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Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.
(John 4:14) |
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And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb (Rev 22:1) |
For His Glory!
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The Need for Wisdom How has life been treating you? Are you faced with pressures? Is it a struggle to make ends meet? Do people often misunderstand your intentions? Are you making headway in life or do things seem at a standstill? Do your efforts seem fruitless and meaningless? Can you count it a joy when you face various trials? It maybe there is a need for wisdom that can help you make sense out of life’s issues. In a recent Bible study we were going through the book of James and in my personal study I was reading through Proverbs. At this point I realized how much James had to say about wisdom. Wisdom (Webster): The trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight Accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment Ability to apply knowledge or experience or understanding or common sense and insight James helps us identify two kinds of wisdom, one good and one not so good: Jas 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.Jas 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.As in Luke 21:15 Yeshua says: "for I will give you utterance and wisdom <4678> which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute." (NAS unless noted)Strong’s #4678 (sofia) properly wisdom. It denotes mental excellence in the highest and fullest sense, expressing an attitude as well as an act of the mind. It comprehends knowledge and implies goodness, including the striving after the highest ends, as well as the using of the best means for their attainment. It is never ascribed to anyone but God and good men, except in a plainly ironical sense.James 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.James is showing us that wisdom is something we act upon. To have wisdom means you are doing or using it. It is being exhibited in measurable ways. Of course we want to be exhibiting the wisdom from above. If you will note most of the Scriptures about wisdom and the wise will be expressed in or for some type of action. This is the introduction to an article " The Need for Wisdom" that gives much more detail about pure, peaceable wisdom.In the Epistle of James we see wisdom comes in the form of the earthy and the heavenly; which is mostly to do with motives. And the not so good wisdom: 1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God.**** Of course the Proverbs are addressing the call to wisdom or to be wise. Especially chapter 10 gives a contrast between the wise and the wicked. In short the wise are righteous and the wicked are unrighteous. The wicked share the un flattering name of fool, lazy, negligent - in general the Book of Proverbs is a running comparison between these two opposing groups. Prov 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.So the question is, "Why would you want this wisdom from above?" 2Tim 3:15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.Prov 8:11 "For wisdom is better than jewels; And all desirable things cannot compare with her.Eccl 2:13 And I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness.Eccl 2:26 For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God's sight. This too is vanity and striving after wind.Eccl 7:12 For wisdom is protection just as money is protection. But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.Eccl 8:1 Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man's wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam.**** YHVH grant us the wisdom we need to actively apply Your word to our lives and serve others to Your Honor. |
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Some Proverbs About Wisdom Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise,Proverbs 10:14 Wise men store up knowledge, …Proverbs 12:15 … a wise man is he who listens to counsel.Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with wise men will be wise…Proverbs 14:16 A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil…Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.Proverbs 19:20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days.**** From the Eternal One comes wisdom - we humbly ask for His insight in all of life’s issues. |
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"As human beings we are endowed with freedom of choice, and we cannot shuffle off our responsibilities upon the shoulders of God or nature. We must shoulder it ourselves. It is upon us." Arnold J. Toynbee This is why Scripture encourages us to be wise in our pursuit of life in the family of our Creator. Colossians 1:9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,James 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.**** Almighty Elohim, we need to be wise to shoulder the responsibilities of life - Thus we need Your wisdom. |
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In our pursuit of humility: (Lessons from humility and happiness) "The danger of pride is greater and nearer than we think, and especially at the time of our greatest experiences. The preacher of spiritual truth with an admiring congregation hanging on his every word, the gifted speaker of a holiness convention expounding the secrets of the heavenly life, the Christian giving testimony to a blessed experience-no man knows the hidden, unconscious danger to which these are exposed. Paul was in danger without knowing it? What Jesus did for him is written for our admonition, that we may know our danger and know our only safety. If ever it has been said of the teacher or professor of holiness: he is so full of self; or he does not practice what he preaches; or his blessing has not made him humbler or gentler-let it be said no more. Jesus, in whom we trust, can make us humble." Andrew Murray **** The lessons of life should teach us that humility is the path to wisdom: "Humility is the first chapter in the book of wisdom." Thomas Jefferson James 1:21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.James 4:6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.**** Father, let us not be haughty, or high minded for You have shown us a better way (Micah 6:8). |
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Understanding the precepts of prayer. Coming to Elohim in humility and seeking His help acknowledges our need for His direction and His wisdom. Ps 86:1 Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy.Ps 86:6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; And give heed to the voice of my supplications!Ps 88:2 Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry!Ps 88:13 But I, O LORD, have cried out to You for help, And in the morning my prayer comes before You.**** YHVH, when we acknowledge our needs and humbly seek, You will hear and respond - Blessed be Your name. |
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How does God feel about issues we face today? Source of Wisdom Have you ever heard someone who just solved a problem say that the answer just came to them? Have you ever had the same experience yourself? The concept of an idea coming to you is true, and everything that comes to you must come from somewhere. Are you aware of how many ideas you get from God? Just as He sends the sun and the rain on the just and on the unjust, so He also give hints and direction to everyone, even those who are far from Him, for they need His assistance to survive. How much more should God’s own sheep seek His counsel directly, and recognize the good ideas He gives them, for they know His voice. Ideas are visions of potential reality. If they are from God they will be expressions of Godly wisdom. If any man lack wisdom, let him ask God, and He will give it to him freely. Though His voice to you may come to you as a gentle prompting, if you follow it you will be obeying Him and walking in His will. Do you need good ideas? Ask God for them and you shall have them. Acknowledge what He gives you and follow where He leads. Do this consistently and you will be led by the Spirit. (Adopted from a blog post by Dale Cresap) I will get my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. (Job 36:3)But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him. (Jas 1:5)Material in this section is based on various prayer diaries. |
