Author: Kristi Wilson

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Gateway to Wisdom

The theme of our past several blogs is gaining wisdom. Wisdom is found in God’s word. When we stand on God’s word it’s a firm foundation keeping us secure in troubling and tumultuous seasons.

The best thing we can do is “I treasure your word above all else; it keeps me from sinning  against you.12 I praise you, Lord! Teach me your laws.” Psalm 119:11-12 CEV

When I start writing and can’t remember where to find a Scripture I just look it up. I either use my Strong’s concordance from the bookshelf or I use the Biblegateway app on my computer. But here’s the thing, if it isn’t in the concordance or if I hadn’t downloaded the app, I wouldn’t have it.

If we don’t put God’s word into our heart and mind, it becomes almost impossible to utilize it when we need it. Jesus was led into the desert by the Holy Spirit to be tempted of the devil and when temptation came, He stood strong because He had already spent time putting the Word into His heart. When the temptation came, his heart took over and out came the Word! His eye was single – He had set His mind on things above.

“Then Jesus was led (guided) by the [Holy] Spirit into the wilderness (desert) to be tempted (tested and tried) by the devil. 2 And He went without food for forty days and forty nights, and later He was hungry. 3 And the tempter came and said to Him, If You are God’s Son, command these stones to be made [loaves of] bread. 4 But He replied, It has been written,” Matthew 4:1-4 AMP

About 15 years back I went out for an afternoon ride. The horse I was riding was a big old standard bred – he had been trained to pull our wagon but also to work cattle in the hills. We started out the side gate and had gotten up the first little rock basalt hill when he balked and hopped sideways. Little did I know but my cinch was faulty and off I came, saddle and all. As I hit the hard ground, the first words out of my mouth were “ ‘by His stripes I am healed’…I will have no broken bones. ‘He sent His word and healed them’ ‘He will protect me lest I dash my foot against a stone’”. With that I picked up my saddle and started walking back to the house. No broken bones, just a few sore spots for the next several days.

My point is this – we don’t know when we’ll need the Word of God but we WILL need it. Jesus taught that the Word would be a solid rock foundation for us when the storms of life come. We need to be standing on the rock – Knowing the latest sports stats, or Wall Street financials, or political talking points or quotes from the textbook aren’t going to provide the strength and answers we need when facing a crisis! There’s nothing wrong with that stuff but it shouldn’t be our foundation; if it is our house with fall.

But we have the God-given opportunity to read and know God’s word. We can put it to the test and find that He never fails. His word will stand true forever.

It’s only thing to look at a beautiful garden from pictures but it’s so much better to walk through the gate and enjoy the beauty personally. Walk through the gate of God’s word!

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HOW GREAT!

Very often, early in the mornings my heart fills with song. Sometimes it’s just a spontaneous outpouring of gratitude, at others it’s a prayer put to music. Then there are the occasions that the song comes as a result of something I’ve read in my Bible as I start the day.

“ Follow my example: Even the Son of Man did not come for people to serve him. He came to serve others and to give his life to save many people.”

46 Then they came to the town of Jericho. When Jesus left there with his followers, a large crowd was with them. A blind man named Bartimaeus (meaning “son of Timaeus”) was sitting by the road. He was always begging for money. 47 He heard that Jesus from Nazareth was walking by. So he began shouting, “Jesus, Son of David, please help me!”

48 Many people criticized the blind man and told him to be quiet. But he shouted more and more, “Son of David, please help me!”

49 Jesus stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.”

So they called the blind man and said, “You can be happy now. Stand up! Jesus is calling you.” 50 The blind man stood up quickly. He left his coat there and went to Jesus.

51 Jesus asked the man, “What do you want me to do for you?”

He answered, “Teacher, I want to see again.”

52 Jesus said, “Go. You are healed because you believed.” Immediately the man was able to see again. He followed Jesus down the road.” Mark 10:45-52 ERV

Immediately! he followed Jesus. I can’t help but believe that he followed praising God, singing, shouting, rejoicing in God’s goodness. How great You are Almighty God!

There have been many times I felt like the blind man. Circumstances beyond my control, financial hardship, chronic health issues, broken relationships and I couldn’t see. I couldn’t see how things would change.,,

and then I realized that Jesus was walking by – in fact, I realized that I wasn’t alone. He had promised to never leave me or abandon me. He had said, “Ask and it will be given” and “Call on me” and “Come to Me and I will give you rest”.

