Daily Wisdom

 Mar 12:31 “The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.”

Social responsibility becomes an aspect not of Christian mission only, but also of Christian conversion. It’s impossible to be converted to God without being converted to our neighbor. We may choose not to, but we’ve been commanded, thus responsible to it. These commandments are from the O.T. (Deut 6:5; Lev 19:18). Loving God, and our neighbor as ourself are the greatest of commandments. Conversion does not make us perfect, but it does catapult us into a full responsibility of discipleship that affects - and infects - every sphere of our living. God loves and cares for His creation and has the right to expect this loving care be replicated from soul to soul. Love glorifies God; God is love!

What a wonderful world we would see if Christians practiced Christianity… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

 Acts 11:26b “…  And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch.”

The disciples after being in Antioch for a year ministering to the gospel and others were first called “Christians,” depicting Christlikeness. However, although every Christian is a believer, not every believer is a Christian. A believer is only a Christian when he “acts like one. We need to realize a Christian isn’t a description but a depiction, a believer is a description. Being a “Christian” requires one to depict Christ-likeness. May we live in a way that depicts Christ and doesn’t describe us.

A big difference between description and depiction, one verbalizes the other illustrates… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

Mat 13:45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

That’s it, the #11^th parable of Jesus, just two verses. But loaded with a challenging question for us, “Are we willing to lose all that we have to gain all that Christ has for us?”  Actually, two questions must be answered: First, is there something worth losing everything for? And then are we willing to lose everything to gain it?  But it’s not something, it’s Someone who is worth losing everything for. This question can almost appear as entrapment when we answer yes to losing everything for Jesus, and then consider if we are truly sold-out for Jesus! What is being sold-out in Christ Jesus? Are you giving Jesus everything, losing all things to Him: our mind, heart, lives, actions, relationships, and our will?  We can add money/finances, tomorrow, wishes and dreams? It’s literally like investing, you only gain a return on what you’re willing to invest. Remember, Jesus was and is all in on His side by way of the cross and losing His life for our gain; are we withholding on our investment? Let’s be honest, would you sale everything you had to purchase a lotto ticket that guaranteed a multi-million dollar return, enough said!

By losing everything to get Jesus, you lose nothing because Jesus is everything… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

1Th 1:6 “And ye became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Ghost (7) So that ye were examples to all that believe”

In Paul’s letter to the church in Thessalonica he applauded the zeal they fostered for Christ and their example to all about them. Christianity cannot be contagious without zeal. A man knowing anything about intimacy with Christ cannot stop speaking of it. (Rom 12:11 “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord).  Paul described their zeal as being an example by using the Greek word (tupoi) – meaning (to stamp, instrument to make a mark with). Christ did not come to impress us, but He was the instrument that made the impact for our eternal good.

Don’t look to make an impression, it will fade. Instead make an impact with Christ, it’s permanent… HSAY  

Daily Wisdom

Psa 51:10 “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.”

Such a transformation requires giving-up the struggle and the fight; relax in the omnipotence of the Lord Jesus; look up into His lovely face and as you behold Him, He will transform you into His likeness. We do the beholding-He does the transforming. There is no short cut to His holiness.

The renewing of the mind and heart is a little like refinishing furniture. It involves taking off the old and replacing it with the new. The old is the lies the flesh and the devil perpetrate, and we believe; it’s the attitudes and ideas that invade our thoughts and become reality. The new is the truth! The promise of the Word of God that renews our thoughts and attitude in Christ-likeness and allows God to bring to light and expose the lies that we have mistakenly accepted and replace them with the truth. To the degree we do this, our behavior, worth and love will be transformed into Christ image.   

The same Jesus who turned water into wine can transform your home, your life and your tomorrow. He is still in the miracle-business, and His business is the business of transformation… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

Eph 4:16 “from whom the whole body, joined and held together by every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.”

God never intended for any of us to live the Christian life alone. At the mere mention of the word community though, people often eye you as if you’re an intruder in their life. To avoid thinking about community simply because we misunderstand it will deprive us of one of God’s greatest gifts. The idea of community is, in a sense, from another world, a world very unlike our own. Community is from the world as God wants it to be. It is the gift of a rich and challenging life together, one that we need and can receive with joy.

Christian community is the sharing a common life in Christ. It moves us beyond the self-interested isolation of private lives and beyond the superficial social contacts that pass for "Christian fellowship." The biblical ideal of community challenges us instead to commit ourselves to life together as children of God.

We know all too well that maturity takes time. We know less well that it also takes our sisters and brothers in Christ. It’s a process that is revealed in the "each other" language of the New Testament: Love one another, forgive each other, regard each other more highly than yourselves (Phl 2:3).  Teach and correct each other, encourage each other, pray for each other, and bear each other’s burdens (Gal 6:2). Be friends with one another, kind, compassionate, and generous in hospitality. Serve one another and submit to one another out of reverence for Christ (Eph 5:21). This list just scratches the surface, but it is enough to remind us that we need the community of faith to grow up in Christ.

