Daily Wisdom

 Psa 107:1-2 “Oh give thanks to the LORD, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever! Let the redeemed of the LORD say so, whom he has redeemed from trouble.” 

We only enter the fullness of life when our faith gives thanks. Because how else do we accept His free gift of salvation and His great love if not with humility and thanksgiving? Thanksgiving is the evidence of our acceptance and acknowledgment of the grace and goodness the Father gives. Thanksgiving is the manifestation of our Yes! to His grace. Everything is defeated and dead without the Father’s great love (Jn 3:16)… yet His promised fullness of life is received by His abundance of grace (Jn 1:16). Thus, the soul sings, “Oh give thanks to the Lord, for He is good.”  Grace garners our Thankfulness and provides our fullness. 

Thankfulness unlocks the fullness of life; it turns what we have been given into enough. It can turn a meal into a feast, house into a home, and a stranger into a friend… HSAY

Daily Wisdom

Rth 2:15 “And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not:”

The Lord’s favor often exceeds our prayers and hopes, defining our worth in Him. The Lord moved Boaz to go far beyond the intent of the gleaners’ law; not only did he let Ruth glean in his field, but also told his workers to let some of the grain fall in her path (vs 16). Showing the Lord’s immense favor towards Ruth’s faithfulness. The favor of the Lord is always exceeding our faith to Him. Thus, our humility and thankfulness go far in our faith. Ruth labored in her faith, and the Lord loved her with His favor. Glean in humility, Labor in faith and the Lord’s favor will fall in the path He has you on!

Don’t fear, the Lord’s favor will always recompense your faith; ask Ruth!… HSAY 

Daily Wisdom

Jud 1:24 “Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present you faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy.”

In reading scripture pertaining to God’s deliverance and protection I’m quick to think of a child standing on the counters edge who, without fear, is willing to jump from any height with the assurance that their father will not let them fall. Jude’s letter opens and closes with our assurance that our Heavenly Father will not let us fall. We must make great effort not to wonder from our humility and thankfulness in the Lord that promises to deliver us into His glory and will keep us from falling as prey. Too often a believer moves from their humility and become weak concerning their thankfulness for their salvation. There is only one person who can present us as faultless before the Father, and that is Jesus Christ and we must keep that ever present in our heart and mind. Life will stretch our faith and it often appears that our life is falling apart in the process. In such times be willing to jump from your counter into the promises of God and He will catch you. Doing so you will find your humility and thankfulness that the Lord is there to catch you! Humility and thankfulness keep our eyes on Jesus as the world around us falls apart.

“Find a Bible that’s falling apart and you’ll likely find a life that isn’t” … HSAY

Daily Wisdom

“I love the Lord, because he hath heard my voice and my supplications.” Psa 116:1

While the Psalmist is unknown here their soul is beyond distressed and seeking deliverance from troubles that felt as death.

Yet, the Psalmist records lively expressions of devotion, love and gratitude in his afflictions.

He speaks of his: love (vs 1), rest (vs 7), walk (vs 9), and thanksgiving (vs 17) in the Lord.

For the Psalmist to have such an attitude amongst his afflictions is secured in our verse (vs 1).

He obviously had experienced the Lord’s answered prayers and deliverance before…  (vs 2) ‘he hath inclined his ear unto me, therefore I will call upon him as long as I live.”

The writer was willing to stick with a good thing, and even though the sorrows of death compassed him he acknowledges the Lords graciousness, righteousness and mercy (vs 5).

The Lord is never blind to our tears, deaf to our prayers or silent to our pain… He sees, He hears, and He delivers… the sovereignty of the Lord is to be strength to our souls.

Paul and Silas didn’t wait until they were delivered from prison before they began to praise Him.

Those who dive in a sea of affliction can bring up rare pearls if they hold to an attitude of gratitude.

HSAY… Todd  

Daily Wisdom

1 Sam 2:1 “And Hannah prayed, and said, My heart rejoiceth in the Lord, mine horn is exalted in the Lord: my mouth is enlarged over mine enemies; because I rejoice in thy salvation.”

