Daily Wisdom

 Jas 1:27 “Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.”

The simplest things are often overlooked, especially in Christianity. Believers can be more concerned about what they become in the Lord rather than what they do for the Lord. When we give/sacrifice with no thought of receiving, we show what it means to truly serve others. The results of focusing on others lessons our ability of being influenced and affected by the world. Pure religion is about the fatherless and afflicted, not self-focus and attention.

Don’t complicate what the Lord called us to, Jesus is saying: you want to be a blessing to me, then bless them in need (Mt 25:34-40-read it)… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

 Heb 10:9 “Then said he, Lo, I come to do thy will, O God. He taketh away the first, that he may establish the second.”

While this is the only time recorded in the N.T., it’s a central teaching concerning God’s will and our purpose. God calls us to more than empty compliance within a religious system (Psa 40:6-8). Christs’ sacrifice satisfied/paid for the eternality of sin, thus eliminating the need of the law and freeing us from religiosity/rituals and allowing us to do His will and His kingdom work - (he “Christ” taketh away the first “sin”, that he “man” may do the second “God’s will”). Considering the immeasurable gift he gave us, we should respond by giving him our devotion and sacrifice.

Where there’s a will there’s a way, as long as it’s God’s will and not just our wishes… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

 Mat 18:10 ‘Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say unto you, That in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father which is in heaven.’

When the churches’ purpose is meeting the desires of the have rather than serving the have not, its purpose becomes a Christian club and no longer a Spiritual ministry. “Take heed’ is literal caution giving by our Lord to the body of the church. The infant seed (weak believers) of the faithful belong to the family of Christ, and are not to be despised. The church cannot look upon them with contempt, as burdensome or in disdain, doing so is to the peril of the church. Know our Father in heaven has assigned an angel to their care, foolish for the church not to care!

When God’s lesser children are a disruption to your will, you’re not in God’s will… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

Mat 21:2 “saying to them, “Go into the village in front of you, and immediately you will find a donkey tied, and a colt with her. Untie them and bring them to me.”

The story of Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem tells us how he sent two of his disciples to a village and instructed them to bring Him a donkey for Him to enter Jerusalem on. But why did Jesus choose the lowly donkey instead of getting a magnificent horse to ride on?

1.) Humility - fulfilled the prophecy in (Zech 9:9), making his entry while riding a lowly animal.  2.) Servant, though a King, riding the donkey showed He came to serve not to be served.

3.) Peace - ancient world, a leader rode on a horse signifying war and a donkey to signify peace.

While we all love to make an entrance, I can’t think of a better way than how Jesus made his! Does your arrival bring with it the image of Humility, Servitude and Peace?

“If Jesus rode low on a donkey, maybe we should get off our high-horse” … HSAY

Daily Wisdom

Rom 15:1 “We that are strong ought to bear the infirmities of the weak, and not to please ourselves.”

Two precepts Paul charges the Christian with, 1.) Bear the infirmities of the weak. Christ bore with the weakness of the disciples. We all have our infirmities; but the weak are more subject to them than others. Doing so calls for sympathizing with the weaker, concerning oneself for them and ministering strength to them. 2.) In doing so we must not please ourselves, but our neighbors (vs 2), and deny personal wants or needs in consideration of another’s weakness (Mt 16:24). The stronger is not called to entertain the selfish needs of others but to educate the weaker in the knowledge of grace and in the edification of Christ and His goodness.

We all have something to give, but is it worth taking is the question? … HSAY

Daily Wisdom

“And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son …”  2 Kg 4:16

Interesting story shared from Elisha’s ministry. Here’s a “great women” (Pro 31) who used her blessings from God to be servant to God’s work.

She perceived Elisha as a man of God (vs 9) and thus used her gifts to minister to Elisha.

By way of her hospitality to Elisha he offered her a voice before the king and/or the general.

But she was humble and content in her circumstances (vs 13).

But, in her humility, she did tell Elisha she was childless, and her husband was of old age.