Christian community is the place of our continuing sanctification. Its goal is that, individually and together, we should mature (Gen 17:1), able to stand tall and straight with and among each other, embodying the very "fullness of Christ" as ambassadors to and for each other.

Sadly, to the world, Christian appear most skilled at shooting their own.

A Christians relationship with each other is the criteria the world uses to judge whether our message is truthful – Christian community is the final apologetic (defense) of God’s love… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

Lk 12:48 “… For unto whomsoever much is given, of him shall be much required: and to whom men have committed much, of him they will ask the more.”

Being a Christian is much more than claiming a title. It requires the embodiment of something much greater than self. It calls into existence the shaping of one’s soul into mirroring all the characteristics of Jesus and all that He represents. It’s not a spiritual smorgasbord, choosing which attribute we like but rather embodying each individual one in our walk. As a Christian one doesn’t get to make claims that certain thoughts and acts are just the way they are in attempt to avoid accountability to humility, selfishness and servitude of others. Quite the opposite, labeling oneself as a Christian he or she is choice fully taking accountability of their own heart and making genuine change in Christ-likeness that allows all others, regardless of their heart to see the love of Jesus through them.  Christianity calls one to love not just the lovable (Lk 6:32-42), but all men where they are as an example of Jesus and His worth.

It’s more than a title, it requires a testimony that embodies the worth of One much greater than self… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

Rom 15:1 “We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

Two precepts Paul charges the Christian with, 1.) Bear the infirmities of the weak. Christ bore with the weakness of the disciples. We all have our infirmities; but the weak are more subject to them than others. Doing so calls for sympathizing with the weaker, concerning oneself for them and ministering strength to them. 2.) In doing so we must not please ourselves, but our neighbors (vs 2), and deny personal wants or needs in consideration of another’s weakness (Mt 16:24). The stronger is not called to entertain the selfish needs of others but to educate the weaker in the knowledge of grace and in the edification of Christ and His goodness.

We all have something to give, but is it worth taking is the question? … HSAY

Daily Wisdom

2Co 2:14 “Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place.”

Paul acknowledges God’s opening of doors in (vs 12), causing him to give thanks unto God which brings victory in Christ. Are our victories self-edifying our profitable for others as well? Notice Paul’s conviction: (2Co 2:15 For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish.) Does our life offer a sweetness that is palatable for others to grow in? God, give us an ability for our life to be a pleasant, sweet victory for others to partake.

Our life should embody victory in Christ, not an occasional lucky coincidence… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

1 Thess 1:12 “That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.”

We’re familiar with walk-a-thon’s and their ability to generate interest and resources for the needs of others. How much more should our walk generate hope and illustrate God‘s love for others (Col 1:10)! There are two great mistakes Christians suffer in their walk for the Lord; not ever starting and not going all the way. One prevents others from being able to find the right path, the second prevents them from reaching all that the Lord has for them.   

Don’t fear walking where others haven’t, be willing to leave a trail worth traveling… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

2 Tim 1:7 “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. 

Timothy found himself in great opposition to his message, leadership, youth and association with Paul, but was still urged to be bold. A passive, intimidated faith neutralizes our effectiveness for the Lord. The Spirit within us is vibrant and victorious. God has given us power, love and a sound mind. Therefore, we can walk unafraid, live unafraid, and can be unafraid in holding to our faith.

We’re more flawed and sinful than we can believe, yet at the same moment we are more loved, accepted and empowered in Jesus than we can hope… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

Col 1:19 “For it pleased the Father that in him (Jesus) should all fulness dwell.”

A brief or occasional investment of time or effort concerning our desires seldom leads to experiencing a satisfying fullness or contentment. In most cases it leaves us longing for more time and opportunity to experience fulfillment.  The same is true for our spiritual desires, remaining grounded and settled in our faith leads to contentment and fullness in our spirit (vs 23). Father help me to remain steadfast, unmovable (1 Cor 15:58) and dwelling in your fullness.

Don’t wait to need God till you need God. Your faith in Jesus will determine our fullness in Him … HSAY

Daily Wisdom

Jn 20:31 “But these are written, that ye might believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God; and that believing ye might have life through his name.”

We’re called to experience life in Christ, and according to (Col 1:10) walk worthy, being fruitful in every good work and increase in His knowledge. To do so, we must wage war against any temptation that would cause us to retreat into complacent Christianity. And instead strengthen ourselves in His power with all patience, long-suffering and joy (vs 11).

A victorious life lived can never be separated from the victorious life sacrificed on the Cross… HSAY  

Daily Wisdom

“You are the salt of the earth…; You are the light of the world…” Mt 5:13-16

Salt and light, we are, it’s not optional but opportunities to saturate and illuminate the goodness of Jesus (Zec 9:17). Seasoning without flavor offers little value and a hidden light offers no hope of direction. Let’s season our words with the love and hope of Jesus as to be palatable to all that hear, and be sure we’re not shinning our own light, but instead reflection His (Acts 13:47).

