Wisdom

February 9

Exodus 23-24

Psalm 19:7-14

Proverbs 4:20-22

Matthew 24:36-51

Wisdom

“The law of the Lord is perfect, refreshing the soul.  The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple.  The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart.  The commands of the Lord are radiant, giving light to the eyes.  The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever.  The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous.  They are more precious than gold, than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey, than honey from the honeycomb.  By them your servant is warned; in keeping them there is great reward.”  Psalm 19:7-11 NIV

God’s Word is our guidebook, our instruction manual if you will.  I really like instructions.  I am very organized and methodical so if you give me step-by-step directions, I can usually figure them out.  I don’t skip ahead past the instructions I think I already know.  I follow them precisely.  This sometimes takes longer, but in the end, it is done right. Often, God’s instructions to us are difficult.  He rarely lets us take short cuts.  He doesn’t let us skip over the parts we think are unnecessary.  The process is just as important as the result.  By following His statutes and commands, He is molding us into the person He wants us to be.  He is shaping us and teaching us to trust Him and to obey Him. 

As Christians, we have the benefit of the Word of God to guide our way.  The Old Testament believers had the scriptures to follow as well.  But we also have the Holy Spirit, who lives within us to lead and guide us.  “But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” John 14:26 (NIV) We have God’s Word and the Holy Spirit with us continually to lead and guide us through any situation we may face.  So often, unfortunately we do not take the time to read the manual.  We rush ahead thinking we know what we are doing, and we find ourselves in a mess.  We need to be in the Word daily and we need to be constantly listening to that still small voice.  “Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, ‘This is the way; walk in it.’”  Isaiah 30:21 (NIV) He rarely shouts to get our attention.  We have to seek Him and slow down long enough to listen for the answer.