Applying Wisdom With Love {Rather than Legalistic Law}

September 20, 2013 by Caroline 5 Comments

“The beginning of strife is like letting out water,
    so quit before the quarrel breaks out.” – Proverbs 17:14

“It is not good to be partial to the wicked
    or to deprive the righteous of justice.” – Proverbs 18:5

“Listen to advice and accept instruction,
    that you may gain wisdom in the future.” – Proverbs 19:20

“Do not say, “I will repay evil”;
    wait for the Lord, and he will deliver you.” – Proverbs 20:22

“Let another praise you, and not your own mouth;
    a stranger, and not your own lips.” – Proverbs 27:2

If you’re a recovering perfectionist or a “rule-follower” like me, you might easily look at these verses above and file these away as “more rules to follow.”

It’s even easier to take those rules and apply them so strictly, someone observing you might not see love, but instead only pressure.

We have rules because we need discipline. But, sometimes I need to remember getting stuck on rules without loving application restricts rather than builds. Pharisaical legalism is graceless.

Looking to the Source of Wisdom

So, how do we apply all this wisdom with grace and with love and without building barriers?

By looking back to the Source of wisdom.

The very beginning of Proverbs says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge…” (Proverbs 1:7). Reverent trust of Him. As Lisa said last week, “to be truly wise, we’ll seek Him.”
I’m a rather stubborn person at times, so I need to pray for open ears and heart to wisdom and understanding (Proverbs 2:2).
Grab hold of steadfast love and faithfulness and don’t let go (Proverbs 3:3).
In the Proverbs that issue discipline, look for love. Notice how God offers love through this guidance (Proverbs 3:11-12). How can I offer it in a similar way?
Give freely (Proverbs 3:27-28). Often when I’m not sure how to react, if I stop and think, “how can I love?” I’m pointed in a better direction. There are still those situations where how to love while still protecting, directing, or helping seem very difficult to blend. In those situations, I try to seek wise counsel (Proverbs 12:15).

Do those still sound like more “rules” to follow?

I once heard that the motto of a prison ministry was to “listen, listen, love, love.” Those verbs are repeated on purpose. Wisdom Literature asks us to listen first, then love. When we listen first, we are usually better able to discern what’s needed for that person or situation, be it discipline, forgiveness, grace, protection, teaching, comfort, or encouragement. And then we can proceed with abundant love.

It takes discipline to live this way, and, really, we need discipline and training to grow (Proverbs 6:23, Proverbs 9:9).

“Hear instruction and be wise,
and do not neglect it.” – Proverbs 8:33

I’m praying for us to listen, listen, love, love today with God’s heart through us.

How do you apply wisdom without getting stuck on “following the rules?” I’m still growing here myself, so I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.

Scripture Memory Link-Up {Fall 2013}

September 18, 2013 by Lisa Burgess 2 Comments

Memorizing scripture doesn’t come easily to many of us (including me). But we do it because of the benefits it brings—increased time learning God’s words means increased time spent with God’s Word.

While attempting to learn a whole chapter of the Bible may seem daunting at first, there are unique advantages as well.

That’s what this link-up is about!

If you’re new to memorizing scripture, please link a blog post sharing why you want to start now.

If you’re a veteran to memorizing individual scriptures or whole chapters, share your blog post(s) about how and why you do it.

Let’s help each other by sharing what we know or asking questions we have. Link any new posts you’ve just written.

But also look through your archives. Are there posts you’ve written earlier that could help a newbie now? Many first-timers have joined our Ephesians 1 challenge and they’d love to hear your advice, even if you’ve linked it before.

After you link, spread some encouragement–please visit at least one link before yours.

Oh, Job {Learning to Abide with God When You Don’t Understand}

September 17, 2013 by Guest Post 6 Comments

Today’s guest post is from Angela Mackey.

My heart cried out, “No!” The cry bounced around my brain as I tried to make sense of the words I read.