Hannah’s prayer is one of thanksgiving and praise towards the Lord’s mercy to open her womb (1 Sam 1:11). While her prayers started with her former wants, she was quick to turn it to God’s goodness. Her mouth spoke out of an abundant heart deeply affected, and when she had received mercy she owned it, and turned into thankfulness to His praise. Let’s be cautious not to abandon our prayers after the Lord’s mercy arrives like the nine lepers in (Lk 17:17). Praise is our spiritual rent, our tribute, and we would be slack in our obligation not to pay it. Hannah’s mercy was an answer to prayer, what we win by prayer we must wear with thanksgiving and praise. But also notice her prayer was mental, private and unheard in the Lord, but in her thanksgiving spoke with a “mouth enlarged” that all may hear her testimony to the Lord’s great mercy and goodness. Her supplication even with groanings was not uttered, but now her lips were opened to show forth hope and encouragement for those who are weaker or slack to attend the throne of grace with proper worthy praise (Psa 107). Gratitude must be more than a feeling, God wants us to show it forth by giving thanks and praise to the Lord with our lives.

Before you can dance in the rain, you must learn to praise Him in the storm!

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

“ARISE, SHINE; for thy light is come, and glory of the Lord is risen upon thee.” Isa 60:1

Isaiah’s reference to the light was a vision of Christ and the gospel (Isa 58:8; 10 & 9:2); that delivers a soul from its darkness. Isaiah’s encouragement is just as called for today and even more so with the fulfillment of Christ. Man was not made to mourn; he was made to rejoice in the Lord. The worlds view calls one to sit in the midst of life’s joys, looking for the coming sorrow; Christianity empowers the believer to arise and shine in the midst of the world’s sorrows, foreseeing the coming joy.  Understand that happiness is not found in perfection, but in the ability to look beyond the imperfections. Don’t live in the shadows of yesterday, walk in the light of today and its promised hope of tomorrow; not for the purpose of everyone hearing you say you’re a Christian, but rather for everyone to see Christ SHINE in you.

It’s not happy people who are thankful, its thankful people who are happy!

HSAY… Todd

Daily Wisdom

“…for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” Neh 8:10

If you expect the world to be fair with you because you are fair, you’re fooling yourself.  That’s like expecting a lion not to eat you because you didn’t eat him.  Your joy and peace in life will never accurately be determined by what’s happening around you, but rather what’s happening inside of you.  Unfortunately too many depend on happenings in life for their joy, but the truth is joy originates from within the soul and manifest itself on life around them.  Don’t let your focus be on how good or bad you feel life is; wake up each day thankful for the blessing of life itself, knowing someone else is desperately fighting for theirs.  Life becomes joyful for those who find their joy in the strength of the God, no matter what’s happening around them. Billy Sunday said: If you have no joy, there’s a leak in your Christianity somewhere.”  It’s not found in the absence of suffering, but in the presence of God.  Don’t sit and what for joy to arrive; you must choose joy and keep choosing it everyday, that’s where your strength is.

One who has a heart full of thankfulness will have a soul full of joy!

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in the do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.” Psa 143:8

 David seeks to hear God’s pleasure in him; overcoming a night of discouragement his hope is to awaken in the assurance of God’s love and enlightened to His will and direction for him. David was not seeking comfort in his walk, but wisdom in the right direction.  The only thing new with each morning is your opportunity to live in the love God which is never new, but everlasting. Declare each morning the praises of God (Psa 59:16), asking Him to enlighten your mind with truth; inflame your heart with His love; inspire your will with courage; enrich your life with faith and servitude; pardon what you’ve been; sanctify what you have. Don’t start your day picking up the broken pieces of yesterday, live in the promises God has for you today; He has a key for every problem, a light for every shadow, relief for every sorrow and a plan for the day!

You must learn to live in your promised hope, not out of your forgiven past

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Behold I am pressed under you…” Amos 2:13

We often need to be reminded of the mercies we receive by the hand of God.  The Lord complains of sins from His profession children, as a burden unto Him.  Through God’s long-suffering may appear to be tried, His power will not.  When man rejects God’s word, and adds apathy to his sin as a general character, he will be given up to misery. Spiritual apathy is the doorway in which evil enters into the heart of man; it’s the last virtue of a dying society. Apathy towards God cheapens His grace in the minds of man, and allows them to become tolerant towards self will and desires. Opposition is not the greatest threat to man’s faith and obedience in God; it’s his apathetic approach that destroys him, and burden’s God. May we then humble ourselves before the Lord, for all our ingratitude and unfaithfulness towards Him!

