Daily Wisdom

‘Can two walk together, except they be agreed?’ Amos 3:3

It’s like the slap-stick comedy scenario where two guys are handcuffed together and trying to run in different directions.  Only in this scenario, one it’s not funny, and two there won’t be a struggle on the Father’s part. Meaning He’ll move in His direction with no restriction, its whether we’re going to walk with Him or try to walk our own direction.

Trying to move in a direction against the Father’s will for your life will always be a struggle. Yet, when you get where you’re heading without a struggle, you’re probably going in the Father’s direction. But when you don’t seem to get where you’re heading, it’s probably the Father’s protection.  Powerful things happen when we ask the Father for directions instead of telling the Him where we’d like to go. Know the Father has a plan. Pray for direction to follow it, patience to wait on it, and discernment to see it clearly. 

The Father’s direction won’t be without its own obstacles, but He’ll always provide a bridge over it… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

 "Blessed is he that watcheth." Rev 16:15

"We die daily," said the apostle Paul. This was the life of the early Christians; they went everywhere with their lives in their hands. We’re not in this day called to pass through the same fearful persecutions. The test of the Christian life is not so much outwardly, as it is of the heart. Today we must overcome the flattery with self, desires of the flesh, hypocrisy of our choices, the diversion from God’s purpose of our lives, the temptation of worldly prosperity and that creates pride and self-sustaining confidence and trust over our dependence and faith in the Lord.

Comparatively, our world is silky smooth. The devil cares not what distracts us or preoccupies us if it takes us away from God’s will for us and His purpose through us, so long as he destroys our fellowship and true longing for the Lord. I fear the Christian church is far more likely to lose her integrity in these soft and silken days than in those rougher times. We must be awake now, for we traverse the enchanted and tempting ground, and are most likely to fall asleep to our own undoing, unless our faith in Jesus be a reality, and our love a vehement flame.

Watch where you’re walking, satan offers endless paths for you to wonder… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

“Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord…” Isa 1:18

If God and His Word are anything, they’re reasonable. We must be willing to approach God not as hard and demanding, but rather as just and fair, acknowledging our ways are not equal to His (Eze 18:25). James tells us in (4:8) “Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you…”  Yet, we can’t approach a murder trial with blood stained hands (vs 15) and reason our innocence. Israel fasted, sacrificed and keep the feast without acknowledging their stained hands. If mom won’t let you come into the house dirty and eat, why expect the Father (vs 19).

It’s not about cleaning yourself up for salvation, it’s about trying to put on a wool clothing with blood stained hands; it won’t work… (HSAY)

Daily Wisdom

“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment;” Phil 1:9

We must keep in remembrance that God is love (1 Jn 4:8), and it’s that love that is the spiritual adhesive for hope in our lives. In the following verses Paul proceeds to enumerate the blessings which he sought for the Philippians, and it’s important to note that he didn’t ask of riches, or worldly prosperity, his supplications were confined to spiritual blessings, and he sought these as the most desirable for them. Paul knew that love was the driving force for man’s overall success, first towards God and then man as well. But we’re not called to a blind love, our love must be bound in knowledge and judgment.  Some Christians are more affectionate, and less knowing; others are more knowing, and less affectionate. Such approach can do more hurt than good. The Jews had a zeal for God, but not according to knowledge, and were misguided which lead to violence and rage (Rom 10:2, Jn 16:2). Such a foundation of love allows us to discern that which is excellent (vs 10).  Man is called to a spiritually intelligent affection, not emotionally blind affection. Where the Spirit of God is, there is love, which is a fruit of righteousness in Christ Jesus, and His love brings forth good works. (vs 11).

We love others best when we love God most.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

"Jesus answered and said unto her, If thou knewest the gift of God, and who it is that saith to thee, Give me to drink; thou wouldest have asked of him, and he would have given thee living water." Jn 4:10

Don't miss an opportunity with Jesus because you're busy making a day instead.  As Jesus proclaimed the promise of living water, the woman at the well was more focused on her surroundings and missed the presence of the Saviour. She was so content in her expectations of the future (vs 25) she was missing the present (vs 26).  Don't get complacent in your expectations of God's workings, and get so caught up in your priorities that you miss an opportunity in His presence.

You'll make a day worthwhile when you make it about Jesus!

Daily Wisdom

“And the anger of the Lord was kindled against Uzzah; and God smote him there for his error; and there he died by the ark of God.” 2 Sam 6:7

Sadly, the death of Uzzah and his brother Ahio, was not due to God’s anger directly against them, but more so theirs, and David’s lack of attention to spiritual matters. Several come into play, one the ark was to only be carried by Levites (Exo 25:14-15) and second, the ark was to rest upon two staves (Exo 37:1-4) not a new cart (2 Sam 6:3). Carelessly they put themselves where they should not have been, in proximity to the ark. But, even more so it was King David’s direction in both matters concerning who carried it and how that ultimately cost all involved.  Don’t be careless in your decisions concerning yourself and others, you may not take seriously God’s word but He does. It may not be at a cost of life, but it can still be at a cost. Here are a few things God wants us to remember… least forgetting could cost us dearly: Salvation, Sabbath, Commandments, Humility, Less Fortunate, Thankfulness, our Spiritual gifts, and learning from other’s mistakes.  A carless attitude and attention to God’s will can bring about adverse results. Don’t just make good decisions, make Godly decisions and they’ll be good for you.