‘So Yahweh said to Satan, “Look, all that belongs to him [Job] is in your power. Only do not stretch out your hand against him.” So Satan went out from Yahweh’s presence.”‘ (Job 1:8)

It seemed so unfair, wrong even, for God to let Satan “stretch out his hand against all that belongs to Job.” In fact it was God who – in what sounds like a proud parent moment –brought Job to Satan’s attention.

If that type of testing comes to those God brags about, I don’t want that type of recognition. Perhaps it would be best to blend in and be an average follower of Christ – a pew-flower…

How do I chew on the book of Job and remain there when there is so much that I don’t understand?

I must cling to who I know God is from all of Scripture. I cannot claim God is unfair based on a few verses in Job. Instead I must read Job in light of who God reveals Himself to be in the rest of Scripture. He is just, good, righteous, loving, etc…
I must remember God’s ways are not my ways (Isaiah 55:8). In other words, if I could completely understand God’s ways then He would not be God. I don’t want a god I can completely understand or I would have a weak God unable to save me.
I must remember Job is not perfect. I like perfect heroes and I enjoy taking sides. I read Job and find myself cheering for the man covered in sores, but he is not innocent in his words. I must be aware of when Job’s words turn against God.
I must see Satan’s limitations. Satan cannot do anything in my life that God has not allowed.
If God approves Satan’s activities, all Satan does will work out for my good. Romans 8:28 tells us God works everything together for good for those who love Him. And so even the things Satan does to destroy me and attempt to destroy God’s plans for my life will work out for my good.
I must learn with Job my insignificance compared with God. Job says he longs to argue his case before God, but God questions Job. God never answers Job’s questions; instead God questions Job. But Job doesn’t complain; he repents. Job admits he spoke of things he could not know. In the same way, I must admit that God is God and I am not.

I am slowly learning – with God’s help – that I will not understand all of God’s ways, but I can trust Him.

What have you found helpful to remember when you study Job?

Angela Mackey is passionate about teaching women to renew their minds through God’s word so that they may live transformed lives. Angela is a writer, speaker, nurse, and stay-at-home mom who openly shares her struggle with infertility. You can connect with her on her blog at www.rethinkingmythinking.com. She is also on Twitter and Facebook.

Let’s begin memorizing Ephesians 1

September 16, 2013 by Lisa Burgess 7 Comments

TODAY WE BEGIN!

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, To the saints who are in Ephesus, and are faithful in Christ Jesus:
2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Ephesians 1:1-2 (ESV)

As we start memorizing Ephesians 1:1-2, let’s remember the Word underneath the words, the One who brings grace and peace to each of us as His children.

And if you haven’t registered yet, it’s not too late! Do it today. Details are here.

LINK-UP IS COMING

Have you written a blog post about your decision to join this challenge?

Is there a post(s) in your archives explaining how or why you memorize?

Please share them here this Wednesday, September 18, in our link-up.

Many first-time memorizers will be looking for help. So prepare to spread what you know. Newbies and oldies alike will benefit from your words.

May He bless you this week through the time you spend with Him.

Questions? Comments? Please let us help.

Where you find wisdom

September 12, 2013 by Lisa Burgess 9 Comments

And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption.
1 Corinthians 1:30

I’m afraid of being stupid. I realized it a few years ago.

None of us wants to be dumb. We all need wisdom.

To make godly decisions
To raise children who know the Lord
To love others in helpful ways
To glorify God in word and deed

Who’s the wisest man who ever lived? Solomon? He asked God for wisdom when he could have asked for anything (1 Kings 3:9). He subsequently authored much of the wisdom literature in the Bible.

Yet someone wiser than Solomon is here: Jesus (Matthew 12:42). In the Bible we typically seek His wisdom in the gospels where we see Him teaching about wisdom and living wisely (Matthew 13:54).

But Jesus can also be found in the wisdom literature of the Old Testament (2 Timothy 3:15).

THE WISDOM OF HUMILITY (JOB)

When Job suffered greatly as an apparently innocent man, his friends tried to find a reason. He obviously hadn’t been wise about keeping a rule or two; why else would he have lost so much? Eventually Job himself demanded answers from God (Job 3:11 ff).

