Daily Wisdom

Why church? Johns letter to Gaius, in 3rd John, answers the question and illustrates three types of believers that attend church

1. Those who desire to submit to the truth in order to live the truth… (vs 3) ‘For I rejoiced greatly, when the brethren came and testified of the truth that is in thee, even as thou walkest in the truth.’

2. Those who desire not to submit to the truth, but to advance their own interest/authority… (vs 9) ‘I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.’

3. Those who desire to submit to death itself, for the sake of the truth… (vs 12) 'Demetrius hath good report of all men, and of the truth itself: yea, and we also bear record ; and ye know that our record is true.’

"Why and What" you go to church for? God knowing your why, is infinitely more important than others knowing your what… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

 Jud 1:22  ‘And of some have compassion, making a difference:’

There are five different Greek words that are translated “compassion” in the NT. Each of the words has a different strength. Of the five, Jude uses the weakest form to emphasis the truth. The Greek word (eleeo) as in (Mt 18:33 – parable of the unforgiving servant) interestingly enough, is the word Jude used here in (vs 22) to describe the kind of compassion that can make a difference in another’s life. This form is weakest version of  “compassion.” Which means even the weakest form of compassion can make a difference. It’s not that difficult to make a difference in another’s life through Christ, it’s Christ getting the believer to make the littlest of effort to do so. 

To make a difference in another persons life doesn’t require resources, just a “little” bit of compassion to care… HSAY 

Daily Wisdom

 Jud 1:5 ‘I will therefore put you in remembrance, though ye once knew this, how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them that believed not.’ 

While Jude is prophesying about judgement against false teachers, and not threatening believers, he does make a point that believers should consider. What got you right (faith in Christ), is what keeps you right (obedience in Christ). Jude gives three examples of rebellion: (1) the nation of Israel—who, although they were delivered from Egypt, refused to trust/obey God and enter the Promised Land (Num 14:26-39); (2) the angels—although they were once pure, holy, and living in God's presence, some gave in to pride and joined Satan to rebel against God (2Pe 2:4); (3) the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah—the inhabitants were so full of sin that God wiped them off the face of the earth (Gen 19:1-29). As the Lord’s children we must realize that the promises of the Lord dwell in His plan and purpose for us. If we as well choose to plan our own path, it’s that very path that will lead us into our own problems as well.

Don’t choose paths based on the ease of its appearance, but rather on the promise it provides… HSAY 

Daily Wisdom

 Heb 13:3 ‘Remember them that are in bonds, as bound with them; and them which suffer adversity, as being yourselves also in the body.’

Hebrews 13 calls us to a real love that produces tangible actions: Hospitality towards strangers (vs 2), respect for marriage vows (vs 4), contentment in what you have (vs 5). But I want to focus on (vs 3); we’re told to remember the breathern who are put in bondage. Have empathy, not just sympathy, for those who are oppressed, imprisoned, tortured, and martyred for their faith. There’s great atrocity taking place currently against the Afghan church, as well as in other countries. We must pray and stand for the body of Christ in need, seek God’s mercy for and around them. We must make sure that our love is again action driven and not in thought only. Oppression we know not in America, as of today. We must use our spiritual freedom and put it into prayer action for those who are truly experiencing Heb 13:3, and for the love of Christ we must spiritually walk with them today and every day.

Sympathy is a self-reflecting thought to a situation, whereas empathy is engaging one’s soul into another’s situation to feel their suffering, not yours. Pray with empathy… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

Jude 1:3 ‘Beloved, when I gave all diligence to write unto you of the common salvation, it was needful for me to write unto you, and exhort you that ye should earnestly contend for the faith which was once delivered unto the saints.’

Jude emphasizes the important relationship between correct doctrine and true faith. The truth of the Bible must not be compromised because it gives us the real facts about Jesus and salvation. The Bible is inspired by God and should never be twisted or manipulated; when it is, we can become confused over right and wrong and lose sight of the only path that leads to the truth of eternal life. The Jews received the truth through Moses and yet once he died, they still, despite the efforts of the Archangel Michael (vs 9), twisted the truth of God’s Word into man’s interpretation being Judaism (Deut 34:6). Only the truth sets one free (Jn 8:32), religion/twisted truth leads to confusion/doubt which is of satan. 

One can’t defend what one does not know, thus they become susceptible to selfish beliefs and interpretations for their own convenience… HSAY 

Daily Wisdom

Jdg 20:45  ‘And they turned and fled toward the wilderness unto the rock of Rimmon: and they gleaned of them in the highways five thousand men; and pursued hard after them unto Gidom, and slew two thousand men of them.’

The word “gleaned” is the Hebrew word (aw-lal’), meaning to overdo, abuse… is used only two times in the book of judges, here in (vs 45) and in (Jdgs 19:25) referencing the atrocity that started Israel’s poor decisions when a young Israeli woman was raped and killed. This action by Israel that led to them (over doing/abusing) one of its own tribes is so void of mercy that they cry out/lament to God as to why He would allow such atrocity against His own children? What happen to Israel’s mercy toward its own considering the mercy they received from the Lord! This horrible story is of moral anarchy that rises up in man’s heart when they live outside Kingship of the Lord. Mercy matters, we must look in the mirror at our own from the Lord. 

A man who lives merciless in his manners is morally misguided in his might… HSAY  

Daily Wisdom

 2Co 10:12 ‘For we dare not make ourselves of the number, or compare ourselves with some that commend themselves: but they measuring themselves by themselves, and comparing themselves among themselves, are not wise.’

The comparison of our conduct cannot be measured or set by man’s standard. Our only comparison should be based on the fruit produced by the Lord in our life and the application of our spiritual gift from the Holy Spirit (1 Cor 12). It’s not what we do, but what God is able to do through us that’s of worth. Comparing our self to others is an attempt to feel better about ourselves which is pride. But when we measure ourselves to the Lord’s standards, it quickly brings about humility, which is something the Lord can work with!

Don’t compare oneself to others who call themselves Christians, compare oneself to the scriptures which determines a Christian… HSAY 

Daily Wisdom

 Mat 8:10 ‘When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.’

When Jesus spoke these words concerning the centurion officer, they resonated from the simplicity of the officers’ faith in Jesus. Jesus goes on to state (vs 12) that many of the religious Jews who should be in the Kingdom would be excluded because of their lack of faith; being entrenched in their religious traditions, they couldn’t accept Christ and his words alone. 

The strength of our faith lies solely in who and what Jesus is. Don’t weaken your faith with feelings and thoughts of self-wisdom, wishes or pride. Simplicity of faith is the ability to apply the truth of God’s Word over your thoughts and feelings, despite your circumstances or desires.

Success resonates from faith in a hope (Jesus) greater than the world or self, which creates passion and purpose in Jesus Christ… HSAY  

Daily Wisdom

 Psa 37:16 ‘A little that a righteous man hath is better than the riches of many wicked.’

Wealth isn’t defined by quantity, but rather quality. Meaning little is much when God is in it! The truly rich aren’t those who have the most. The truly rich are those who need the least. Pro 15:16 ‘Better is a little with the fear of the Lord than great treasure and the trouble therewith.’

Solomon had said in the foregoing verse that he who has not a large estate, or a great income, but a cheerful spirit, has a continual feast; Christian contentment, and joy in God, make the life easy and pleasant. Such wealth cannot be overspent, stolen, or ill-invested and its returns are eternal whose righteousness is in the Lord.

Wealth is worthless on the day of wrath, only righteousness returns a reward… HSAY