Elisha was willing to seek God’s favor to remove that which at present was her only grievance.

Such blessings that are suited to our specific necessities are welcomed with greatest of thanks.

Question: How are you preparing yourself for your blessings?

This woman was still willing to be accountable with the gifts God had blessed her with and serve the work of God while she tarried in her prayers for a son...  (Isa 40:31 “But they that wait (Hebrew word serve) upon the Lord shall renew their strength…”

Point being: don’t miss a blessing from the Lord because you skipped a spiritual work day.

One never knows where God’s next blessing will come from or through.

Be willing to humbly serve God’s work and you’ll find God’s work is likewise serving to you!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Isa 10:1-2 “Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed. To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people, that widows may be their prey, and that they may rob the fatherless.”

In Isaiah Ch. 10 we see the connection with Isa 9:8-21 concerning God’s anger towards both Israel and Assyria.  In Israel’s case God was angry at both their lack of humility and their lack of concern for the needy and oppressed (Isa 9:13-14). Isaiah then asks the corrupt folks in Israel what they’ll do when the time of judgement comes, for God will judge the unjust and those who make unfair laws to oppress the poor and needy.

Fact: Those who oppress others will be oppressed themselves.

Point being: It’s not enough to live in a land founded on justice; everyone must deal justly with the poor and the powerless and not pass that responsibility off onto the government or even the church institution (Mt 25:31-40).

“A kind gesture not only reaches a need, the compassion behind that gesture can heal.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Pro 13:10 “Only by pride cometh contention: but with the well advised is wisdom.”

In Judges 8:1-2, after Gideon had attacked and defeated the generals of the Midianites, separating from their fleeing army, Gideon called in Ephraim to “clean up” the escaping forces (“gleaning of the grapes”).  But, Ephraim's leaders felt left out because Gideon hadn’tt called them to join the onset of the battle, so they angrily confronted him. Gideon assured the leaders of Ephraim that their accomplishment was even greater than his own clan's. Not every necessary job is a highly visible or leadership role. Much of the necessary labor of any effective enterprise and ministry is considered by many to be dirty work or unfulfilling. But such work is vital to getting any task done, especially for the Lord. Engineers and millionaires may design and finance an elegant building, but it is the labors who get the work done. Pride causes us to want recognition; are you content to be God's bricklayer? There’s little press and thus prestige in the mission field, and yet the Lord calls each of us to it daily (Mt 28:19). But most are interested in designing and promoting the ministry rather than fulfilling it by sharing Christ themselves. Never let the recognition of one’s labor become more important than the purpose of the ministry itself.

Truth can be hard to swallow when one’s choking on their pride.

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

Phl 2:5 “Let this mind be in you, which is also in Christ Jesus.”

Man is prone to live by two misguided priorities, please themselves and impress others. This is in leu of pleasing God and serving others. But, selfishness brings discord in our relationship with the Lord, as well as those around us. This is Paul’s dissertation to Philippi, spiritual unity, asking the Philippians to love one another, and be in one spirit and purpose (vss 1-4). In doing so we make Jesus our model in which to frame our lives and demonstrate His example of humility and servitude. Servitude stems from an attitude of gratitude. Knowing Jesus willing sacrifice to leave a state of inexpressible glory to take upon himself the humblest form of humility, and performed the lowliest offices, that He may benefit us (Mk 10:45). You choose your attitude, humble or haughty; servant or served. But, be clear on what role Jesus played in your life when you go to choose yours. Don’t be so concerned about meeting your own needs and making a good impression that it comes at the expense of your attitude towards Jesus and others! Remember, “Humility is not thinking less of yourself; it’s thinking of yourself less.”

Gratitude makes the fear of what if disappear and attitude of abundance appear.