Apathy is all that is need for things to continue as they are! (How’s that working out for us?)  

HSAY…Todd 

Daily Wisdom

“If I be wicked, woe unto me; and if I be righteous, yet will I not lift my head. I am full of confusion; and again thou shewest thyself marvelous upon me.” Job 10:15 & 16b

We know God is not the author of confusion (1 Cor 14:33); Job’s confusion is the work of satan.  In either state, wicked (woe unto me) or righteous (I will not lift my head), Job knew the place of humility before God. Our Creator will not allow the works from the hands of the humble to be destroyed, but will renew them in holiness (Jas 4:10; 1 Pt 5:6). It can be strange how in a moment we can lose sight of Heaven, and suddenly find ourselves groveling in confusion at life, and yet come to realize God shows Himself wonderful still. Confusion is only a doorway in which wisdom travels through; but, until God shows you the door, praise Him in the hallway!  

Those who leave everything is God’s hand, will see God’s hand in everything!

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me.” Job 3:25

One overcomes their fear only when they begin to walk in it.  Job’s first reaction was to regret the day he was born, that without it he could’ve avoided his greatest fear. He had been careful not to worship material possessions but to worship God alone. Here he was overwhelmed by calamities that mocked his caution, and he complained about trials that came despite his right living. All the principles by which he had lived were crumbling, and Job began to lose his perspective. Trials and grief, whether temporary or enduring, do not destroy the real purpose of life. Life is not given merely for happiness and personal fulfillment but for us to serve and honor God. The worth and meaning of life is not based on what we feel but on the one reality no one can take away—God's love for us. Grace teaches us in the midst of life's greatest comforts, to be willing to die, and in the midst of its greatest crosses, to be willing to live. Let it be our care to be ready for another world and leave it to God’s care when He’s just to call us home.   

Don’t think of that which you did not get after praying; think of the countless blessings He gave you without praying!

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdsom

“O my people, what have I done unto thee? And wherein have I wearied thee? Testify against me.” Micah 6:3

“O my people” – these tender words are repeated again in vs 5; within are contained a volume of reproof.  He claims, we are by His creation, providence, deliverance, love, guardianship, miracles and grace His children; such things He has done for us; what do we have against Him? His commandments are not grievous (1 Jn 5:3). Isaiah paints a heavy picture that is often our relationship with God, wherein we impose our expectations in lieu of His will.  Exerts from Isa 43:22-24 “But thou hast called unto me, but thou hast been weary of me; I have not caused thee to serve with an offering; thou hast brought me nothing; but thou hast made me to serve with thy sins, thou hast wearied me with thine iniquities.” We must be every so quick and consistent to bring into subjection a heart of humility and reason with ourselves, remembering God’s favor and mercy (vs 5) and compare them with our unworthy and ungrateful conduct towards Him. Such a question should be fearful to come about; “where have I wearied thee?” God sends no one away hunger, except those who are full of themselves.

“Humility is not thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.”

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom

“Now also many nations are gathered against thee, that say, let her be defiled…But they know not the thoughts of the Lord, neither understand they his counsel…” Micah 4:11 & 12

Israel found itself in the pains of oppression and suffering from Babylon, as a women travailing in child birth (vs 9).  Yet God encourage them to go forth in their labor assuring them they would be delivered and the Lord will redeem.  The beauty of birth is in great contrast to the pain of the delivery.  While at times it seems the process that brings forth new beginning is more than you can endure, remember whom the Great Physician is who will bring you through it.  Keep in mind as well; Christ endured great pain and travail that promised you opportunity for a new and eternal life. “For thou hast delivered my soul from death; wilt thou deliver my feet from falling…” Psa 56:13   Often the lack of sacrifice invested lessons the appreciation for what is brought forth. Ask a mother if their sacrifice and travail was worth it and she’ll point out that the blessings are greater than the pain. Likewise, what we suffer through now is of contrast to the glory He will reveal to us later (Rom 8:18). 

