… Todd 

Daily Wisdom

Jere 32:41 “Yea, I will rejoice over them to do them good, and I will plant them in this land assuredly with my whole heart and with my whole soul.”

With our endless failures in view, it is such spectacularly good news that God himself is utterly committed to our everlasting joy in him. God is righteous, and thus not indifferent to his glory. And by way of our salvation in Christ, God is not indifferent to our joy. In Christ, not only is God no longer against us in omnipotent wrath, but now he is for us – and our deep and enduring joy in him. Yet, in this fallen world we are fundamentally unhappy and prone to bouts with unhappiness. We are made “happy” by possessions and participation. Whereas, God is happy or better said, joyful by his essence: he is not joyful by acquisition or participation of something else, but by his essence. Don’t fall entrapped in thinking “God will finally be happy with me when X, Y and Z all goes his way.” God’s joyfulness is not based on our accomplishment, but rather his essence. Zeph 3:17 “The Lord thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” God is so “JOYOUS” that he finds joy even in us! Let that land for a moment. God’s song of joy over his children is not merely the sum of the joy we cause or attract from him, it’s his abundant joy that exponentially expresses itself over us! Unfortunately, if we miss this we miss our needed strength (Neh 8:10). Joy is not the icing on the cake of a dutiful Christian life, but an essential ingredient in the batter itself.  And no matter how the cake appears at times or even may taste, there is a deep reservoir of God’s joy that runs through it.

Joy is the fitting response in the receiver to the goodness of Giver.

HSAY… Todd 

Daily Wisdom

Pro 25:12 “As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprove upon an obedient ear.”

Abigail (1 Sam 25) was a wise reprover of David’s passion. And according to his own principal (Psa 141:5 “Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness.”) David utilized an obedient ear. Never was such an admonition either better given or better taken on David’s behalf. Like David, we must be quick and able to give thanks to God when we are sent a reproof against a sinful way (1 Sam 25:32). David was blind to the great danger his actions of vengeance towards Nabal was putting himself in.  David had solemnly vowed the death of Nabal. He did evil to make such a vow but would have done worse if he had performed it. The wise man will hear reason, and let that rule him, even though it may come from inferior sources. While some may take reproof patiently, few often take it with the thankfulness of David and acknowledge it was God’s favor towards us in sending them.  No matter how right we think we are, we must always “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (Jam 1:19). A moment of patience in a moment of anger will often save a hundred moments of regret.

Be willing to listen in order to understand, and not just for an opportunity to reply!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

1 Sam 24:17 “And he (Saul) said to David, Thou art more righteous than I: for thou hast rewarded me good, whereas I have rewarded thee evil.”

It’s surprising how much patience Saul had towards David’s plea in ch. 24, considering how outrageous Saul was against him. But, God restrained Saul’s heart which had to have been struck with amazement when Saul found how much he had lain at David’s mercy. Leading Saul to weep at the sound of David’s voice and kindness (vs 16). David’s love for the Lord, righteousness and Saul showed forth in two ways: 1.) David knew Saul was anointed and placed as king by the Lord, and thus only the Lord would remove him in his time (vs 6). 2.) David understood that his purpose was to act righteously and let the Lord be the judge between him and Saul (vs 15 “The Lord therefore be judge, and judge between me and thee…”).  It should not be surprising that the Lord used David’s humility to shine forth the needed light on Saul’s heart, and allowing him to find humility in the Lord as well. God made good such hope through David’s righteousness, Psa 37:6 “And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday.” Always be quick to offer up good towards evil, often it’s the only light available and desperately needed to shine in a dark situation (Rom 12:21), and then let the Lord do the judging between thee.

Man’s ability to do good lies in his humility and God’s righteousness.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Deut 32:15 “But Jeshurun (Israel) waxed fat, and kicked: thou are waxen fat, thou art grown thick, thou art covered with fatness; then he forsook God which made him, and lightly esteemed the Rock of his salvation.”

