Wisdom’s Call

Posted on March 5, 2018 by Mark Shields

The banquet of wisdom calls everyone. From those who are currently struggling because of past choices to those who fear God and want to obey His Way.

Verse 10 of Proverbs 9 lays out a definition of wisdom and insight.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom,
   And knowledge of the Holy One is understanding. – Proverbs 9:10

The banquet of folly calls all who do not want to obey and had rather go their own way offering short term gain but ultimately resulting in eternal death. Folly leads to bad habits and destruction.

The beginning of wisdom is respecting God. Insight is gained from reading the Bible and from your own experiences so note the results of wisdom. Also, use the Bible and testimony from others to learn the consequences of rejecting wisdom’s call.

Take action daily to think and act upon increasing your wisdom with the understanding that wisdom will reward you. Ask for knowledge and wisdom and you will be blessed and others will be blessed because of you.

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This day with You Lord, we pray for wisdom and knowledge. We do not accept the call of folly which can lead to things like drugs, alcohol, and despair but the call of wisdom which brings Your blessings. We accept what Jesus did for us on the Cross and we accept knowledge gained from Your Word as the stepping stones along the path to wisdom. Amen.

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The Week Ahead

Posted on March 4, 2018 by Mark Shields

This week, we will continue the study of the book of Proverbs and share more thoughts.

Below are some questions for reflection.

Proverbs 9
* Whom does the banquet of Wisdom call? Whom does the banquet of Folly call? What does each offer? What are the results? To what extent do you have wisdom and insight according to the definitions of verse 10?

Proverbs 10
* What are the benefits of wisdom and righteousness? In what ways is your speech a fountain of life? How are wisdom and righteousness related to your life?

 

 

Believe that God has a great plan for you.

Victory starts by having a plan. By accepting God’s plan for us, all we need to do is follow and believe He will provide the power. He will give the upper hand to make what seems impossible possible.

*Adeney, Carol. This Morning with God: A Daily Study Guide to the Entire Bible. Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity, 1978. Print.
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The Fire Within

Posted on March 3, 2018 by Mark Shields

The winter Olympics for 2018 have come to a close but there were many lessons learned. One lesson laid out in this poem is that desire is a force that leads champions. One of the reasons I think sports is so popular is that you can see examples of the desire to win.

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Desire is the drive
Helping victors rise
To overcome
And win the prize.

Even though told
They will not win,
They find a way
From strength within.

Desire from within
Tells the champ
It is possible
And they revamp.

They accept no
Such word as defeat
And set out with
New goals to meet.

The end results
Are so amazing;
Spurring those around them
Like a fire blazing.

Poem by Mark Shields – © 03-01-2018
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Wise Choice

Posted on March 2, 2018 by Mark Shields

All I want is to know Christ and the power that raised Him to life. – Philippians 3:10 

The post “Desire the Ways of Wisdom” tells us to accept wisdom’s call because wisdom helps to meet our challenges in life. The wisest choice is to accept Jesus because this choice is more valuable than silver and brings knowledge worth more than gold.

In this life, knowing Christ brings victory. No other choice can match up so accept the ONE who is much more valuable than the ace picture in the World Series, the great quarterback on the final drive of the game, or the great basketball player that brings victory on the last shot of the game.  

We have a lot of challenges in this world but fortunately, we have the ONE who brings the advantage. Our Savior was there in the beginning and He will be there in the end as the song 10, 000 Reasons by Matt Redman points out. In between the beginning and the end, there are so many reasons to worship His Holy name.
 

 

Index of devotionals

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Desire the Ways of Wisdom

Posted on March 1, 2018 by Mark Shields

Presented to us in the passage Proverbs 8 is that wisdom is offered to everyone but only appeals to those who have a desire for prudence, truth, discretion, and insight. To gain wisdom, there must be a plan for gaining wisdom; the will, the desire, and the discipline to follow through with the plan.

What God gives in Proverbs are instructions for gaining wisdom but we must be intentional about reading and applying what we learn. Most good things in life don’t happen magically or suddenly but are a result of a desire; a commitment to see things through until they are accomplished.

We need wisdom for the challenges we face and if the things of God are our treasure then we have all we need. The wisdom gained builds momentum which leads to more passion to invest in others as we make this wisdom of God known to them.

Desire wisdom’s instruction more than silver and her knowledge more than gold. Nothing you desire can compare with her for she is more precious than rubies. Accumulate this treasure and receive the benefit provided.

This day with You Lord, we worship Your Holy name. Your Word teaches us how valuable wisdom is in our life. Help us to be intentional in reading Your Word on a daily basis and applying Your instructions in life. Give us the desire to invest in others and share with them about the unseen, the eternal, and the supernatural. In Jesus name. Amen.

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