Daily Wisdom

Est 4:16 “… I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.”

When God blesses us, why do we increase our standard of living rather than our standard of giving! Esther became queen which greatly increase her standard of living and yet she was willing to give her life for the well-fare of God’s people. Are we willing to lay down our lives that others may know of God’s great love? Father give us a heart like Esther to give sacrificially and unconditionally as you have given to us.

We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give – no one has ever become poor by giving… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

1 Jn 3:17-18 “But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need, and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God in him? My little children let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.”

This verse is strikingly similar to James teaching in (Jm 2:14-17) what profit is there if a man says he has faith but not works, turning away a brother or sister that is naked or in need of food. Bringing to questions: how clearly do our actions show forth the love of Christ towards others? Does our generosity offer as much grandeur as the grace we’ve been given through Christ?

Point being: The world asks, “what does a man own?” Christ asks, “How does he use it?”

Generosity is compassion and love in action.  For the Christians/disciples of Antioch, “every man according to his ability, determined to send relief unto the breathern in Judea.” (Acts 11:26-29).

Even if we are suffering hardship, it does not excuse us from still being a blessing to others. There is always one worse off than ourselves!

No one has ever become poor by giving! (Lk 21:2)

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Psa 41:1 “Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the Lord will deliver him in time of trouble.”

The Bible clearly speaks of God’s care for the weak, poor, and needy, and of His blessing towards those who share this concern (Psa 1:1). Spiritually speaking, God wants our generosity to reflect His own free giving.  Meaning, as He has blessed us, so we should bless others; knowing that in doing so we can find comfort that the Lord will meet our needs and deliver us from our oppressors (vs 11).

This Psalm of the compassionate offers preservation for our spirit (vs 2), should we look past ourselves. By showing proper sympathy towards others in their troubles we can find the Lord will deliver us in time of our trouble. This is a statement of the general principle that the Lord will deal with us as we do with others (Psa 18:24-26).

Don’t let your prosperity feed your ego, it will only make you ripe for your enemies.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Pro 11:25 “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”

This verse presents a paradox: we become richer by being generous. God encourages and directs to give freely and liberally of one’s time, energy and resources towards the kingdom’s work in others. In doing so God gives us what we need generously. But, the world says hold on to as much as possible. The world stands jeering and baiting, promising acceptance, while Jesus offers the cross. The world offers flesh and flash, Jesus offers faith. The world says, “follow us and fit in,” Jesus promises, “follow me and stand out.” The world promises to please every desire you have, Jesus promises to save. We make daily decisions what we invest our self into, and what we choose directly affects what type of return we receive, worldly or heavenly. C.S. Lewis talks about he abolition of man towards God’s institution, stating the bargain we make with our choices to gain what we desire. In doing so the power conferred by our choices will not belong to us; Noting we shall in fact be slaves of that to which we have given of ourselves, the world or God!

Wealth is not measured by what you have, but how you use it!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Pro 11:26 “The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.”

“The poorest person has it in his power to make his offering/s as acceptable to the Lord, by simplest of intention, and pure affection, as the millions given by the affluent.” The value of what is giving is not determined by its economic root but rather by the source it truly originated from, the heart! Consider, the most generous financial gift mentioned in scripture had little to almost zero monetary value “The Widow’s Mite” (Mk 12:41-44). What she gave was the smallest coins used by the Jews at the time, amounting to possibly one cent. Yet when measured by the Lord, there’s not enough zeroes on a calculator to add up it’s value eternally. Because the Lord considers the motive. In other words, the “widow lady” forfeited the temporal value to herself in exchange for the eternal value to God. It was sacrificial and humbling, which is the basis for faith (sacrificial, humbling, obedience). Sacrificial given goes beyond tithe/money, and involves one’s investment in the eternal. One can be just as broke as the “widow lady” when it comes to compassion, time and servitude. While one’s tithe is not truly open for discussion, for it’s a commandment (attitude/opinion irrelevant). Giving in all spiritual aspects above and beyond what worldly opinion and the heart understands, is a gift as priceless as the “widows” when given from the same source; an eternally motivated heart!

