Life Enjoyed

“It’s not what happens to you in life that matters… it’s how you handle it that determines your character.” -Chuck Colson

Wisdom is living by preparing to die.

Enjoying life

is not wasteful.

Finding joy

in the little things

is to live

life on purpose.

Practicing joy

leads to

wonder

in the grand,

awe

in the miniscule.

Fighting for joy

creates a heart

of worship,

a mind continually

renewed in what is

good, beautiful and true.

God is the Giver of all

good things.

Be a gracious

receiver

with eyes wide open

to the thousands of blessings

poured upon you

every day.

Take joy

by giving back

a grateful heart.

Live for joy

because this is

God’s good design

for His chosen people.

It is wisdom lived out.

“The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever.” -Westminster Shorter Catechism

Guard Wisdom

Proverbs 4:20-27; Matthew 16:1-12

 

Jesus warns His disciples from the false teachings of the Pharisees and Sadducees. They have no wisdom but are like the blind leading the blind. Likewise, in Proverbs the son is instructed to heed his father’s words. It will save his life because the father’s counsel is wise.

Acting in wisdom helps us make better choices, big and small. From choosing a spouse, where to worship, to how many pieces of chocolate one should have at once. Wisdom covers all of life.

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Pursuing wisdom, guarding the wisdom we’ve been given, and applying it, is what is meant to persevere as a saint. This is what living in truth looks like. How can we do this? Not in our own strength. True wisdom comes with humility and a teachable spirit. The Holy Spirit then teaches and guides us.

If God is wisdom, then believers must learn to trust Him in every aspect of life. He reveals His character and will to us through Scripture. Guard the truth you know by walking in it, setting your feet on the straight path not swerving to the right or left.

 

Grace upon grace,

April

Wisdom

Read Genesis 18:16-19:38; Psalm 8; Proverbs 2:6-15; Matthew 6:25-7:14

We read of man’s wickedness in Sodom and Gomorrah from Genesis. God’s wrath is on the unrepentant and this serves as a warning for those continuing in rebellion- God’s judgment is sure.

Then Psalm 8 describes the Lord’s majestic character. Such a contrast to the depravity of man and ugliness of sin! Sin kills, God gives life. The Lord revives, our sin is soul crushing.

What is the answer in pursuing the Lord, imitating Him rather than follow the ways of the world? Wisdom. The Proverbs passage speaks of wisdom for the way of the righteous. Relying on God’s wisdom provides the proper way to view all of life. We learn to trust Him with our circumstances. God gives us a right view of ourselves as we relate to others and Him. Our prayer life matures. Seeking wisdom is how you will grow in deeper fellowship with Jesus. He is Wisdom. 

Grace upon grace,

April