A Song for Children of Israel

Now therefore, write down this song for yourselves, and teach it to the children of Israel; put it in their mouths, that this song may be a witness for Me against the children of Israel. Deuteronomy 31:19 NKJV

God gave Moses a song to teach the children of Israel so they would be reminded of their depravity and God’s greatness.   Read Deuteronomy 32:1-12 .

It starts by saying heaven and earth shall listen and hear.  It describes this teaching is the nourishment we need to grow.  Next it outlines some of the things that make God great:

• He is the Rock
• His work is perfect
• His ways are justice
• A God of truth
• He is righteous and upright

The focus shifts away from God and turns to the people.  What does it say about the people?

• They corrupted themselves.
• They are blemished
• They are perverse and crooked.
• They are foolish and unwise.

The songs turns back to God, admonishing the people to consider history.  Ask your father and ask your elders what God did in the past.  The rest of the verses up to verse 12 outline all God did for the children of Israel.

• He found him in a desert land.
• He encircled him.
• He instructed him.
• He kept him as the apple of His eye.
• The Lord alone led him.

To see the greatness of God, we need to see our own perverseness.  Let’s review a few definitions:

• Corrupt: to change from good to bad in morals, manners, or actions. Morally degenerate and perverted; Depraved, putrid, tainted, to become rotten or spoiled.

• Crooked: not straight, dishonest.

• Perverse: turned away from what is right or good; corrupt.  Obstinate in opposing what is right, reasonable or acceptable; wrongheaded.

Do these definitions help us see our stubbornness toward God?  The preceding verses highlighted God and His abilities.  God’s ways are perfect. He is truth.  He is righteous and upright.  God is all that and more.  Yet, we are obstinate in opposing what is right.  We stubbornly choose to continue in our self-sufficiency, in the strength of our determination or willpower.  A day is coming when we discover we cannot carry on in our power any longer.  We grow weary and burdened from our self-inflicted march leading to hopelessness and despair.

But God is patient.  He waits for us to come to our senses.  He has given us everything we need to live a godly life filled with abundance by His grace.  God uses everything to work out His perfect plan.  Oddly enough our poor decisions play a key role, for some need to live apart from God in order to know more fully the mercy and grace He offers when they are read to receive it.

If you had a deadly but treatable disease, would you not take advantage of medical treatments to cure the disease?

The Bible tells us we all are infected with a deadly disease called sin.  The wages of sin is death.  But the good news is there’s a free cure – Jesus Christ.  For the gift of God is eternal life in Jesus Christ.  For those our sins may be as scarlet, He washes them white as snow.  He removes our sin as far as the East is from the West.  He remembers our sin no more.  Jesus died to pay for our sin, so we wouldn’t have to.  That’s how much He loves us!

How do I receive this cure?

Believe Jesus died for your sins that God raised Him from the dead and confess with your mouth Jesus is Lord and you will be saved.

Pray something like….

Dear God, I know now I am a sinner. Jesus died in my place to pay for my sins.  As you raised Him from the dead, raise me to a new life in you.  Jesus is Lord. In His name I pray. Amen.

Believe you have received and you shall have eternal life.  If you prayed that prayer from your heart, welcome to the family of God.  You have just passed from death to life. Congratulations!

Don’t stop there. Continue to read God’s word to learn more about your Savior and His plan for you.

Lord God Almighty, you love us with an everlasting and unchangeable love.  Thank you for your willingness to make a way for us to know you.  Thank you for dying in our place so we could be made alive in you.  Thank you for your teaching to guide in how we should live.  Continue your good work in us until it complete on the day Christ returns.  In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.

©Elizabeth Marks has led small group Bible studies for almost a decade.  Author of ThinkOnItBibleDevotions.com and BeingWomenOfInfluence.com websites she has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.

Fear of the Lord

  

…And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied. Acts 9:31 NKJV

 

Proverbs 1:7 NJKV says “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…” but knowledge of what?  Well, perhaps it is knowledge that life is not all about us, but rather all about God and His purpose.  It’s about focusing on God’s plans instead of our own self-centered plans.  Fear of the Lord is about having the proper view of God, who is the One really in control.  Everything exists because of Him and He sustains it all (John 1:3).   Fear of the Lord is about being reverent and respectful of God’s sovereignty and His right to rule.  It is a demonstrated respect for God through our obedience to His ways.

 

Walking in the fear of the Lord implies action on our part.  Once we begin to understand who God is and our own fallen nature, our life changes.  We are not sitting, standing, or laying down but walking, always moving, learning, reaching for more of the Lord, His Will and His Word.  When we act on what we’ve learned as James 1:5 says about becoming “doers of the word”, it is followed by the comfort of the Holy Spirit.