The Lord will not allow pain without something new to be birthed (Isa 66:9)

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

“For mine eyes have seen thy salvation.” Lk 2:30

The greatest gift man will ever come to obtain is when he realizes the great love Christ has for him!  Simeon and Anna, both of these godly saints recognized such a gift when they encountered Jesus in the temple and was able to identify Him as the Messiah.  We don't know how surprised he was to discover the Savior as a baby in Mary's arms, but we do know that he recognized Jesus and gave God praise for his faithfulness (vs28). When Simeon saw the baby, he considered his life complete (vs 30).  Such fullness and completeness of life can only come with the understanding of Christ eternal love for you.  Nothing else will ever be obtained or accomplished that will measure in worth. By exercising their faithful anticipation of God’s promise, they didn’t miss the opportunity to acknowledge Christ love for them.  Don’t become spiritually blinded in recognizing the same promise, if so life will never find its fullness and worth elsewhere.

Unfortunately what we are prone to see depends mainly on what we are looking for!

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Humbleness

“And he did that which was right in the sight of the Lord... But when he was strong, his heart was lifted up to his destruction…”  2 Chro  26:4 & 16

Uzziah was a remarkably successful king. His achievements brought him fame. He was successful in war and peace, in planning and execution, in building and planting.  He did so many things well that a consuming pride gradually invaded his life like the leprous disease that finally destroyed his body.  We are never closer to failure than during our greatest successes; if we fail to recognize God's part in our achievements in life.  Uzziah's pride was rooted in his lack of thankfulness. We have no accounts of this king ever showing appreciation to God for the marvelous gifts he received.  And though he reigned for 52 years, with many accomplishments, it ultimately lead to a life of ungratefulness and pride (Pro 16:18) and his death.

The passing of pride is in one’s gratefulness in God.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Grateful Guidance

“And David said to Abigail; blessed be the Lord of Israel, which sent thee this day to meet me. And blessed be the advice, and blessed be thou, which hast kept me this day from coming to shed blood, and from avenging myself with mine own hand.”  1 Sam 25:32-33

Abigail, by her own bequest, sought David’s mercy towards her husband for unworthy railing against him and his men. By her swift action, she kept David from taking vengeance upon her husband, Nabal.  She saw the big picture and left plenty of room for God to get involved and prevented David from future grief (vs 31).  Whoever meets us with wise counsel, direction, comfort, caution, or seasonable reproof, we must see God sending them. We ought to be very thankful for those providences which are the means of keeping us from future grief. Most people think it enough, if they take reproof patiently; but few will take it thankfully.  Like Abigail, look beyond the present crisis to the big picture and reflect, don’t react, with Godly wisdom to promote peace and prudence.

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Prosperity

“They said one to another, we do not well: this day is a day of good tidings and we hold our peace…” 2 Kings7:9

Prosperity seldom strengthens the spirit as much as adversity does; in adversity we see our need for God while prosperity blurs our vision.  Often one man’s blessing is another man’s prayer.  That which blesses and enriches you can have just or even greater tidings on those around you.  Every good and perfect gift from God (James 1:17) comes with great stewardship on our part. One must be cautious not to become so preoccupied with one’s own faith they neglect sharing it with those around them. Like that of the lepers, our good news, cannot wait until morning. What one prays for in earnest and receives should be as intense to pay forward as a testimony and witness to God’s goodness.

“Watch lest prosperity destroys generosity.”

HSAY…Todd

Daily Wisdom...Motive

“The heads thereof judge for reward, priests teach for hire, prophets thereof divine for money…” Mic 3:11

As Christians, instead of exploiting our relationship with God for blessings of gain, we are to serve Him out of gratitude.  In the fulfillment of your servitude, let your intentions be so pure that you reject from your actions any other motive than the Glory of God (1 Chro 29:9-14) and the Gospel of Christ (1 Cor 15:1-5). Too often the desired results of benevolence are flawed being tainted with vanity and motive; rather the Glory of God should be the consequences of our acts not from a manufactured motive.

Often the case, take away the motive and sin leaves with it!

HSAY…Todd