Wisdom is a voice

I began my Bible Study in Proverbs this morning.  I was struck as to how the author of Proverbs described wisdom.  I've been praying James 1:5 for years.  I've asked God to give me wisdom based on that verse.  Proverbs is all about wisdom.  The author describes the wise person as one who listens.  Wisdom is described as something that speaks. In Proverbs 1:20-21 it says Wisdom calls, Wisdom raises her voice, Wisdom cries out and makes her speech. In Proverbs 2:1 it says turn your ear towards wisdom.  Proverbs 2:6 it says God gives wisdom and knowledge and understanding come out of His mouth.  My prayer today is I hear wisdom. 

Why can't I have a floodlight?

I was doing my Bible Study in Psalm 119 today.  I came across a verse I've heard hundreds of times in vs 105.  It says:

Your word is a lamp for my feet,a light on my path.

When it is dark, a lamp will give me just enough light to see just in front of me.  Sometimes I wish God would give me a floodlight so I could see way out ahead.  But God chose to let me see just ahead.  I guess it is so I will depend on Him more. 

Yet

I’m doing my morning devotions in Psalms right now. I noticed the same thing I observed in Judges—well actually the whole Bible. The Hebrews had cycles of sin, discipline from God, cries to God, deliverance, and peace. I think my life has been guilty of this too. This morning the Bible says in Psalm 106 that despite their sin God saved them. The term David used was “YET.” I’m glad no matter what I do, God “YES’s” me.

Give me a sign

I've been praying for the same thing for over 3 1/2 years.  It isn't a selfish prayer either.  It involves me but it is about a place of serving.  My wife actually had a dream about it first.  I have heard God give me a date but that date has passed twice.  Does that mean it is on a date in the future or the decision was made on the date that passed?

I've prayed for God to give me a sign on a few occasions.  Most of the time it is kind of a traumatic or drastic answer.  Years ago, I asked God to give me a sign about going to seminary and our whole sales team was let go three days later.  I laughed because I knew that was a sign from God.  God told me in no uncertain terms to go to Highlands College and Luther Rice Seminary at the same time.  Has it been overwhelming? Yes.  But make no mistake, I heard the voice of God telling me to do both.  I'm trusting that He will sustain me.

I've heard some say that putting out a fleece like Gideon did is not showing faith.  Maybe.  But King David was called a man after God's own heart and he asked God to give him a sign of His goodness.  That is recorded in Psalm 86:17.  So if a person who is considered a man after God's own heart can ask for a sign, can't I?  I have prayed daily for God to answer.  I've been teased on several occasions.  I have prayed through at least 6 if not 7 21 Days of Prayer asking God to answer this prayer.  Obviously, my wife's vision was wrong or it is not time yet.  God has not even given me a hint of this happening.  With that in mind, I asked God to give me a sign.  Our 21 Days of Prayer ends tomorrow.  I've been faithful to participate 100%.  I'm expecting God to answer.  But He is God so he can do it when He sees fit.  But I wait expectantly.

Children have no rights

Last night my wife shared with me the horrific news that New York State is allowing abortions up to until the birth date.  You can read about it here.  What kind of world do we live in where babies can be killed up until they come out of the mother's womb?  What adds insult to injury is that the Governor and supporters of the bill rejoiced.  Who rejoices over the death of another person?  Our daughter was born a month early. If we had lived in NY, my wife could have aborted her.  Thankfully I have a Godly wife and that was never an option.  I know no one reads this but I can't believe how far our sins as a nation have come.  Come quickly, Lord!

Rest

We live in a busy world.  It is only going to get busier.  I come across people every day who are stressed.  I've been stressed myself the last few weeks. I wonder if I've bitten off more than I can handle.  However, God told me to do what I'm doing so I am going to trust that He will give me the strength and the rest I need.  Psalm 62:1 says, "Truly my soul finds rest in God." It is repeated in vs 5.  Jesus talked about rest in Matthew 11:28-30:

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. 29 Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.

So my prayer today is that I find rest.  Rest is only found in Jesus.

IS

Have you ever noticed how often God is described using "IS" or "BE?" The Lord Almighty is.  God is.  It is nice to know that God is with me and that he is God.  It is comforting to know that God will be with me.  Nothing profound today, just a reminder that God is.