 

The comfort of the Holy Spirit is something quite extraordinary.  What brings comfort? Certainty, security, confidence, assurance and peace all provide a measure of comfort.  The Holy Spirit provides these as He confirms our spirit with His in us.  He guides us in all truth, so as more truth is revealed the more certain we are in our faith (John 16:13).  As He brings to remembrance all things Jesus taught our confidence increases because we know the right words will be spoken in every situation (John 14:26).  When we are steadfast in the Lord we have peace and comfort from the Holy Spirit which tells us we’re on the right path (Isaiah 26:3).

 

The result of walking in the fear of the Lord and in comfort of the Holy Spirit is God’s glorious purpose is fulfilled.  God doesn’t want a single person to perish, but all to come to Christ and be saved (Matthew 18:14).  As we are obedient, the brighter His light shines out through us.  We are the light of the world Jesus told us in Matthew 5:14.  His work in and through us will cause others to come to Him.  This is how the church, the body of Christ is multiplied.

  

Lord thank you for your word and your Holy Spirit in us leading us in all truth.  Enable us to be doers of the word that your light will shine forth from us and cause many to come and be saved.  In Jesus’ name Amen.  

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Getting our Attention

 

Read Acts 9.

 

God has ways of getting our attention.  With Saul of Tarsus, God literally knocked Saul off his horse and blinded him. Sometimes God allows sickness or other physical ailments to get us to slow down.  Maybe we have been doing too much and need a reminder to do only what the Lord wills. Other times God might use a loss of a job to get our attention. 

 

The question is are we paying attention?  Are we reading the signs God’s placed in our lives? 

 

The Lord doesn’t just get our attention and leave us wondering.  He is specific with us.  Look at how He interacts with Saul in Acts 9:6 “Arise and go into the city, and you will be told what you must do.”  I find that very comforting.  Imagine you were just struck blind.  I’m sure our mind would be racing thinking all sorts of things: how will I provide for my family, how can I care for myself, who will help me, how do I get things done, etc.   Though we may not be afflicted in same way as Saul, the Lord still wants us to listen for what we must do and be confident He will lead us. 

 

During the days Saul had no sight, I’m sure he spent plenty of time praying.  He was probably reassessing his life wondering what he did wrong to deserve this affliction. Isn’t that just like us?  When something goes “wrong” we think we must have done something to cause it.  I’m sure that’s the case sometimes like when we have to reap the consequences for our sin.  There are plenty of other situations that are not caused by us but rather used for God to develop His image in us.  Maybe we need to learn patience or perseverance or faith.  Circumstances can help us develop godly character traits.

 

In Acts 9:9 it says Saul went without food or drink for the entire three days.  The Bible doesn’t tell us why.  We could speculate many reasons.  Perhaps he meant his denial of food as a fast to help increase he chances of his prayers being heard.  Maybe he was so consumed with his predicament he just couldn’t eat.  Here’s a stretch, maybe he was fearful that someone who try to poison him in his weakened state.  After all he was persecuting the Christians in that day.  We don’t know why he didn’t eat or drink in all that time.  But we do know God was using those days to radically change Saul’s life. 

 

Is God trying to get your attention?  Listen.  He will tell you what you must do.  Isaiah 26:3 says of God: “You will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” Also in Isaiah 30:15 “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” It’s time for us to follow the advice of Psalm 46:10:  “Be still and know I am God.”   Lastly, we’ll end with Proverbs 3:5-6 “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”

 

Lord thank you that all things work together for good for those who love you and are called according to your purposes.  Help us recognize when you are trying to get our attention.  Enable us to listen for your clear direction.  Give us the courage to obey.  In Jesus’ name Amen.

  

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Mercy and Truth

 

As for Saul, he made havoc of the church, entering every house, and dragging off men and women, committing them to prison. Acts 8:3 NKJV

 

Saul knew God’s word, but it had never penetrated his heart. Anyone who did not conform to his expectation of godliness was wrong in his sight.  How often do we do the same thing?

 

Proverbs 3:3-4 NKJV says “Let not mercy and truth forsake you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart, and so find favor and high esteem in the sight of God and man.”  God is both mercy and truth.  When we embrace Him, we embrace mercy and truth. 

 

Remembering how much mercy God has shown us can help us shower others with mercy.  Instead of judging someone for their differences, we accept them and extend mercy.  As we develop a relationship with them we share God’s truth by our attitudes, actions and our words.