Sacrifice is giving up something that matters for something that matters more!

HSAY… Todd 

Daily Wisdom

Lk 9:10 “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”

Jn 19:30 “When Jesus therefore had received the vinegar, he said, It is finished and gave up the ghost”

This was the ultimate “drop the mic” moment of all time. The final word spoken by Jesus on the cross was (teleō) comprised of three words in English “It is finished.”  Sadly, too many since then have continually tried to pick up the mic and add something to the word “teleo!”  What Jesus sought to accomplish by His eternal sacrifice was achieved through the cross, and was gifted to man without need of anything being added. Don’t pick up the mic and try to add to the story in anyway, just re-gift (Eph 2:8) what was given to you, and finished by Jesus by simply retelling what you were told. Jesus redeeming, and sacrificial work is the greatest gift that can be given (Jn 15:13), the only thing we must simply do is re-wrap it and share His eternal love with others.

Salvation is the only gift that keeps on given… for eternity!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“For the kingdom of heaven is like a man travelling into a far country, who call his own savants, and delivered unto them his goods.” Mt 25:14

Man is prone to want the benefits of something gained, but not always the responsibility that goes with it.  Seldom in life are you allowed to reap without the responsibility or accountability to what was gained. The 4oth parable concerning talents (gifts), Christ the travelling man, passes on his goods to his servants for them to be responsible in their stewardship as well. Such gains are not just to be gotten, but to give to others and not gloated over. While salvation is free, spreading the gospel is not without expense; obedient stewards are responsible to cover those expenses.  Paul makes a bold statement in Phl 3:7-8 “But what things were gained to me, those I counted loss for Christ.”  Paul said the advantages he was gifted education, wealth, status and even external conformity to the law were missed guided gain, and were really a disadvantage, hindrance, and obstacle towards Christ. The greatest inheritance, gain coming, is for those who stand before Christ broke; knowing and able to claim that every single talent left them was used by giving to others. Often, we ask God to give us what we don’t have, when we aren’t even being faithful with what we do have. Gain to give, not just to get.

“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give.”

HSAY … Todd

Daily Wisdom

“…he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” Pro 11:25

It’s been illustrated many times, but there are two bodies of water in Israel; Sea of Galilee and the Dead Sea. One is flowing and alive with an abundance of resources while the other is dead, hence its name offering little to no resources. The reason for the vast difference is simple and very applicable to us as well. While both are feed by the same resource, the Jordan River, the Sea of Galilee passes on that which it receives to other bodies. Yet the Dead Sea has no outlet; it never passes that which it was gifted by the Jordan River and becomes dormant, and its one time abundance becomes useless; simply stated one gives and one hoards (Psa 41:1-3).  Both received the same blessings, one lives in giving and the other dies in taking. Your abundance is not in what you have, but what you’ve been given and like the Sea of Galilee you benefit from it, but the biggest blessing is in paying it forward. The highest appreciation and greatest form of gratitude towards what we’ve been giving is not in the words we utter, but in simply sharing it with others. Jm 1:17 “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father…” it’s not ours to hoard, but to give; its stewardship verses ownership! Jesus paid it all (Isa 53:5), and gifted you to share it with others.

Your blessings are a gift from God; what you do with them is your gift too God.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“…this poor widow hast cast more in, than all they which have cast into the treasury.” Mk 12:43

Are you able and do give beyond your need? The widow lady’s willingness to give, when she herself was in need, shows us a true devotion to Jesus and those around her. Often you’ll never know the value of a moment until it becomes a memory. The widow lady grabs her moment to give at a cost, while in need herself, and it was recorded by God. The greatest reward and value in life resides in what you can give, not what you can obtain. Don’t become blinded by your needs and miss an opportunity like the widow to meet another’s.  A lock is never made without a key. You’ll never face a need that God doesn’t have a solution; so don’t miss your opportunity to give fearing you want be able to buy your own key.