Be careful what you seek to obtain, it might be outside your obligations to God (Pro 1:32 “… the prosperity of fools destroy them.”). Israel were upright people (so some), wisdom in the knowledge of God, a seeing people first hand of God’s goodness and provision. But they fell in two areas. (1.) They grew fat and thick in their indulgence and all manners of luxury and self-gratification. In doing so they grew wieldy and unmindful concerning the source of their provision, blinded by their worldly girth. Causing them to “kick” in their pride, as if lifting their heel against God. When God rebuked them by either the prophets or His providence, they “kicked” back like an untamed heifer and a yoke. (2.) They fell into worldly idolatry, which the former lead them to. Forsaking the God that made them (vss 16; 17) and replaced Him with strange worldly gods that entertained and indulged them.  As absurd as a new god would be, they chose new paths and forsook the old ones (Jer 6:16 “… seek and ask for the old paths, the good way…”) causing them to fall for the necessity of newness. Both issues drove Israel to “lightly esteem” (let wilt, faint, fall way) their “Rock of salvation” (Isa 17:10-11). Such causes one to forget how good it was, until they realize how bad it is (prodigal son Lk 15:11-32).

Don’t let God’s provisions be misapplied, producing a prideful and pompous heart!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

2 Sam 12:9 “Wherefore hast thou despised the commandment of the Lord, to do evil in his sight? Thou hast killed Uriah the Hittite with the sword, and hast taken his wife to be thy wife…”

It’s one thing to do wrong and completely different to stay wrong! David had sinned grievously but had not confessed his sin to God. That is until Nathan the prophet called King David to account. Ultimately, David received Nathan’s rebuke and confessed his sin. The question is, would we? Often, we weigh our sins against what we justify as the more serious sins, and in doing so don’t take to heart the serious of sin itself in comparison to God’s word. Sin isn’t judged on a weighted scale, but simply God’s word; sin is sin (Rev 21:8).  If, (or when) God sends someone in your life, and/or circumstances, our first response should not be resistance or take prideful offense to it. Rather, take it to heart in comparison to God’s word, and weight it with a response, “what have I missed Lord, or what are you showing me?”  Point being, our humility should immediately draw our attention to God’s word and our works. Keep in mind that Nathan did not get involved until David no longer allowed God to be involved. If David would’ve weighed his decision against God’s word, Nathan would not have been needed!

“God’s house of correction is His school of instruction”

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Eph 1:11 “In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestined in him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will.”

If one truly understood God’s sovereignty, that He has the authoritative final say according to his will, would it not be wise to go ahead and give him the first say! Knowing God was in control during histories darkest hour, at the cross, know He’s as well in control at your darkest hour. It’s the Father’s divine intervention that directs all things, animate and inanimate, seen and unseen, good and evil towards His eternal purpose. Meaning His will prevails. So, what appears as a problem to us, is also purposeful for us or God would not permit it. Instead of a river, God may provide us a brook, which may be running today and dried up tomorrow. Why? To teach us not to rest in our blessings, but in the blesser Himself!  If God’s not sovereign He’s Not The God, just another god that can be worshiped, but not counted on! (1 Kg 18:27).  While we do have free will and with it determine our own choice, we don’t determine the results. That belongs solely to the divine will of the Father.

When you go through struggles, the sovereignty of God is the pillow upon which to lay your head!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Eph 1:18-19 “The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints. And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us-ward who believe, according to the working of his mighty power.”

The power in the pronoun, the attributive ownership of the Hope, Glory and Power offered to us in Christ Jesus (vs 20).  And it’s Paul’s prayer that we don’t miss any of it.  Praying that our eyes be enlightened; “what the eye is to the body, that is the mind to the soul” compare Mt 6:22 “The light of the body is the eye: if therefore thine eye be single, thy whole body shall be full of light.” Paul, and Jesus in (Mt 6) and illustrating our spiritual vision to see clearly what God, the attributed owner of what we need, has for us. Calling us to a knowledge and understanding of the Hope in HIS calling in our life, the promised eternal inheritance in His glory for the saved, and the exceeding greatness of HIS power we can possess. Again, Paul is saying, and praying, don’t miss HIS Hope, Glory and Power; let God’s promises shine on your problems.

Don’t get caught up in the theatrics of church instead of the truth. It’s not about the entertainment, but rather the enlightenment.