 

Saul, at this point, had not allowed God to change the way he thought.  He took God’s Word and attempted to apply it by his own understanding.  We error greatly when we do that.  Instead we should follow Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV, “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.”  

 

Wisdom and true understanding come from God.  When wisdom enters our heart and knowledge is pleasant to our soul, discretion will preserve us according to Proverbs 2:10.  God’s mercy towards us and empowered by His Holy Spirit, we are able to turn from our old nature of judging others and to put on our new nature which is Christ-like.

 

Granted we are not perfect yet.  We all make mistakes, like Saul did, but we don’t lose hope, for God is able to use everything for good.  Look what He did with Saul’s persecution of the church in Acts 8:4: “Therefore those who were scattered went everywhere preaching the word.”  Saul’s persecution made the believers scatter, which in turn made God’s Word reach many others.  God is so good.

 

Are you binding mercy and truth around your neck and writing them on the tablet of your heart?  Trust in Him and not in our own understanding.   It’s the best way. 

 Lord, thank you for your encouraging word.  Enable us to remember your mercy and truth.  Teach us to lean on you rather than our own understanding.  In Jesus’ name Amen.   © Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Tough Times Praise God

 

Seems like an oxymoron doesn’t it?  When tough times come and they always do, we have a choice.  We can choose to dwell in it and become angry or bitter.  Or we can choose to look to God instead by recalling all He has done, remembering His promises and keeping hope alive.

 

Now both options require work on our part.  Whichever we choose, our mind will be working.  Words and actions will follow for good or bad.  The choice is ours.

 

It’s terribly easy to allow our self to think “it’s all about me”.  We may not ever think those exact words, but when our thoughts are all about how something affects us, we are on the path leading away from God and peace. 

 

It’s much more difficult to discipline our self to remember “it’s all about God”.  Turning our thoughts away from the problem at hand, to consider all God has promised to us takes time.  We have to know His promises before we can remember them.  Reading God’s Word is where we find out about His promises.  Each one is like a nugget of gold we mine for in His Word.  Try reading Psalms 90 – 106.  There are plenty of examples on how to focus on God’s greatness during the trials of life. 

Two Corinthians 4:17-18 NKJV says “For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory,  while we do not look at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen. For the things which are seen are temporary, but the things which are not seen are eternal.”  Keeping our eyes on the eternal things helps us endure the temporary heartache and troubles of this life.

Remember we are children of God, adopted into His family when we accepted Jesus Christ’s death on the cross as payment for our sins.  God will not abandon us.  He will be with us.  He is in us.  So don’t let your current troubles weight you down.  Jesus said in Matthew 11:28-30 NKJV “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.”

Lord when we are consumed with our troubles remind us to turn to you.  In you is rest and peace when we trust in you.  Help us endure what we must, trusting you each moment.  In Jesus’ name Amen.

 

 

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Wisdom and Obedience

 A wise man hears and increases learning. Proverbs 1:5 NKJV 

What do you think of when you say the word wisdom?  Does good judgment come to mind?  What about obedience?  That’s right obedience.  Ever consider how obedience and wisdom go hand and hand?   Let’s review Proverbs 1 and 2 and conclude with first two verses of Proverbs 3.  Get out your bible and read along with me.   

Where does wisdom come from? 

According to Proverbs 2:6 it comes from God:  For the Lord gives wisdom, from His mouth come knowledge and understanding.  Therefore, with our hearts open to God, we ask Him for wisdom.  James 1:5 NKJV says “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.”

How does wisdom work?

Look at Proverbs 2:7-9 and see what the Lord does for those who seek Him, cry out for discernment, apply their heart to understanding and incline their ear to wisdom:

• He stores up wisdom for us

• He is our shield

• He guards the paths of justice

• He preserves the way of His saints

 The benefit of wisdom entering our heart is knowledge pleasant to our soul. Discretion preserves us, understanding will keep us, to deliver us away from evil (Proverbs 2:10-12). 

Wisdom tied to Obedience?

Jesus told us to be wise as serpents and harmless as doves in Matthew 10:16.  James calls us to be doers of the word (James 1:22).  Jesus said in Matthew 7:24 “Therefore whoever hears these sayings of Mine, and does them, I will liken him to a wise man who built his house on the rock.”  But this not just a New Testament teaching, no this goes back to the Old Testament as well.  Jeremiah 23:22 says “But if they had stood in My counsel, and had caused My people to hear My words, then they would have turned them from their evil way and from the evil of their doings.”   

