Wisdom

Humility

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I don’t know how it works…I don’t understand…I don’t have the answers…accepting things even when we don’t fully understand them.  This can be a hard thing.  Even just reading the first three statements above can feel uncomfortable.  To know the basic understanding of something is the first step.  C.S. Lewis in his writings has spoken about it in this way…when we are tired and hungry, eating a meal will do you good.  This is the basic understanding.  Understanding how food nourishes the body using vitamins and proteins within the food is not necessary knowledge to know that when you are hungry a meal will do you good.  Similarly, he continues, knowing and accepting what Christ has done to save us is the basic knowledge of faith.  Understanding how it fully works is not required to know that Jesus Christ loves you and died to save you.  When we can accept that we will not fully understand everything all the time, we can still go and do the right things for the right reasons.  I pray we are humble and faithful in our every day lives.  Amen.

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“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

Proverbs 11:2

(This photo was taken in July of 2016 along Beartooth Pass in Montana)

Knowledge And Understanding

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We just want answers…to know what happened…why…who did this…where are they…when did that happen.  To admit we do not know something is the beginning of being humble.  Unfortunately the sinful nature leads humans to take advantage others and erodes the trust of people.  That sounds like something evil would do…anything to keep people away from God and behaviors that promote goodness, kindness and compassion.  When you want to seek knowledge and wisdom, when you are pursuing understanding, turn to the Word of God.  The bible is the Word of God and He has the information you are seeking.  He is the Creator, He knows the most about what we want to understand.  If you are unsure where to begin, I recommend Proverbs.  May the peace and joy of God be with you.

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“For the Lord gives wisdom, and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.”

Proverbs 2:6

(This photo was taken in July of 2018 in the Apostle Islands on Lake Superior)

Understanding

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There are a few places in the bible that state…“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,…”  (Psalm 111:10, Proverbs 9:10)  There is also…“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge,…”  (Proverbs 1:7)  I want to take a moment to talk about “The fear of the Lord…”  In modern language fear is strictly defined as being afraid of or believing something or someone is dangerous and to avoid.  An older definition of fear is to stand in awe of; to have respect for, to revere, reverence.  These verses are telling us to have ultimate respect for the Lord is the beginning of wisdom.  To stand in awe of the love, the mercy, the grace and the power of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge.  May the grace and peace of the Lord be with you.

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“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding.  To him belongs eternal praise.”

Psalm 111:10

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Arches National Park in Utah)

Wisdom From Above

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I don’t know…I’m not sure…I don’t understand…Can you help me…I need help.  Statements like these make us vulnerable, they open us up, they make us humble.  To the world these phrases can be seen as weak and needy.  More importantly than just the words are the attitudes and behaviors that you show along with these statements.  If we learn wisdom from God we will gain wisdom like this…“But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.”  (James 3:17)  Wisdom from the world is self-focused, gain more oriented, no time for losers, me first mentality.  The most significant thing about choosing the wisdom of the world is we can lose the opportunity to pursue relationships with others.  God our Creator, Jesus Christ our Savior and the Holy Spirit as our guide have the all the wisdom that is so desperately needed in this world.  May the peace and joy of the Lord be with you.

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“For the foolishness of God is wiser than man’s wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than man’s strength.”

1 Corinthians 1:25

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)

Wisdom And Understanding

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These are two elements that will get us through anything in life.  Wisdom from the Lord and understanding of His Word can help to lead us on the path to joy.  To gain these we must spend time reading the Word, praying and sitting quietly with Jesus.  For these activities are the true sources of wisdom and how we can gain understanding.  The world is filled with darkness and the evil of sin and they will do everything to keep you from spending time with God.  Don’t underestimate the power of sin, it is deceptive and persistent and will always be looking for ways to distract you.  Seek wisdom from the Lord and read the Scriptures for understanding each day.  Ask God to provide you the courage and strength to do so.  He loves you and He is watching over you.  May God’s peace be with you.

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“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.”

Proverbs 3:13-14

(This photo was taken in August of 2016 in Mount Rainier National Park in Washington)

God Is Near

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“Show me your ways, O Lord, teach me your paths; guide me in your truth and teach me, for you are God my Savior, and my hope is in you all day long.”

Psalm 25:4-5

(This photo was taken in September of 2016 at a lake in central Minnesota)