Living With the Unexplainable and Unexpected
There are many things in life we can't predict; don't let the unexpected events of life paralyze you with fear. There are a lot of mysteries too. But don't let the unexplainable mysteries of God's work in your life rob you of joy. While there is the sweet light of day -- this day which God has made, let's make the most of it -- for the glory of God.
How to Ruin Your World, Your Life & Everything Else
Solomon gave us a description of how to aim your life in the wrong direction. The wisest thing you will ever do, to begin walking in the right direction, is to repent of your sin at the cross of Christ. The word repent literally means to turn around. To change direction. To allow Christ to lead you away from yourself and your fallen world, and walk with Him. And then, by following Him, you can influence and guide our world as we show forth the praises of Him who has called us out of darkness into a marvelous light.
Wisdom in the Traffic Patterns of Life
"A wise life is made up of a multitude of small things; little words, not eloquent speeches. It is not in one heroic effort, but through little things, that a life is wisely lived." That's another way of saying, wisdom is to be demonstrated out there in the routine, traffic patterns of life.
Uncommon Common Sense
It makes common sense to the honest person that they need a God. The problem is, most people don't want the God of the Bible. To them, and to us, God says "Stop wandering around in the darkness of your own speculations. "I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life." God offers you light and wisdom for life today. So, which way are you leaning? Who are you following? What direction are you taking? Not just for this life, but as you journey through life toward that eternal life tocome.
Expect the Unexpected
The wisdom of God and the Word of God go hand in hand. Wise people aren't the smartest people on the SAT scores; wise people are submissive people to the scriptures. Wisdom might not win the most applause, but it's still right. Wisdom might not gain the largest audience, but it's still right. Wisdom might not win the biggest argument, but it's still right. Wisdom will mark your life and change your life as you walk with God who is all-wise. Walk through life with the Author and Finisher of our faith who humbled Himself unto death, even death on a cross. Let's not forget Him during a lifetime of surprising events. Let's learn to expect the unexpected, leaning on Him, and loving Him, and trusting Him, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dancing Before the Grim Reaper
While we are here on earth, God wants us to enjoy the good gifts he has given us. He wants us to live with heaven in mind, but while we're here, we savor His blessings, enjoy the love and companionship of family and friends, and we serve with vigor. And then, at God's appointed time, we each will wing our way to that Celestial City where the dancing and the feasting and the singing and serving and the loving and the thanking and the worshiping will go on and on and on in uninterrupted eternal joy.
The Missing Piece
Life is filled with puzzles and they're all missing a piece -- as if to remind us that God must remain the -- the middle piece -- the primary piece . . . Solomon is reminding us that God is -- and God will be and God will always be -- the final piece, tying it all together.
Bringing Wisdom to Work
God gives you practical wisdom for the workplace and helps you navigate your work and work relationships well. God gives you wisdom to respond to those in authority over you. God gives you wisdom to know that whatever happens, God has reasons, and those reasons will lead you to new depths of character and trust . . . and even more wisdom.
The Balance and Behavior of Wisdom
The very first step in getting wisdom is wanting to get the wisdom of God. It's a matter of life and death. Left to ourselves we'll pursue perfectionism. We'll become paralyzed by dishonor and criticism. We'll become proud in our knowledge and intellectualism. We'll get wasted in the emptiness of hedonism.Wisdom will draw you to the Creator of wisdom, and the giver of wisdom, and the word of God's wisdom -- which points to the gospel of wisdom.
Following the Best Advice
We don't know what is going to happen the day after tomorrow. We don't even know what's going to happen an hour from now. God is in control of all of that: the day of our birth, the day of our death, and the winding crooked road with the ups and downs of life.So remember: God constructed the twists and turns of life to strengthen our spiritual confidence in Him.And God created the ups and downs of life to stabilize our dependence on Him.