Lord help me to live a life that allows others to taste and see that the Lord is good (Psa 34:8)… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

“Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful.” Pro 27:6

Man has become so thirsty for applause and “likes” he would be willing to accept them from an enemy; esteeming the approval of man over the Master. Beware of kisses of approval; it was Judas who kissed Jesus (Mk 14:44). What seems encouraging to the flesh is not always beneficial to the spirit. Be less concerned with the kisses you receive and more so whom you’re kissing… Psa 2:12 “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry… Blessed are all they that put their trust in him.”  The rebuke of a friend is always more valuable than the reward of man (Ecc 7:5)!

Man tends to hear what he wants to hear, even if an enemy is the only one willing to say it… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

“Their land is full of idols; they worship the work of their own hand…“ Isa 2:8

While as a society we may not worship carved images today, we have replaced it with man and objects of power; paying homage to self, materialism and power.  But the wise man would take his seat in the back of the banquet rather than boasting of his seat in the front (Lk 14:10). Allow your choices to be filtered through the hands of God, then what falls before you will be by His will. And by putting everything in God’s hands you’ll see God’s hands in everything.

The greater use of our hands would be in lifting others up and escorting them to the front… (HSAY)   

Daily Wisdom

“The ox knows its owner, the ass his master’s crib; but Israel doth not know… “(Isa 1:3); “To what purpose is the multitude of your sacrifice unto me...” (vs 11); “Bring no more vain oblations…” (vs 13); “Learn to do well… “ (Isa 1:17)

Sadly, the animals can be smarter than we are at times (Jere 8:7). And yet we tend to try and overcome it by increasing our sacrifices of religious worship. But this is nothing more than vain efforts through religious acts, and an abomination to God. Israel wasn’t sorry for their sins, and yet continued to offer up sacrifices.  The Lord instead directed us to “do well” by self judgement (humility), relieve the oppressed (provision), provide for the fatherless (justice), plead for the widow (servitude).

A great man is always willing to be little for others to grow… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

“For I know the thoughts that I think towards you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end.”  Jere 29:11

Consider… for there to be hope in the future there must be power in the present.

In order to have a hope and belief beyond my circumstances I must know and accept the promise that God has an expected end, for my good and not of evil, in all matters of my life.

Without grasping such an understanding of God’s goodness (faithfulness) it is hard to survive and strive in life.

The strength and power of this verse is in God’s promise, but it’s my faith in His promise that activates it in my life.

Again, God knows His thoughts towards me and the desired end for my good, I’m the one living in blind faith.

I must apply my faith to knowing that if there’s really a promised good for my future, then there’s power working in the present to deal with every circumstance in my life which guides and delivers me through the problems.

Point being… I must focus on the promise and trust His power in the present.

God knows the good He wants and has for me; the question is do I have the faith to receive it.

My faith will never see a promised end if it’s focused on a present problem.  

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Jdg 2:10 “And also all that generation were gathered unto their fathers: and there arose another generation after them, which knew not the LORD, nor yet the works which he had done for Israel.”

How amazing! A whole generation that didn’t “know the Lord or the work that he had done”. How could this happen to God’s chosen people? These were the same people He performed miracle after miracle for.

And yet, this might seem like a familiar story to you if you live in the United States. A generation is currently on the rise that has rarely stepped foot into church, read their Bible, or even learned about Jesus.

It can be easy to place blame on others but, really, the next generation comes down to you and me. We are responsible for the discipleship and upbringing of the next generation.

Rom 10:14 “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?”

In Israel’s case each generation failed to teach the next generation about the love of God. Yet this was at the very center of God’s law (Deut 6:4-9).

We’re too apt to leave the teaching of the Christian faith to the Sunday morning church, but God makes it clear it’s the responsibility of the individual Christian to daily share and teach from generation to generation.

“Missions is not the ultimate goal of the church. Worship is. Missions exists because worship doesn’t.”

Always preach the Gospel , and use words when necessary.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

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

 If you’ve been around young children, you quickly realize how much they live in the present.

They have difficulty realizing the future consequences of their actions. Yet, as a follower of Jesus I can be just like a young child who gets focused on the here and now, focused on living in the tangible present and forget the spiritual promise of tomorrow.  

Paul encourages the church of Colosse of this, don’t get hyper-focused on the problems of today but rather focused on the promises of tomorrow.  

Such a truth requires a different perspective on our temporal lives. To “set our affections on things above” requires me to look at every situation in my life from God’s perspective and not through my personal feelings.

This provides the antidote for life’s situations; allowing me to take a proper view from God’s perspective and helping me not to act or re-act in the present but in the spiritual.

This isn’t easy but can have an immediate impact on the here and now.

(vs   5-10) … I get out of the flesh and into the spiritual

(vs 12-13) … I can learn humility, meekness, forgiveness

(vs 14-15) … I can learn to respond in love and peace

(vs 16-17) … I can learn to be grateful during life’s challenges

I’ll never learn to help change the world if I’m living like the world, be a world changer not chaser.

HSAY… Todd