 

Wisdom comes when we hear God’s Word and apply His truth in our life.  When we actually do what we hear, wisdom is the result.  That wisdom guards our life by the power and grace that comes from God alone. 

 

 

Got Wisdom?

My son, do not forget my law, but let your heart keep my commands; for length of days and long life and peace they will added to you. Proverbs 3:1-2 NKJV. 

 Lord Jesus, may our hearts be open to Your precious wisdom giving Word.  Enable us to not only hear but do what You have told us.  In Jesus’ name Amen.   

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Conflicts – No one wins unless handled Biblically

 

As Peacemaking Women book shared in the Biblical Peacemaking chapter, we are called to unity in Christ through the Spirit of peace.  To validate that a review of scripture reveals the following verses on unity and living at peace with others:

• Ephesians 4:1-3 “I, therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you to walk worthy of the calling with which you were called, with all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love, endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
• Philippians 2:1-3 “Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.
• Romans 12:17-19 “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.”
• Romans 15:5-7 “Now may the God of patience and comfort grant you to be like-minded toward one another, according to Christ Jesus, that you may with one mind and one mouth glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.”
• 1 Corinthians 1:9-11 “Now I plead with you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you, but that you be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

 

But conflict arises for many reasons and upsets this unity, if we allow it.  Rather than reacting too quickly in a heated emotional state, we are wise to wait and pray for discernment.  Reviewing scripture is a good place to start getting our focus back on God and His will for our lives through the conflict at hand. Seek first to have God point our anything offending in us, so we may confess our sins and remain humble.  Only when our sin is dealt with properly will we be able to humbly help others with their sin. 

 

What’s our solution to conflict?  As always, it’s found in the Word of God and prayer.  Following Jesus and the apostles’ examples of how they handled conflict, their teachings on restoring and forgiving others will show us the right way to approach conflict in our lives.

 Lord thank you for your wisdom and guidance through the pages of your blessed Word.  Thank you for your Spirit leading on the pathway of righteousness.  May we seek to be right with you before attempting to help any one else.  In Jesus name Amen.  

 

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more devotions, bible studies and a recommended book store, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

The Mouth is connected to the Heart

 

The mouth of the righteous speaks wisdom, and his tongue talks of justice. The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide. Psalm 37:30-31 NKJV

 

To speak of wisdom and justice one must have God’s Word securely hidden away in his heart.  For the things proceeding from our mouth come from the heart (Matthew 15:18).   Jesus taught us out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks (Matthew 12:34).  He also warned us we would be either justified or condemned by our words (Matthew 12:37).  Let’s face it, how many times have we said something we regretted later? 

 

Jesus knows us when he asks “How can you, being evil, speak of good things?”  The truth is we can’t speak good from our own resources because of our fallen sinful nature.  James 3:6 says the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity.  Proverbs 15:14 says “The heart of him who has understanding seeks knowledge, but the mouth of the fools feeds on foolishness.”  What are we feeding on today?

 

We need to be careful with our words.  We can use words to build others up or tear them down.  Jesus told us for every idle word spoken we will be accountable in the Day of Judgment (Matthew 12:36).  This should compel us to use words sparingly and to make sure the words we do use are pure and pleasant and pleasing to the Lord (Proverbs 15:26).

 

So far we’ve learned our sinful and foolish nature prevents us from speaking good.  How can we every speak good?  There is good news, Jesus taught us a good man out of the good treasure of his heart brings forth good things and that means we can do (Matthew 12:35).  Through Jesus Christ in us, we can be good and bring forth good things.  But we have a responsibility to store up good in the treasure of our hearts.

 

How do we do that?  We immerse our self in God’s Word.   We find ways to fill our mind with His goodness.  We read His Word daily.  We listen to His teaching whenever possible.  Maybe we start listening to Bible teaching on the radio as we get ready for work or while driving anywhere.  We memorize God’s Word, so we’ll never be with out it and so the Holy Spirit can bring it forth when we need it. 

 

We are blessed with many opportunities to receive God’s Word.  We have churches to attend, tapes/CDs to listen to when we miss church.  There’s even on-line streaming audio message of church services available.  We have books, magazines, email devotions, newsletters and of course the Bible itself.  Between radio and internet technologies we really have no excuse for not getting enough of God’s Word stored away in our hearts. 

 

Stop and consider the words we speak.  Are they words of good building others up, coming from God’s Word stored in the treasure of our heart?  Or are they evil words of envy, strife, anger, fear and selfishness pouring out of an evil treasure stored in our heart? 