You know you’re on the right track when your decisions don’t cause you to look back!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“I speak as to wise men, judge ye what I say.” I Cor 10:15

Paul had in the previous chapter described himself as mortifying his flesh (9:12), and keeping his body under subjection, that he might gain the prize (vs 24). In this chapter, his object is to exhort the Corinthians to the same; and to do this he admonishes them not to be lulled into security by the idea of the many spiritual blessings which had been conferred upon them. The reasons referred to are those in which follow in the remainder of the chapter; idolatry, communion and warns us to take heed lest we fall (vs 12). Paul says: “I speak to the wise men” those with understanding that God’s word, the bible is the best place to find the authoritative words that elevate the mind and spirit.  The bible instills an awe of God’s power and love, as well as reminding us of the beauty that pervades all His creation. Paul challenges the “wise men” to “Judge what I say” and consider and weigh the matters well, and you’ll discern what is true. To discern truth otherwise, outside God’s word, is equal to a man trying to determine and earn his own salvation by standing in a bucket and trying to lift himself up by the handle. His effort will never overcome his dependence and need for God’s grace through Jesus.

A man who tries to determine his own reward by justifying his acts of servitude, will always have the vote and support of those he serves. But not necessarily Jesus’

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“But they shook off the dust of their feet against them, and came unto Iconium.” Acts 13:51

Sadly, many are unable to avoid posting personal problems on social media. Personal problems require personal solutions not social attention. Many utilize social media as well as life as their personal dumping ground. It has been quoted that people are like garbage trucks. They run around with garbage and full of disappointment, frustration, anger and bitterness. And when their garbage piles up, they need a place to dump it, and others around them become the available dump. But don’t take it personally just smile, wish them well and move on. Don’t let their garbage and its smell spread form you to loved ones, work or others in your life. Love those that treat you right, and pray for those who don’t. Life is 10% of what you make it and the other 90% is how you relate to it. God has too great of work for each one of us to get caught up in life’s garbage dumps.  Helping others with their personal and spiritual garbage is worthy, but doesn’t require you to be their dump. If others refuse truth, as Paul was referring, your next step does not require you opening your life as a refuge for their garbage. Our job is to point or if need be lead them to Christ who is willing and able to be their dump. You can only provide directions, not the dump.

Consider how much of what weighs you down is not yours to carry?

HSAY… Todd 

Daily Wisdom

“…for thou hast discovered thyself to another than me, and art gone up; thou hast enlarged thy bed, and made thee a covenant with them; thou lovedst their bed where thou sawest it.” Isa 57:8

The subtle seduction that leads to spiritual adultery; a man who allows himself to indulge in inquisitive tastes will eventually find a flavor he can’t resist. Yet vs 10 states that whatever perceived greatness was found still leads to weariness and vs 12 declares such works will offer no profit. The bible warns us repeatedly concerning the worlds temptations; Pro 5:3 warns us that the lips of a strange woman are like drops from a honeycomb. In the same light the bed of the world is inviting and can appear comfortable. But, realize satan could never lure you away with bitterness. That which brought you the appealing comforts and caress of your desires will be as vanity which carried away with the winds leaving you with only a cry for the desires lost (vs 13).  

That which leads you away will eventually lead you astray.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Judge not, and ye shall not be judged…” Lk 6:37

Unfortunately many who quote Jesus in saying “judge not, least you be judge” use it to judge others for judging! People are apt to judge in matters they don’t have full understanding and in doing so cause hurt, discouragement and confusion for others. But, we are directed by the scriptures that we must have judgment, but only when it comes to discerning character and/or teachings. Paul illustrated this many times (Mt 7:1; Mt 7:15; Rom 16:17-18; 1 Tim 1:20; 2 Tim 2:17-18) he even mentions names such as Demas, warns Timothy about “Alexander the coppersmith” who did much evil, Hymenaeus and Philetus who have gone astray and John warned of Diotrephes who loves to be first (3 Jn). These men were not wrongly judged by the apostles, but discernment was used against their ungodly character and false teachings. It’s not judgment speaking to one, privately, about such character flaws and teachings. But when criticism comes by means of jealousy, bitterness, selfish-ambition or any sin of your personal dislike and not for the purpose of building them up in Christ-likeness, such would be unjust judgment. It becomes judgment when we use human standards and opinions and not God’s word for betterment and encouragement. First and foremost, before you look towards others look inward first and see if it’s a worthy example.

Judge not what you see, but what you know to be true.

HSAY…Todd