Giving is not about making a donation; it’s about making a difference.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“…because there was no room for them in the inn.” Lk 2:27

Weigh these words that were levied towards Joseph, Mary and Christ. These words carry their meaning to many people in many places but, no room for Christ?  Joseph had nothing to offer for accommodations, no means for consideration by others.  They had Christ amongst them, but that was not enough to be considered.  How much are we like the people of Bethlehem today, no room for Christ? Yet He’s no longer a child, having delivered us from sin, conquered death and He’s coming again.  Christ speaks to us “Verily I say unto you, inasmuch as ye did it not to one of the least of these, ye did it to me.” (Mt 25:45)  Are we void of time for Christ and those around us who are hurting and hopeless in their need for the love of God?  Is the “Inn” of your heart full, is it unaware or too occupied for consideration of those around you in need, in turning such away, you turn Christ away!  Is your heart so full with life you miss His knock and the opportunity to hear from Him and the needs of others? (Rev 3:20)  Don’t be a part-time Christian, in need of a full-time God.

Be wary of the bareness of a busy life.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“For we cannot but speak the things we have seen and heard…for all men glorified God for that which was done.” Acts 4:20; 21b

Every Christian has a piece of good news in them to share with others regarding Jesus. It cost you nothing, but your willingness, to encourage others by testifying of His greatness and exhorting one another daily…lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin. (Heb 3:13)  By illustrating before others the love of Christ we reaffirm our own blessing and hope.  Before you put someone in their place, be willing to put yourself in theirs. There is no greater exercise for ones heart than their effort to reach down and lift another up in Christ. A humble and thankful spirit does not put others down, but lifts them up by speaking of Christ and glorifying Him for what He has done.

“We make a living by what we get; we make a life by what we give.” Winston Churchill

HSAY…Todd 

Daily Wisdom

“Not for that we have dominion over your faith, but are helpers of your joy…” 2 Cor 1:24

Such a simple statement is extracted from (vs 24) that can bear great weight on one’s spiritual health.  Paul’s letter to Corinth was for the purpose to build up and not for tearing down, “Therefore I write these things…the Lord hath given me to edification and not to destruction” (13:10).  So the question presents itself, are you a “Help or a Hindrance” to the ministry of the Gospel and one’s faith?  We have no ability or power to command faith, nor can we add to another’s faith, we do not have dominion over doctrine, but only to share what is contained in the scriptures.  We see Paul refer to “joy” (26) times in his epistles, and (5) times in 2 Corinthians particularly.  Joy is the grace which is wrought in the soul by the Spirit of God, of which Christ is the object; it is the by-product of faith, and as one’s faith grows, so does one’s joy.  Yet it is often interrupted by the corruptions of the heart and temptations of this world, leaving the soul feeling unloved, discouraged and hopeless.  Such state of the soul drove Paul’s purpose, as should it ours, to edify and build-up one’s spirit in Christ. Making ourselves instruments and means by which the Spirit of God can be manifested in other’s hearts in a way that through faith other’s see the joy of the Lord. Helping should not be seen as a choice, but rather a purpose of joy to others. Again, are you a “Helper or a Hindrance” to the Joy of the Lord?

Never look down on someone else unless you’re helping them up.   