But here we see foreshadowing of another Man who suffered—despite total innocence. Not only did He not question God about it, He wisely chose to obey at painful costs to Himself.

His wisdom teaches us to let go of demanding the answers. Instead, we’re to throw ourselves on His mercy in humility. Even when we don’t understand. Maybe especially when we don’t understand.

THE WISDOM OF WORSHIP (PSALMS)

The authors of these songs put word to emotions, not only for themselves, but also for us. Jesus Himself often quoted the Psalms (Psalm 31:5, for example).

In these laments, confessions, and praises, we learn to choose the wisdom of worship, verbalizing our adoration of and to Wisdom Himself—the Rock we rest on, the Refuge we hide in, the Shepherd we walk behind.

THE WISDOM OF THE WAY (PROVERBS)

We learn in this series of sayings that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge. Solomon urged over and over to choose the way of wisdom over the way of foolishness.

But what we know that he didn’t is that Jesus is the Way, the truth, and the life. He is wisdom personified (Proverbs 8:17), and to be truly wise, we’ll seek Him, empowered by His Spirit in us to choose the right over wrong that Solomon was preaching about.

THE WISDOM OF HOPE (ECCLESIASTES)

This book contains questions that can haunt us still: What is life’s true meaning? What is my purpose? Is all really hopeless?

While the world’s wisdom leaves us empty of lasting answers (Ecclesiastes 1:16-18), eternal wisdom from hoping in Jesus fills us up. In Him we live and love with meaning. Instead of chasing after knowledge, we chase after Him. Only then do we find purpose renewed and hope restored.

THE WISDOM OF CONNECTION (SONG OF SOLOMON)

Whether you see this collection of poems as an analogy or as pure story, this message comes across: the intimacy of love is to be desired (Song of Solomon 1:4).

While the original audience knew about God, they lacked full knowledge about Jesus. But from our vantage point in history, we see God’s wisdom in creating a beloved bride for the perfect Bridegroom. We are wise to recognize and delight in the love of the One who makes us His spotless bride.

Study deeper in these Old Testament books to find more.

And as you do, remember: True wisdom isn’t one more piece of knowledge we learn; it’s a Person we can know.

Jesus is our wisdom (1 Corinthians 1:30), and trusting Him is the wisest thing we can ever do.

Which of the five Wisdom Books is your favorite? Why? Do you see Jesus in it?

Please share your thoughts below.

For more on Jesus in the wisdom literature, see Nancy Guthrie’s [amazon_link id=”1433526328″ target=”_blank” ]The Wisdom of God: Seeing Jesus in the Psalms & Wisdom Books[/amazon_link]

Using Inductive Bible Study With Kids {Let The Children Come}

September 11, 2013 by Guest Post 10 Comments

This guest post for our monthly Let The Children Come feature is by Katie Johnson.
Disclosure: This post includes some affiliate links. See the bookstore page for full disclosure details. Thank you for supporting this site!

About a month ago, I found myself with the task of choosing a new Bible study for my children to use each day in our homeschool. I have a 3rd grader and a 5th grader, and we have always used either a prepared children’s devotion book, Grapevine Studies, or some other version of a children’s Bible study or book to walk them through the word on a daily basis. These tools have always served us well, so I was considering the same type of options.

At the same time, a morning Bible study that I’m involved in called HelloMornings was about to begin a new session, using an inductive study of Ephesians called Glorious Grace. The study method used in Glorious Grace (from Quench Bible) looks at a short passage each week. Each day has a focus: on the first day you do an initial read, then each following day looks at truths, promises, or commands. The last day focuses on application, which I believe is the most important part of any Bible study. I have loved studying any book of the Bible using this method since I discovered it last fall; it has made a profound difference in my walk with God.

Inductive Bible Study With Kids

So, I found myself about to begin a new Bible study. I also found myself looking for one to do with my children.