HSAY… Todd   

Daily Wisdom

“… the Lord of hosts is the God over Israel: and let the house of thy servant David be established before thee.” 2 Sam 7:26

God told Nathan to instruct David that He was going to establish through him the throne of His kingdom forever. Notice God was looking for a willing servant (vs 26) not a designer. David never constructed the temple it was his son Solomon who did, but it was established through David’s willingness to serve. Many Christians are willing to let God move in, but just don’t rearrange anything.  They are more interested in doing the design work themselves, they just want God to pay for it. Don’t relegate God to just being a landlord, that you just simply pay a tithe to occasionally but claim the structure as your own. Yet, when you get a few cracks or in need of repairs you quickly summon his ability to do so. 1 Cor 6:19 “Know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit… ye are not your own. For ye are bought with a price…” Don’t be more worried about doing the designing and claiming ownership, but more so your willingness to serve in building it according to His design. God constructed your body, Jesus paid for your body, and the Holy Spirit designs it for their purpose. Your job is to be willing to be faithful in doing the labor.

Wonder all you want, but as long as you can see the Temple you’re never lost!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.” Phil 2:3

One of the lowliest of conversations to ever take place was between Jesus (God in flesh) and Pilate who held Jesus life in his hands.  That in spite of the accusations levied towards Jesus, he simply responds “thou sayest it.”  Jesus conquered/overcame any efforts of vainglory in his personal testimony. The greatest steps towards humility in self and growth in servitude starts by closing your mouth and opening your heart, then you’ll be able to see more clearly the needs of others and less of your selfish desires.

“Be cautious not to be swallowed up in books and wisdom, an ounce of love is worth a pound of knowledge.”

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.” 1 Cor 9:19

Jesus said the greatest among us is the servant (Mt 23:11-12).  Paul mentions in (1 Cor 8:13) his willingness to deny himself if it be the means of benefiting others. Our freedom in Jesus is endless, man did not save us, it was only Jesus redemptive work on the cross. But, we must not look at man as an obligation or burden, but as an opportunity afforded us through Jesus to invest in and share such freedom. Paul was willing to go to great extents to do so, even sacrificing his freedom amongst man.  Early historians claim Christians would sale themselves into slavery in order that they might have access to and benefit slaves. Obviously God has not called all men to such actions, but he has called one and all who know their eternal hope in Jesus to share openly with those around them.  May it require you to place yourself a little lower than you’re normally comfortable with, maybe? But, again Jesus said the greatest is the servant, do you seek the attention and affirmation of man or God?  Their is no reward of man that offers eternal benefit or freedom.  Truthfully it often creates the bondage of desire and greed for more. The statement Paul makes, “that I may gain the more” is taken from merchants, who spared no pains, but took every method to acquire gain and profit. What profit are you desiring to accumulate, worldly or eternally (Col 3:2)?  Some have said:  “I’m extreme in taking this Jesus stuff so seriously,” I feel extremely confident Jesus took it seriously when he died on the cross for me. Why would I not be willing to sacrifice as a servant and place myself a little lower for his gain, and let him worry about my gain!

If investing in souls for eternal gain was your job, would you still be employed?

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.” Gal 1:10

The word persuade means to “teach” (Acts 18:4). Obviously Paul was not called to teach God himself, but to teach man concerning Christ.  It’s not our purpose to persuade God through man, but rather to persuade man through God. The second purpose Paul puts forth is his aim to please? Just like a school teacher, they’re not called to please you as a student but simply teach; knowing what they have to offer is greater than how you feel. Paul was willing to please God and have a few people upset with  him than to please a few people and have God upset.  “If you live for people’s acceptance, you’ll die from their rejection.”  Look at this way, ultimately do you seek the approval of your peers or your boss? So why would we seek the approval of man over the creator of man. Finally, Paul clarifies that he who seeks the approval/applause of man is “not a servant of Christ.” (Mt 6:24 “No man can serve two masters…”)  You can’t impress people with yourself and impress them with Jesus simultaneously. To serve two masters you’ll have to lie to one.  God called you to love others, not impress them.