He never once turned me away when I called. He welcomed me with open arms. His word instructed me not to be afraid but to trust in the Lord.

Reading this man’s story my heart began to sing, “How great Thou art, How great Thou art!” https://youtu.be/a-m_6KN5ISA.

Maybe that’s what you need this morning.

Call out to Jesus – give Him your blindness to the answers that you are seeking. Tell Him you want to see, see how He is going to work in this situation and then follow Him as He leads the way.

Oh Lord, how great thou art!

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Making Right Decisions

Here we are at the beginning of a new year and there are so many decisions ahead. Where God? When God? How God?

That’s why I love the godly counsel we can receive from reading the book of Proverbs. Let me recap a few verses that I’ve read so far this month.

“ Trust the Lord completely, and don’t depend on your own knowledge. 6 With every step you take, think about what he wants, and he will help you go the right way.” Proverb 3:5-6 ERV

“ I am teaching you about wisdom and guiding you on the right path. 12 As you walk on it, you will not step into a trap. Even if you run, you will not trip and fall. 13 Always remember this teaching. Don’t forget it. It is the key to life, so guard it well.” Proverbs 4:11-13 ERV

“The Law of the Lord is a lamp, and its teachings shine brightly. Correction and self-control will lead you through life.” Proverbs 6:23 CEV

“Let instruction and knowledge mean more to you than silver or the finest gold.” Proverbs 8:10 CEV

“Wisdom begins with fear and respect for the Lord. Knowledge of the Holy One leads to understanding. 11 Wisdom will help you live longer; she will add years to your life.” Proverbs 9:10-11 ERV

I think you can see just how important God’s wisdom is in our decision-making process. Now, let’s look at a few verses which stood out to me today.

“If you don’t ask for advice, your plans will fail. With many advisors, they will succeed. 23 People are happy when they give a good answer. And there is nothing better than the right word at the right time.” Proverbs 15:22-23 ERV

Wisdom isn’t something that just comes with age; wisdom is also for the young if they are following God’s instruction.

“These are the proverbs of Solomon,,, 2 They will help you learn to be wise, to accept correction, and to understand wise sayings. 3 They will teach you to develop your mind in the right way. You will learn to do what is right and to be honest and fair. 4 These proverbs will make even those without education smart. They will teach young people what they need to know and how to use what they have learned. 5 Even the wise could become wiser by listening to these proverbs. They will gain understanding and learn to solve difficult problems.” Proverbs 1:1-5 ERV

Before I close, I have two more verses to share.

“People think that whatever they do is right, but the Lord judges their reason for doing it. 3 Turn to the Lord for help in everything you do, and you will be successful. 4 The Lord has a plan for everything.,,” Proverbs 16:2-4 ERV

And here’s the key for gaining wisdom.

“ ‘I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.’ This message is from the Lord. ‘I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.” Jeremiah 29:11-13 ERV

To make right decisions we need wisdom; to gain wisdom we need to call on the Lord and He will show us His good plans and cause us to succeed!

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Rough Seas

Dave and I spent part of the evening listening to old country songs. They just don’t write them like that anymore…

One group called the Texas Tenors, a trio, had such great harmony and delivery of the songs. This one was my favorite, “Thank God for the Lighthouse”.

“There’s a lighthouse on a hillside
That overlooks life’s sea.
When I’m tossed about it sends out a light
That I might see.
And the light that shines in the darkness now
Will safely lead us o’er.
If it wasn’t for the lighthouse
This ship would be no more.

And I thank God for the lighthouse,
I owe my life to Him.
For Jesus is the lighthouse
And from the rocks of sin
He has shone a light around me
That I could clearly see.
If it wasn’t for the lighthouse
Tell me where would this ship be.

He has shone a light around me
That I could clearly see.
If it wasn’t for the lighthouse
Tell me where would this ship be.”

It struck a chord, pardon the pun. Now there’s no where in Scripture that I find reference to a lighthouse but there are definitely references to light and darkness.

“ In him there was life, and that life was a light for the people of the world. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not defeated it.” John 1:4-5 ERV

The light that God brings to our lives has never been defeated. We can try to hide the light but we can’t extinguish it.