Maybe you’ve already figured this out, but it took me a little longer to realize that I could just bring my kids along with me for the ride.

I don’t know why it didn’t occur to me sooner. I’m learning, though, that while children’s studies and devotions are wonderful tools, it’s a worthwhile effort to take older kids right into the word. Letting them experience firsthand how the Holy Spirit gives understanding (Colossians 1:9) is a priceless gift. I’ve seen this play out as we have gone through our first few weeks of studying the book of Ephesians. Both kids have shown an eagerness to discover what the passage is saying, and it has been thrilling to know that God is speaking to each of them through His word.

Patience and Practice

Practically, this isn’t a study method that kids master overnight. It’s not even easy for adults to master, if we’re not used to studying the Bible in this way. Right now, I’m leading my children to pray first, asking God to give them understanding of His word and the wisdom to know how to apply it. And honestly, there are days when I forget this step. But I’m trying to impress upon them the importance of praying before doing any Bible study. We ask God for wisdom and understanding as we read, and ask Him to reveal what He wants us to do with what we learn.

After praying, they read through the passage in their own Bibles. Then I ask them to see if they can find whatever it is that we’re looking for that day (truths, promises, etc), and we make a list together. They each keep a notebook and add simple notes as we go. On the last day of the week, when we look for application, I have been gently guiding them to think of things they can DO with what they have learned from the passage that week. Since I’ve been going through Ephesians with HelloMornings earlier in the morning each day, I’m able to share with them what I’ve learned through my own study. My hope and prayer is that they will gradually be able to do more of this on their own.

Especially after these past few weeks, I’m a believer of teaching children to go right into the Bible for themselves. It’s been an amazing blessing to see God working in the hearts of my own kids through the systematic study of His word. They’re learning that through His word, God can–and will–speak directly to them…and I pray that this will be the foundation of a sturdy faith in each of them.

Have you done inductive Bible study with your children? Can you do so while both incorporating your favorite children’s bible studies and with just the Bible at times? Share your ideas in the comments!

This guest post is written by Katie Johnson (@KJ_Clem on Twitter). Katie is a wife, homeschooling mom of two, and wannabe farm girl who lives in the South Carolina foothills. She’s learning what it looks like to love God, learn His ways, and lead others to do the same. She takes photos of sunsets, lives in flip flops, and gives too many treats to her backyard chickens. Connect with her onTwitter.

3 Tips for Understanding Proverbs

September 10, 2013 by Kathy Howard 3 Comments

Wisdom literature comes in a variety of forms, but the best know is probably the “proverb.” Proverbs are easy to remember and often fun to say. For instance, men love to quote Proverbs 21:9: “Better to live on a corner of the roof than share a house with a quarrelsome wife.” (Ladies, unfortunately this is sad, but true!)

However, believers today often misunderstand or misuse this ancient form of wisdom writing. In today’s post, we will briefly define a proverb and then consider 3 interpretive tips that will help us understand this practical advice for living.

What is a proverb?

A proverb is an observation of life stated in a memorable way. It is a “persuasive saying proven true by experience” (“Encountering the Old Testament” by Arnold and Beyer, page 314). Proverbs are not unique to the Bible. Many ancient cultures made us of this literary device.

However, for the ancient Israelite, the purpose of a proverb was to “apply the principles of Israel’s covenant faith to everyday attitudes, activities, and relationships” (“Old Testament Survey” by Lasor, Hubbard, and Bush, page 460). Biblical proverbs are also an observation of life, but they also acknowledge that true wisdom comes from God (Proverbs 1:7).

How can we understand the Proverbs?

Like the rest of Scripture, the Proverbs must be understood in light of their purpose, literary genre, context, and original meaning. Proverbs are a unique literary style and cannot be interpreted in the same way we do a historical book or an epistle.

Although the tips below are just a tip of the hermeneutical iceberg, they will get us off to a great start in understanding the Proverbs and applying their wisdom to our lives.

