Sunday Words of Encouragement September 27, 2020

Hubby and I prepared for worship this morning by starting with worship at one online service and continuing a half hour later with our home church worship. Our senior pastor was still out sick this morning so our new youth pastor gave the message. He continued with God’s Promises series speaking on “God’s Promise of Wisdom”.

Some people say that wisdom is the same as intelligence but this isn’t true. Intelligence is defined as “the ability to acquire and apply knowledge and skills”.
Wisdom is defined as “the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment; the quality of being wise”.

Even Jesus had to grow in wisdom as indicated by Luke 2:52.

We can learn from elders or ignore their advice and learn through failure.
Solomon, who was given the gift of wisdom by God, speaks of wisdom throughout the Proverbs. He reminds his sons that the Lord gives wisdom, not to forsake his teachings, and they should seek and treasure wisdom which is more precious than silver or gold. Proverbs all of Chapter 2 and Chapter 3. He instructs them to get wisdom and get insight. Proverbs 4:5-9.

James 1:5 says that if anyone lacks wisdom they should ask God who will give generously.

The Point: God is ready to give us wisdom. Be ready to receive and apply it!

It is okay to seek wisdom from others, but you must make sure your source is well grounded in scripture and then pray and make sure you listen to God for his direction.

Continue to grow in wisdom by reading the Bible, being in prayer, and listening to God.
Don't rely on your own intelligence but rely on God's wisdom every step.

I chose this song video for today:

Verses for Today:
Proverbs 2:1-6 (NIV)
Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding—
3 indeed, if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the Lord
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.


Lord, I pray that You will provide me wisdom for all times and aspects of my life.

 

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 12, 2014

Pastor’s sermon this morning was to help us as we move into the New Year. He noted that we need to learn to control three things: thought, heart and tongue. He asked: “What do you think about?” He pointed out that we make choices based upon our thinking. Are we thinking and choosing negatives or positives? What we think on tends to gather space in our hearts... we harvest what we think and the good or evil overflows from our heart. Luke 6:45 and Proverbs 4:23.

We must also guard our tongue as we interact with others. He provided this wonderful quote shared by Margaret Thatcher (although not originating from her):

Watch your thoughts, for they become words.
Watch your words, for they become actions.
Watch your actions, for they become habits.
Watch your habits, for they become your character.
And watch your character, for it becomes your destiny.
What we think, we become.
My father always said that.

Our thoughts, heart and tongue contribute to our attitude. The next admonition is “Do not be judgmental.” Not to say there is not judgment because there is judgment to distinguish truth from falsehood. But when it comes to opinions or personal preferences, (does the roll of toilet paper go over or under?) we should not judge differing opinions as ‘wrong’ or stupid. It is more important to be watchful of our own behaviors and to live by an example that shows the love and joy of God through our lives.

I thought of this wonderful hymn to share.

Then I found this video designated as a prayer for the New Year - how appropriate!

Verses for Today:
Proverbs 4:23-24, 26 (NIV)
23 Above all else, guard your heart,
    for everything you do flows from it.
24 Keep your mouth free of perversity;
    keep corrupt talk far from your lips.
26 Give careful thought to the paths for your feet
    and be steadfast in all your ways.


I give thanks for extra prayers and support shown to me during prayer time this morning. I also appreciate the sermon that encourages me to stay in the Word, to allow it to fill my heart and direct my attitude in all things.

Sunday Words of Encouragement January 16, 2011

We have our new puppy and are on the way home - I'll post pictures later this week. We decided to stop at my sister's again to break up the 9-10 hour drive so I am taking a few minutes to make a Sunday post.

This song seems appropriate for a new year.

A Verse for Today:

Philippians 3:13

...forgetting these things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before.

I give thanks this weekend for save travels and for allowing us to find a sweet puppy to sooth our loss.