 

Deuteronomy 30:15-16 NKJV says “See, I have set before you today life and good, death and evil, in that I command you today to love the LORD your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commandments, His statutes, and His judgments, that you may live and multiply; and the LORD your God will bless you in the land which you go to possess.”

Oh that you would choose life and good that come from embracing God.

 Lord thank you for your life-giving word.  Enable us to keep our mind set on you. Help us to seek you in all things and store good treasure in our hearts that our words may be helpful to the hearers.  In Jesus’ name Amen.  

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more articles, devotions and book reviews, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Idolatry Stands in the Way of Peace

 What’s the greatest commandment of God?  Matthew 22:37 NKJV says “Jesus said to him, “‘You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.’”  Jesus was quoting from Deuteronomy 6:5.   Anything that hinders us from doing exactly that is an idol.   Idols are not good because they lead us away from God and down a path leading to death.  Idols are not God, therefore, they can not satisfy our longings.  Idols have no power except the power to enslave us. They are a trap preventing us from pursuing our relationship with God.  What stands in the way of peace with God for you?

• Work-a-holism
• Guilt over your sins
• Watching too much television
• Constant perfectionist tendencies
• Being overwhelmed with worry, anxiety or fear
• Being too legalistic following the letter of the law
• Thoughts and longings for a more intimate marriage
• A hobby your spending extraordinary amount of time on

 To overcome idols in our life, we first must identify them.  Second, we confess our sins to God and seek His forgiveness and ask for His strength to turn away from the idols.  Third, we allow God’s Word to change how we think.  Lastly, we ask a godly friend to become an accountability partner.   

Where are you struggling today?  James 5:16 NKJV says “Confess your trespasses to one another, and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.”

 Lord we thank you for your spirit who reveals idols in our lives that need to be dealt with and for your strength to turn from idols.  May your word renew our minds that we would know your good and perfect will.  Help us to be accountable to you through the help of others.  In Jesus’ name Amen.  

 

 

© Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more articles, devotions and book reviews, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.

Wisdom

 

He who gets wisdom loves his soul; he who keeps understanding will find good.  Proverbs 19:8 NKJV

 

Wisdom is something we all need.  Some of us think we have wisdom, yet in time our decisions prove otherwise.  Solomon had much knowledge and wisdom to pass on his son.  Lucky for us he wrote a lot of it down.  Now, we have the opportunity to learn from those who have gone before us. 

 

How do we obtain wisdom?

Some might say we study and try to learn everything we can.  Others might say you collect it throughout your life with experience that comes from each passing year.  But what does the Bible say?  James 1:5 says “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.”

 What is wisdom?

Wisdom is an attribute of God.  He is wisdom.  He is sovereign and sees the beginning and the end of everything.  He knows all possibilities and how things will play out.  When we ask for wisdom we ask for a part of God.

 

How do we keep understanding?

Understanding comes from God too.  He has provided us 66 books of understanding for our instruction.  In order to keep understanding our first step is to read about God’s commandments.  With the power of the Holy Spirit in us, we are able to keep His commandments.  Proverbs 19:16 says “He who keeps the commandment keeps his soul, but he who is careless of his ways will die.”  Notice keeping understanding or commandments requires effort on our part.  Matthew 7:7-8 says “Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened.” If we are careless with our ways we die. 

 What is good?

The opening verse says “he who keeps understanding will find good”, but what is good?  Jesus told us in Matthew 19:17 “No one is good but One, that is, God.  But if you want to enter into life, keep the commandments.” Therefore, good is God.  He who keeps understanding will find God. 

 

Wisdom and understanding are critical components of salvation.  Don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying read more and you’ll saved, for salvation is not based on human efforts of earning our way to heaven.  But I am saying God’s Word contains what we need to guide us into a right relationship with God.  When we have “listened to its counsel” we will find God and know his perfect will – that none should perish but that all should be saved through faith in Jesus Christ. 

 

Wisdom and understanding are more than just that.  They provide us guidance for every day life.  They instruct us on how to respond to every kind of problem, conflict or issue we may face.

 

Proverbs 19:20 says “Listen to counsel and receive instruction, that you may be wise in your latter days.” 

 Lord, may we be wise in seeking you first in all we do, say, and think.  Lead us by your Word and Spirit that we may be wise in our all affairs.  In Jesus’ name Amen.   © Elizabeth Marks, author of ThinkOnIt Devotions and has a heart for encouraging others with God’s Word.  For more articles, devotions and book reviews, visit http://www.ThinkOnItDevotions.com today.