Daily Wisdom

 Isa 28:12  “To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear.”

Why do we worry ourselves? What use does fretting bring us? We’re aboard a vessel which we could not steer even if the Lord put us at the helm. We have no knowledge of the reefs that destroy, or where they are before us. Be still, the LORD is on the throne. And though the enemy may come in waves crashing over us, the Lord calms the seas (Mk 4:35-41), and if need be, affords us to walk on top of the waves (Mt 14:29). Don’t give way to despondency, it’s only a ploy of satan that withers the heart, making it unfit to receive the Father’s abundant grace!

Keep your eyes on the Lord and you don’t have to fear what’s before you… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

1Ti 2:8 “I will therefore that men pray every where, lifting up holy hands, without wrath and doubting.”

Paul calls the believer to submissive prayer, not only in church but in daily living. With hands lifted in supplication as Moses (Exo 9:29; 33), but also indicating hands that are not defiled by sin, pure and holy in nature. Paul adds without “wrath” within one’s spirit. That’s why Jesus said that we should interrupt our prayers, if necessary, to make peace with others (Mat 5:23-24). This is seen in the word “doubting” (dialogismos) meaning, were not to approach God in prayer in the midst of clamorous disputing's and angry contentions with others. Wrath and doubting, are a prayer hinderance to the Father’s ears.

Don’t build barriers against your prayers with angst and anger towards others… HSAY

 ‘And he could there do no mighty work…’ Mk 6:6

Here Jesus visits His own country, Nazareth, the place of His birth and raising, and where his family were. He had been in danger of His life among them (Lk 4:29), and yet He came among them again; so patient is Jesus to be gracious, and seek the salvation of His enemies. Yet there’s no recording of crowds flocking to Him as with other appearances, possibly limiting Him to the synagogue only for teaching. But they still couldn’t avoid two aspects of His life… His teachings and wisdom, knowing He had no learned education. And His works of miracles with His own hands, both of which confirmed the doctrine of the divine gospel He taught and lived. 

And yet, Jesus received no due honor or sincere acknowledgment, ‘A prophet (teacher) is not without honour, but in his own country and among his own kin, and house.’ (vs 4). Point being, despite being God in flesh, and empowered by the Holy Spirit, Jesus was powerless amongst His own people – ‘And he marvelled because of their unbelief…’ (vs 6).  The most debilitating and disruptive act against the gospel and the work of the Father is man’s doubt in its goodness for their life. As the Father’s children we’re just as much family as those that Jesus encountered in Nazareth. Cautious with being apathetic in your response towards the Lord, causing Jesus to marvel over your unbelief in His goodness for you!

Just as the smallest grain of sand can disrupt the comfort of a shoe on your foot, so can the smallest degree of doubt or apathy towards the Lord disrupt His goodness in you!

God never stops being good, we just stop… HSAY 

Daily Wisdom

Pro 3:5-6 “Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”

The strength of your faith lies in the object of your faith.  Faith is the language of God, while doubt talks in the language of man. Know that doubt is arrogance questioning God’s sovereignty.  Don’t be discouraged; you’re almost there. What God is giving you requires faith, patience, and endurance.  And while it doesn’t eliminate the questions, it does direct you to Him who has the answer. Show your faith and God will show His faithfulness. You’ve survived 100% of the worst that has happened to you, you’re doing great. Hold to the promises and trust the process. Your current situation is not your final destination!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Lk 1:20 “And behold, thou shalt be dumb, and not able to speak, until the day that these things shall be performed, because thou believest not my words, which shall be fulfilled in their season.”

Doubt can be debilitating, ask Zacharias!  When Gabriel appeared before him in the temple speaking good tidings concerning God’s promise to deliver them a son, John the Baptist, it was Zacharias’s weak faith that worked against him. The prayer he had obviously often made shall now receive an answer of peace, “Fear not, Zacharias, for thy prayer is heard.” (vs 13). But, again his doubt was debilitating.  A few thoughts to consider, if one doubts why is one praying (Jam 1:6) “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” Consider the source James the brother of Jesus who doubted his Lordship (Jn 7:5).  And second, God’s sovereignty will be fulfilled in His timing and even if it occurs at your expense to some degree. Jonah’s angst against Assyria! Maybe Zacharias’s doubt came in the passing of time due to their older age. But, consider Isaac and Rebekah though their children were delayed he didn’t approach the handmaid’s bed like his father (talking about doubt being costly)! God, in His mercy and sovereign will, can look a great way back on His promises and our prayers. Prayers made while young coming into the world may only be answered when old and going out of the world, Simeon (Lk 2).  Doubt your doubt before you doubt your faith!

Faith can move a mountain, but it’s doubt that creates them.

HSAY… Todd