Daily Wisdom

‘Holding faith, and a good conscience; which some having put away concerning faith have made shipwreck.’ 1 Tim 1:19

Paul warns Timothy to hold to a good conscience, one that isn’t influenced by others around him. We’re not to be distracted from the good (right) fight, being the gospel. Ministry, even our own, is a continual warfare that requires our attention on the gospel, not gauging other’s.

When those around us make ‘shipwreck’ decisions in their faith walk, don’t let it distract you from your walk and the gospel. Paul simply turned his two disciples (vs 20) over to their own actions. It’s not spiritually healthy to allow our conscience to be distract by another’s actions. Truthfully, when we allow our conscience and thoughts to become judgmental, we’ve no longer kept a good conscience ourselves, thus begun to ‘shipwreck’ our own faith walk in the gospel.

When another’s life has become shipwrecked, finding themselves in a lifeboat, let’s be sure to pray for them lest we become shipwrecked ourselves… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

“… the just shall live by faith.” Habakkuk 2:4

The question isn’t how long God will “hold off” His judgement on the wicked, but how long will we “hold on” to His righteousness and promises.

We long for answers we can’t fathom, but He promises to provide them… (Hab 1:5)

Faith calls us to live in worship, not worry! Holding to God’s faithfulness and finding the joy in everyday, not because life is always good, but because God is!

Judgement will come on the unjust (Hab 2:3). Remain Joyful in hope, Patient in affliction, Faithful in prayer knowing our justification lies in His righteousness and promises!

HSAY… Todd  

Daily Wisdom

1 Tim 1:8 “But we know that the law is good, if a man use it lawfully.”

The only purpose for the law (old covenant) is to better us, not burden us. The proper use of the law will direct us to the power of God’s Grace, the promise of His Mercy and the joy of His Peace (vs 2). None of which can man obtain or materialize on his own!  

Point being: The law doesn’t give us life, it makes life better in and through the Lord.

In Rom 3:31, Paul says “we establish the law.”  That is by the law of justification by faith.  In this the moral law is confirmed, its obligation is enforced, and its obedience secured by the following:

1.      God used the law to show sinners it could not be violated with impunity.

2.      Jesus magnified it by showing God was just and determined to judge the unrighteous.

3.      The sinner sees the evil by way of the law, thus giving his heart in faith by obedience.

In the glory of salvation is, that while it justifies the sinner, it brings the newest of influence from heaven, more tender and mightier than can be drawn from any other source to produce obedience.

The law showed man’s demise, Grace showed man a promised destiny!

HSAY… Todd

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

Pro 25:12 “As an ear-ring of gold, and an ornament of fine gold, so is a wise reprove upon an obedient ear.”

Abigail (1 Sam 25) was a wise reprover of David’s passion. And according to his own principal (Psa 141:5 “Let the righteous smite me, it shall be a kindness.”) David utilized an obedient ear. Never was such an admonition either better given or better taken on David’s behalf. Like David, we must be quick and able to give thanks to God when we are sent a reproof against a sinful way (1 Sam 25:32). David was blind to the great danger his actions of vengeance towards Nabal was putting himself in.  David had solemnly vowed the death of Nabal. He did evil to make such a vow but would have done worse if he had performed it. The wise man will hear reason, and let that rule him, even though it may come from inferior sources. While some may take reproof patiently, few often take it with the thankfulness of David and acknowledge it was God’s favor towards us in sending them.  No matter how right we think we are, we must always “be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.” (Jam 1:19). A moment of patience in a moment of anger will often save a hundred moments of regret.

Be willing to listen in order to understand, and not just for an opportunity to reply!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Gal 6:5 “For every man shall bear his own burden.”

Every man has his own duty of proving his own work, bearing his own burden. Thus, every man shall have his proper reward. A virtuous man will have peace within; a vicious man will be miserable. In (Isa 13:1) the prophet spoke of seeing the burden of Babylon.  Long before Babylon became a world power, and threatened Israel, Isaiah spoke of their destruction for being the center of rebellion (Babel) against God after the flood (Gen 11). The day will present itself that every man shall be reckoned with according to as his behavior has been and give account to God. Form that will judgment proceed, not according to the sentiments of the world concerning us, or any ungrounded opinion we have of ourselves, or upon us having been better or worse than others. But, according to the state of our heart and behavior before the sight of God. Meaning the gathering of opinions/votes/popularity from a populous will carry no weight in the eternal where only truth is used to weigh and measure man’s actions. Understanding that we must give account of this burden, it’s wise that we practice proving our works now. This is our duty, to measure or thoughts and actions by the same truth now, not only of ourselves, but towards our brethren (vs 1). Instead of judging and bearing hard on one another’s mistakes or failings, we should be readily available to help other’s in their burden. In doing so we fulfil the law of Christ (vs 2) and will be judged.

In every burden we bear, and our behavior that comes by it, we must be accountable to bear the weight of truth with in it.

HSAY… Todd