Daily Wisdom

 Dan 9:23  “At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew thee; for thou art greatly beloved…”

 Consider, the greatest trap in life is not success, popularity, or power, but self-rejection. Success, popularity, and power present a great temptation, but their seductive quality comes from a much larger temptation to self-rejection. When you believe the voices that call you unworthy and unlovable, then success, popularity, and power are then perceived as attractive solutions. The real trap, however, is self-rejection. Criticism can cause one to believe I deserve to be pushed aside, forgotten, rejected, and abandoned. Self-rejection is the greatest enemy of the spiritual life because it contradicts the sacred voice that calls you the "Beloved." Being the Beloved constitutes the core truth of your existence in Jesus; proven by the cross.

 Don’t accepted less than the love God has for you, because you believed man’s opinion of you… HSAY

Hos 5:15 “I will go and return to my place, till they acknowledge their offence, and seek my face: in their affliction they will seek me early.”

The perceived offence that occurs in one’s life by the reveling of their opposition towards God’s truth is not intolerance or self-righteousness. It’s not the individual that’s the offence it’s the cross that’s offensive to them (Gal 5:11). The scriptures tell us the truth will be a stumbling-block to a wayward heart and true self-righteousness, but it’s not to be shameful to those who believe (Rom 9:33). Don’t apologize for the truth or make the Gospel appeasing. If the truth offends, then let it offend in love. If one has been living their life in offense to God and truth; let them be offended for a while. In their acknowledgement, God will act on their behalf.

Offend no one, but don’t apologize for the truth and if the truth offends, so be it… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

1 Cor 1:18 “For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it sis the power of God.”

Good Friday… is not just a day of remembrance, but a calling.  We’re eager to embrace the resurrection, but Jesus called us to the Cross first. There’s a famous sermon preached by many titled “It’s Friday, but Sunday’s coming.”  Most importantly is the fact that Friday is the road to Sunday.  There’s no resurrection without the Cross, but because of the Cross we’re promised a Good Friday. When God feels distant, when cries seem to fall in silence the Cross is what bridges your emotional needs. Reflect on the cost of the Cross and the ultimate act of friendship and love. The Cross showed His vulnerability and commitment to His love and friendship. Friends always let you in and lever let you go, they always have time and never let you down. In Jesus’s greatest act of love and friendship His hands were secured, and He was defenseless. As He looked down from the Cross and saw all the people denying Him, betraying Him, forsaking Him, and rejecting Him, in the greatest act of love and friendship, HE STAYED!

You’ll miss the goodness of His love and friendship if you miss the Goodness of Friday!

“The only crown-wearers in heaven will be the cross-bearers here below.”

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

“He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.” Isa 53:5

The suffering that brings us healing and peace was achieved through his wounds; “He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” (Psa 147:3).  To heal a wound you have to stop touching it. There may be a ugly scab, but the healing occurs from the inside out. Don’t fear or be ashamed of the scars life has left you with. A scar means the hurt is over, the wound is closed, you endured the pain and God has healed you. In doing so others will find healing in your wounds as well.  Your greatest message and your most effective ministry will come out of your deepest wounds. Don’t be shameful in how you think you appear, it’s the cross that makes you flawless.

The deeper the wound the deeper the light of God can enter.

HSAY… Todd