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Hear this, ye old men, and give ear, all ye inhabitants of the land. Hath this been in your days, or even in the days of your fathers? Tell ye your children of it, and let your children tell their children, and their children another generation.” Joel 1:2-3

Consider your worth?  We’ve heard the stories of great inherited wealth and trust funds causing one to think personally of their own estates and what it has to offer their own family.  By worldly standards the value of one’s estate is measured in riches of money not the richness of depth and strength.  One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is your life's story to help them repeat your successes and avoid your mistakes. God urged parents to pass their history down to their children, telling over and over the important lessons they learned.  “Tell ye your children of it” – concerning God’s goodness, generation was to declare to generation the wonders of His love. “He established a testimony in Jacob, and appointed a law in Israel, which He commanded our fathers that they should make them known to their children, that the generation to come might know them, the children which should be born, who should arise and declare them to their children that they might ... not forget the works of God” (Psa 78:5-7).  This tradition of thankfulness to God, reinforced the law; “Take heed to thyself, lest thou forget the things which thine eyes have seen, but teach them thy sons and thy sons’ sons” (Deu 4:9). Do your children know your testimony in Christ; do they know the goodness God has worked through you and in you by His righteousness? Teach a son or daughter to work and earn is needful, but it only allows them to eat for a day; teach them the love and goodness of God through Christ and they will learn of wealth the world has not to offer. 

Do your children see the image of the world or the image of Christ in your life?

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Comfort

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort; Who comforteth us in all our tribulations, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.” 2 Cor 1:3-4

It’s easy to make a dollar, but a lot harder to make a difference.  Interesting people are eager to change the world and not as much themselves. The act of being good, while it’s an ambiguous statement, is commendable, but only when it’s combined with doing good is it beneficial.  One of the greatest mistakes one makes is doing nothing because they can only do a little, but little is much when God is in it. No man is ever taller than when he bends to help another; illustrating Christ love for them.

The only difference between a helping hand and an open palm is a simple twist of the wrist.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Profitable Labor"

“Where no oxen are, the crib is clean: but much increase is by the strength of the ox.” Pro 14:4

When a farmer has no ox, the stable will be clean but he will not be profitable. Labor has its rough, unpleasant side, yet it ends in profit. The affairs or business of the world brings us before others and with it cares and disturbances, but also much increase. The only way to keep your life free of people and problems is to keep it free of people. But if your life is empty of people, it is useless; and if you live only for yourself, your life loses its meaning. Instead of avoiding people and its problems, we should labor to serve others, share our faith, and work for justice. There will be a sure reward of that activity in good works for him who goes, as with “the strength of the ox,” to the task of laboring and investing in others to which God calls us all. Though it may be messy the profit is eternal.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom..."Selfishness vs Godliness"

“…it is impossible but that offences will come: but woe unto him, through whom they come!”  Lk 17:1

“Self-Justification and judging others go together, as justification by grace and serving others go together…Selfishness vs Godliness. In Lk 17 the Lord shows the disciples their need for deep humility in serving others. Those who are matured in Christ are called to invest in the “little ones” new converts. Faith in God’s pardoning mercy will enable us to overcome the greatest of difficulties; thus allowing us to forgive others. Indifference towards the discipleship and treatment, causing them to stumble or fall away, of new Christians can leave them vulnerable to false doctrine and bring about harsh judgment from Christ.  The one indispensable requirement for rising up Godly mature Christians is, Godly mature Christians who are patient and long-suffering as Christ and others were with them.

HSAY…Todd 

Daily Wisdom..."Giving"

“For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end you may be established.”  Rom 1:11

What is your “want”…do you want so you can have or do you want so you can give?    It’s easier to take than to give; it’s nobler to give than to take…realize the fulfillment of receiving is fleeting, yet the rewards of giving can be eternal.  It’s one thing to do without something you desire, but is there ever a greater desire for wanting to give someone something you want them to have?  This was Paul’s desire, for others to be in gifted with the knowledge of Christ.  Knowing that the desired gift is not ours, but God’s who imparted it to us to give to others. The kindness of gestures is the desire to give that which can reach a wound that only compassion can heal (Jude 22 “And some have compassion making a difference”). It’s not what you have, but what you’ve been given; no one is useless who lightens the burdens of others with the love of Christ.

You make a living by what you earn; who make a life by what you give.

HSAY…Todd