3 Tips to understanding Proverbs

1. Principles, Not Promises

A biblical proverb seeks to apply God’s wisdom to the situations of life. They are guidelines for living, general principles, not promises from God. While generally accurate, they do not take into account every possible scenario or individual circumstance. Therefore, they are not guarantees of a certain outcome, but rather point hearers to the best chance for success. One well-know example is Proverbs 22:6:

“Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.”

Many of us have known Christian parents who claimed this verse as a promise and then were disillusioned when a child turned away from God and never returned. This demonstrates how important it is to understand the nature of a proverb.

2. Pithy Poetry

A proverb is a saying that encapsulates a broad observation about life. Its primary goal is to state an important, simple truth about life in easy-to-remember terms. Consider Proverbs 27:6:

“Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.”

Brief and memorable, this proverb is about something much deeper than flesh wounds and kisses. True friends tell us the truth for our good, even when it hurts. “Enemies” simply tell us what we want to hear or butter us up to get something they want.

Let’s look beyond the surface and past the simple, catchy words of a proverb to find the deeper truth. Then let’s apply that godly wisdom to our lives.

3. Proper Perspective

These ancient proverbs are based on ancient standards. They usually speak of simple desires and basic needs. Yet, often we subconsciously impose our modern, Western mindset and values.

“Whoever gives heed to instruction prospers, and blessed is the one who trusts in the Lord” (Proverbs 16:20).

Just imagine how the influence of our affluent culture can affect our understanding of “prospers” and “blessed.” The typical ancient Israelite considered himself blessed if he had shelter and enough food.

We could talk a lot more about proverbs. However, if we remember these 3 tips, we will be well on our way to wise living!

Did any of these 3 surprise you? In light of these 3 tips, have been misunderstanding a particular proverb?

Have you registered yet? Do it today

September 9, 2013 by Lisa Burgess 4 Comments

It’s one week away! On September 16 we’ll begin memorizing Ephesians 1 together, two verses per week.

Why you *think* you shouldn’t sign up

I’m horrible at memorizing
I don’t have time
I don’t see the point
I didn’t stick with it last time

But why you should sign up anyway!

It’s easier than you think
There’s no better time than now
You’ll find blessings you didn’t expect
This is a new day

While memorizing isn’t something we have to do, it’s something we get to do.

While we can’t guarantee you’ll memorize every word picture-perfect (none of us do that!), we will be praying for you to grow closer to Jesus as you spend time meditating on truths about Him and with Him.

Will you give it a try? If so, please register here to receive our eNewsletters, and download as many free resources here as you find helpful.

Also mark your calendar for this: Blog link-up here, Wednesday, September 18. We want to hear what you have to share about scripture memory!

Please leave a comment or ask any questions below.

Wisdom for today … still calling

September 5, 2013 by Julie 6 Comments

The Bible isn’t the only book of wisdom. Around the globe, men have reached for other books claiming to be the source of wisdom, also known as “skill in godly living.” When biblical wisdom literature was recorded, scribes of parallel cultures and kingdoms also penned their words and stories. But when we talk about biblical truth, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work,” (2 Timothy 3:16). God’s book self identifies its content as inspired by the one true God, and that makes its wisdom unique and essential.

When we refer to biblical Wisdom Literature we include five books: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon. The righteous, the wicked, and the true God play the main parts in these books, revealing the limits of mankind’s wisdom and the necessity of fearing of God to prosper and find peace. In the times their words were written, voices opposing God’s ways called out from ancient streets peppered with a plethora of gods, but today voices call out from media screens, digital highways, steel framed cities and hand held gadgets. The tug of war for how we live hasn’t changed, but in many ways, the appearance of “righteous” and “wicked” has. Some may assume, then, the Bible doesn’t speak to life today, but Wisdom Literature’s concrete teaching matters as much now as when Job scraped his oozing sores.