Many will miss what they need to see because they are more focused on what they want.

HSAY… Todd 

Daily Wisdom

Gal 6:5 “For every man shall bear his own burden.”

Every man has his own duty of proving his own work, bearing his own burden. Thus, every man shall have his proper reward. A virtuous man will have peace within; a vicious man will be miserable. In (Isa 13:1) the prophet spoke of seeing the burden of Babylon.  Long before Babylon became a world power, and threatened Israel, Isaiah spoke of their destruction for being the center of rebellion (Babel) against God after the flood (Gen 11). The day will present itself that every man shall be reckoned with according to as his behavior has been and give account to God. Form that will judgment proceed, not according to the sentiments of the world concerning us, or any ungrounded opinion we have of ourselves, or upon us having been better or worse than others. But, according to the state of our heart and behavior before the sight of God. Meaning the gathering of opinions/votes/popularity from a populous will carry no weight in the eternal where only truth is used to weigh and measure man’s actions. Understanding that we must give account of this burden, it’s wise that we practice proving our works now. This is our duty, to measure or thoughts and actions by the same truth now, not only of ourselves, but towards our brethren (vs 1). Instead of judging and bearing hard on one another’s mistakes or failings, we should be readily available to help other’s in their burden. In doing so we fulfil the law of Christ (vs 2) and will be judged.

In every burden we bear, and our behavior that comes by it, we must be accountable to bear the weight of truth with in it.

HSAY… Todd         

Daily Wisdom

Phl 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which is also in Christ Jesus.”

Man is prone to live by two misguided priorities, please themselves and impress others. This is in leu of pleasing God and serving others. But, selfishness brings discord in our relationship with the Lord, as well as those around us. This is Paul’s dissertation to Philippi, spiritual unity, asking the Philippians to love one another, and be in one spirit and purpose (vss 1-4). In doing so we make Jesus our model in which to frame our lives and demonstrate His example of humility and servitude. Servitude stems from an attitude of gratitude. Knowing Jesus willing sacrifice to leave a state of inexpressible glory to take upon himself the humblest form of humility, and performed the lowliest offices, that He may benefit us (Mk 10:45). You choose your attitude, humble or haughty; servant or served. But, be clear on what role Jesus played in your life when you go to choose yours. Don’t be so concerned about meeting your own needs and making a good impression that it comes at the expense of your attitude towards Jesus and others! Remember, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.”

Gratitude makes the fear of what if disappear and attitude of abundance appear.

HSAY… Todd   

Zec 4:7 “Who art thou, O great mountain? Before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain; and shall bring forth the headstone therefore with shouting’s, crying, Grace, grace unto it.”

Isaiah prophesied the victories of the gospel in similar imagery: “Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low; crooked shall be made straight and the rough places plain.” (Isa 40:4). Paul spoke of the “pulling down of strongholds, and everything that exalteth itself against God” (2 Cor 10:4-5).  The rebuilding of the temple had been delayed for 15 yrs. by opposition and obstacles. Don’t succumb to such, even of 15 yrs. Satan even warred fiercly against Jesus approaching him while fasting in the wilderness, offering the kingdoms of the world (Mt 4:8-9). Even used one of Jesus own disciples against him. It’s not surprising the “Angel” who appeared is Jesus, speaking from experience that He would encounter. Encouraging Zerubbabel, that the bringing down of such strongholds does not require his (man’s) might, but the Lord’s (vs 6 “Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord”). Declaring, “Who art thou, O mountain” where is your authority or the source of your power! Illustrated by making the obstacle itself the very source in which the headstone would be carved from. The foundational cornerstone (Jesus) had already been laid, now the Lord will carve out the finishing headstone (Jesus) from the mountain before them. Expressing Jesus is both the beginning and then end (Alpha/Omega) Rev 1:8. With all favor from the Lord unto it, redoubled favor, grace upon grace; the beginning of the Lord’s continuing work today! No matter what is laid before you as a stumbling block or obstacle to your walk, the Lord sees it as building material for His great work through you!

Stumbling blocks become stepping stones if you’re willing to step where the Lord leads (Psa 37:23)

HSAY… Todd