Joshua 24:15 “choose ye this day whom you will serve”

If we displease God, does it matter whom we do please!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Now therefore go, and I will be with thy mouth, and teach thee what thou shalt say.” Exo 4:12

Ever gone and felt pretty sure you left Jesus behind by knowing what came out of your mouth was not being taught in Christian Speech 101!   Here we see Moses struggling in his service for which God had called him, even to a fault; we can no longer impute it to his humility, now it’s grown to cowardice, slothfulness, and unbelief in it.  This single obstacle, fear of not knowing when or how to speak, is likewise a cowardice response for Christians to speak for God, and endeavour to excuse themselves.  Even Paul’s speech was contemptible (2 Cor 10:10). Nor can one blame it on being ignorant and unlearned, Jesus used unlearned and ignorant men to turn the world upside down (Acts 4:13). Jesus told the disciples “take no thought how or what ye shall speak: for it shall be given you in that same hour what ye shall speak.” (Mt 10; Mk 13)  The answer is the same giving to Moses and the disciples, I’ll be with you: Acts 4:13b “...they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.”  God told Moses, go I’ll be with thy mouth.  It’s interesting Christians claim they don’t know what to say to others, but they have a lot to say about others.  You don’t have to speak a doctrine, just let your words be that “one may edify another.” (Rom 14:19)

The results of our mouth would be a lot better if we spent more time talking to others instead about others!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“And the house which I build is great: for great is our God above all gods.” 2 Chro 2:5

What are you building in life; is what you’re building providing others access to and favour of Jesus or self?  In 2 Chronicles 2, Solomon had great purpose in wanting to build a temple for God, not to house him (vs 6), but to worship and sacrifice to Him. Yet, Solomon needed help in resources to do so. He called upon his father’s (King David) old contact the King of Tyre whose nation served and worshipped many gods.  In doing so Solomon, unlike many Christians today, chooses not to hide or conceal his purpose in what he desired to build.  Solomon makes God the central purpose as to why he did what he did (vs 4). By Israel keeping close to the commandments and worship of God, the neighboring nations were willing to be taught by them, as the Israelites had been willing in the days of their apostasy, to be infected with the idolatries and superstitions of their neighbors.  It’s easy to confuse a lot of activity with a purposeful life, but if they don’t see Jesus in it they’ll only see you. Expecting others to respond to Jesus based on what you do rather than “why” you do it, is like expecting a criminal to walk into a jail because he was impressed with a police officer.

The greatest way to deal with your past is to make it the opening story towards your promised future.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“…even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.” 1 Thess 2:4

Let God make a servant out of you rather than man making a leader out of you. Paul didn’t speak to gain man’s attention, but to get their attention. He spoke with the love and gentleness of an affectionate mother (vs 8).  Don’t speak in search of favorable opinion; you’re not asked to impress man, but to encourage them in the love of Christ. Those who get mad at the truth are those who are living a lie; God’s word is not to help people feel better about their brokenness, but to show them how to be whole in Christ. Better for truth to cause a tear than a lie to cause a smile.

You’ll be better served having God approve, than the world applaud.   

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“And the evil spirit from the Lord was upon Saul, as he sat in his house with his javelin in his hand: and David played with his hands.” 1 Sam 19:9

Interesting choice of instruments between Saul and David; Saul chose a javelin, while David played a harp.  It was Saul’s jealously against David that lead to his choice. David's troubles not only immediately follow his triumphs, but arise from them; such is the vanity of him (Saul) which looks to be served rather than serve. It is said that idle hands are the devil’s play things, obviously David’s hands were busy serving, thus satan had no access to them; were as Saul’s hands succumbed to grasping a javelin in order to kill (1 Sam 18:11).  As a musician, whose hands are callous from serving others through their music, Jesus hands were scared from serving you.  What are your hands holding, Saul’s were destructive; make sure it’s something worth giving to others? If not, let it go!

That, which you hold on to, has a hold on you.

HSAY…Todd