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Did you know there was a female G.I. Joe nurse in 1967? Sales were so poor that Hasbro retired her after a year. Did you know Arthur Murray quit his job at an architect’s office to take lessons with famed ballroom dancers Vernon and Irene Castle? By 1965, Murray owned 350 franchised dance studios. He was immortalized in the song "Arthur Murray Taught Me Dancing in a Hurry." Did you know that 1907 was the year Hershey’s kisses debuted? To the delight of chocolate lovers everywhere? Did you know that though they were beloved in Britain in 1963, the Beatles couldn’t get a record deal in the United States? All that changed when Ed Sullivan experienced the insanity surrounding the Band’s arrival at Heathrow Airport that fall. He returned to the states determined to book the band for his show. Did you know in 1973 OPEC’s embargo raised the cost of oil shipments to the U.S. from $3 per barrel to $12, sparking an energy crisis. Fuel prices spiked, and politicians encouraged gas stations to close on Sundays. |
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A lovely maiden chosen queen. And all her people blessed her; She saved their lives by risking hers. They called her good Queen _________. (If need be see end of MEM for answer) |
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A Senior Moment Sitting on the side of the road waiting to catch speeding drivers, a Massachusetts state trooper sees a car puttering along at 24 mph. He thinks to himself, "This driver is as dangerous as a speeder!" So he turns on his lights and pulls the driver over. |
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A PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION - A bill of NON-RIGHTS The following has been attributed to Lewis Napper, Jackson, Mississippi, a computer programmer. He didn't expect his essay -- a tart 11-point list of "rights" that Americans don't have -- to become an Internet legend."We, the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common-sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional. We hold these truths to be self-evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights. ARTICLE I: ARTICLE II: ARTICLE III: ARTICLE IV: ARTICLE V: ARTICLE VI: ARTICLE VII: ARTICLE VIII: ARTICLE IX: ARTICLE X: ARTICLE XI: If you agree, share this with a friend. No, you don't have to, and nothing tragic will befall you if you don't. I just think it's about time common sense is allowed to flourish. Sensible people of the United States must speak out because if you do not, who will? |
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Scribbles Michael Boldea Jr. (edited) "The church is dying. For far too long it has been on life support but even with the artificial devices pumping air into its lungs, it is beginning to look and smell like the ambulatory corpse it has become. We talked ourselves into believing compromise was a viable option and that is where we stepped off the path. The more compromises we allowed in our lives, in our families, in our churches and in our pulpits, the more the world seemed to love us and embrace us and fawn over us. We reveled in the world’s fawning. We reveled in the world’s acceptance, disinterested and indifferent as to whether or not God was likewise accepting of us. We preferred the world over the God we purported to serve, and that was mistake number two. The third mistake we made, a mistake which came on the heels of the first and second, is believing that once compromise with sin and the world began, it could somehow be stopped. The thought that we can dictate terms to God and have Him bend His will to suit our own seems to have enveloped young and old alike, from every denomination, and every corner of the earth. We think that if we throw a big enough tantrum, if we throw a big enough hissy fit, then God will go back on His word and no longer call sin what it is. It is our compromises that have weakened us. It is our compromises that have brought us to the edge of the abyss, because with every compromise we made we took yet another step farther from truth and the will of God. Because of our fallen state, because of the compromise coursing through our veins, because it has been so long since we’ve contemplated the very notion of obedience and submission that we’ve forgotten what they mean, we comfort each other with the illusion that if enough of us deem something as lawful and just, God will have no choice but to acquiesce. God will not be bullied, pressured, or harassed into changing His will, especially when that which is asked of Him contradicts His very nature, a nature rooted in holiness and righteousness. It isn’t one large wound that has become the death of us, it is a thousand little ones. A thousand little compromises causing us to bleed out and grow anemic, and wandering about in a daze asking ourselves where it all went wrong. The sifting is upon us. Soon, sooner than some would like to believe, brother will turn against brother, mother against daughter, and father against son, because the Word of God has a way of coming to pass when we least expect it. The shaking must come, the separation must take place, because the tares are choking out the wheat, and soon there will be no life left to speak of. One thing few realize is that the wheat and the tares were growing in the same field, side by side, in the same soil. It’s not the world that’s choking off the church, it is the pretend Christians within the church, the compromised, duplicitous, hypocritical, self-serving souls paying God lip service who are choking off the true believers at the great glee and merriment of the world and the devil alike. 1Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?With love in Christ Michael Boldea Jr. www handofhelp.com |
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No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks From the weeds of our mistakes grow the fruits of wisdom and good judgment The values we leave in our children are more important than the valuables we leave to them We don’t quit playing because we grow old-we grow old because we quit playing Friendship is the only cement that will hold the world together |
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Where Does God Live? According to the verse quoted, humility is an essential ingredient in experiencing a right relationship with God. By Alan Gilman *(This document may be edited for length) |
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Psalm 91:9-11 For you have made the LORD, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways.Be wise - Make YHVH your refuge - Your dwelling place - then you may be confident in these promises.**** Blessed be YHVH (Genesis 14:20 And blessed be God Most High…) |
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Hosea 14:9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them…James 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. |
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1. He drove them from the temple with a whip - John 2:14-15 2. Paul 3. Philippi - Acts 16:12, 29-30 4. Through the blood of Yeshua (Jesus) - Ephesians 1:7 5. Seventeen - Genesis 37:2, 28 6. King Saul - 1 Chronicles 10:1-5 7. Cornelius - Acts 10:30 Simple Quiz answer - "Esther" |