Keys to unlock the 5 Wisdom books:

Job – This book addresses the same questions asked today: Can we trust God? Is He good? Where do we find real comfort? The relatable character’s story takes place outside of Israel. Ultimately, we can put our faith in the sovereign God.
Psalms – Not all of these songs written for public worship fit in the “wisdom” category. Divided into 5 books, the Book of Psalms likely began as personal expressions of emotion, adapted for congregations. This book gives shape to our intense feelings about life in pursuit of God. Basic Old Testament themes like the fall of man, the One God, and the covenant relationship come to life here.
Proverbs – This collection of wisdom makes it clear that to be skillful in godly living, we must fear God and walk His way in everyday life. Practical truths show what a restored life with God looks like in our behavior, producing a joyful, useful life. Wisdom is available to all, and we discover it by comparing the wise man, the foolish man, and the simple man.
Ecclesiastes – This is a book for our day; Ecclesiastes explores trusting in God while living in a messed up world. Poetic devices help organize these proverbs into clusters with a plot line about the unfolding of a quest for a good and satisfying life. This could be written in our day.
Song of Solomon – Intimacy stirs up emotion, and this book of love poetry is no exception. With a variety of opinions on its interpretation, some treat it as an allegory of God’s love for Israel and others as a picture of Christ’s love for the church. Authorship is not certain, but we agree that it’s a love story. There’s no doubt this poetic book demonstrates how God’s ways are the pathway to delight.

In the New Testament the Book of James and some of Jesus’ own teaching also qualify as “Biblical Wisdom Literature,” but these five Old Testament books form the collection commonly known as Wisdom Literature.

Today, as in days of old, “fools despise wisdom and instruction” (Prov. 1:7) but wisdom cries aloud in the street, in the market she raises her voice,” (Prov. 1:20). Wisdom asks, “How long, O simple ones, will you love being simple? How long will scoffers delight in their scoffing and fools hate knowledge?” (Prov. 1:22). It’s hard to hear the call of wisdom in today’s world, but our children, families, and world are desperate to understand and apply skill in godly living that leads to a relationship with God and His peace.

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance,to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles. The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge; fools despise wisdom and instruction.” (Prov. 1:22)

What evidence do you see that people desperately need biblical wisdom?

Click here for the printable Wisdom Bookmark to accompany our study of Wisdom Literature.

What the world needs now: WISDOM

September 3, 2013 by Julie 3 Comments

I dropped off my teenager and went to look for a parking spot. The place was packed. A man sat with his bottle and bag of books on the curb, staring at the pages as if they were empty. I wormed my way inside the store and past a long line of customers who looked like they’d been out all night. A swarm of humanity pushed each other aside to rifle through video games, movies, and gadgetry as if the store would close any minute … but it was mid-afternoon. From the upper level, a child screamed and ran away from an adult yelling obscene words to recapture him, and a man walked past me displaying an equally obscene t-shirt like a billboard on a highway. A couple sat on an old couch, groping one another as they watched the parade of people, but their gender was a mystery to me. Jesus once saw a throng such as that and “When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” (Matt. 9:36)

I ducked into the first aisle to search for my son, only to find myself in “Erotic Fantasy,” just on the other side of “Children’s Fiction.” With bookshelves towering over my head across the length of the warehouse, I thought, there must surely be a book containing answers for wise living that the crowds with me so desperately need.

Today’s world thirsts for wisdom that comes from God alone.
Today’s church is malnutritioned when it comes to vital wisdom for living out our faith in an obscene world.

After navigating my way through the world, the Bibles were in the back corner of the store. God’s book of truth holds the key to wisdom we so desperately need, and it was there all the time, waiting to be opened and read and obeyed. We only need to see what’s trending, check the Facebook feed, turn on the news, or open our front door to see our world buckling under the weight of sin and begging for the underpinnings of wisdom to give us strength and structure.

This month at Do Not Depart we’re taking a look at Wisdom Literature. We’ll give you Bible study tools to understand the rich resource of wisdom God has given us. Wisdom is calling out to us, and God’s blessings await those who listen. Come with us as we explore tools for unlocking Wisdom Literature.

Are you feeling the need for wisdom in your life?