“You are the light that shines for the world to see. You are like a city built on a hill that cannot be hidden. 15 People don’t hide a lamp under a bowl. They put it on a lampstand. Then the light shines for everyone in the house. 16 In the same way, you should be a light for other people. Live so that they will see the good things you do and praise your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:14-16 ERV

When there are rough seas and a rocky shoreline we need to let the light of God shine through us to bring others safely to the harbor.

Lighthouses are built on a solid foundation, something that the wind and waves can’t destroy. They withstand the storms.

“ Whoever hears these teachings of mine and obeys them is like a wise man who built his house on rock. 25 It rained hard, the floods came, and the winds blew and beat against that house. But it did not fall because it was built on rock.” Matthew 5:24-25 ERV

Jesus said He was the light of the world and in the verse above He says that His word is a rock solid foundation for us to build our lives on. It’s His life that is the beacon to guide us safely through the rough waters of this life. Then He tells us to use our light to bring others to the safety of His love.

Thank God for the lighthouse, without it where would this ship be?

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Wrapped in Kindness

Each morning when I come out to the living room my routine is the same. My coffee, my Bible, my journal and my blanket. Even in the middle of summer and yes, it always includes my blanket.

This is my comfort zone, my happy place, my quiet time when its just the Lord and I.

As I was finishing yesterday’s blog this phrase came to mind, wrapped in kindness. It stayed with me all day long and this morning it was still resounding in my heart. So much so, that I want to share a few thoughts and verses with you.

“God has been kind to you. He has been very patient, waiting for you to change. But you think nothing of his kindness. Maybe you don’t understand that God is kind to you so that you will decide to change your lives.” Romans 2:4 ERV

As a child, I never understood why preachers felt they needed to preach “hell fire and brimstone”. It was scary but it didn’t convey the heart of God.

We all know that we don’t measure up in our own efforts. That’s why God displays His kindness – kindness is revealed in His love, His mercy, His grace, His forgiveness and it’s those very things that bring us to a point where we want to change and dedicate our lives to Him.

“Think about what we have in Christ: the encouragement he has brought us, the comfort of his love, our sharing in his Spirit, and the mercy and kindness he has shown us. ” Philippians 2:1 ERV

He gives us the courage, the power, the desire and the ability to walk in His love, to be free from fear.

“ The Spirit God gave us does not make us afraid. His Spirit is a source of power and love and self-control.” II Timothy 1:7 ERV

God is patient and He is kind. He is love. “ Love is patient and kind.” I Corinthians 13:4 ERV

“God treats everyone alike. He accepts people only because they have faith in Jesus Christ. 23 All of us have sinned and fallen short of God’s glory. 24 But God treats us much better than we deserve, and because of Christ Jesus, he freely accepts us and sets us free from our sins. 25-26  God sent Christ to be our sacrifice. Christ offered his life’s blood, so by faith in him we could come to God.” Romans 3:22-25 CEV

He treats us so much better than what we deserve – that’s grace, that’s kindness on display.

I pray that you have accepted that gift and that each day you experience being wrapped in God’s kindness.

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Measuring Up

Have you ever felt like you don’t measure up? You know, comparing yourself to others is something we never seem to outgrow.

Not as fast, not as smart, not as attractive, not as athletic, not as…

Comparing isn’t just for kids or for those seeking to succeed in their professions. As a retired “senior” adult, I sometimes fall into that trap as well. Maybe you have too.

Even good church going people can be plagued by thoughts of unworthiness.

Have I read my Bible enough, prayed enough, gone to church enough, served my community enough – plain and simple been good enough for God to love me?

The answer is No. But before you become condemned for your answer let me assure you that is exactly the answer you should give. None of us have ever done enough good to earn God’s love; we couldn’t measure up.

But God chose us anyway!

“ Yes, it is because we are a part of Christ Jesus that God raised us from death and seated us together with him in the heavenly places. 7 God did this so that his kindness to us who belong to Christ Jesus would clearly show for all time to come the amazing richness of his grace.

8 I mean that you have been saved by grace because you believed. You did not save yourselves; it was a gift from God. 9 You are not saved by the things you have done, so there is nothing to boast about. 10 God has made us what we are. In Christ Jesus, God made us new people so that we would spend our lives doing the good things he had already planned for us to do.” Ephesians 2:6-10 ERV

None of us have a right to brag about our good works giving us an “in” with God. It’s all because of what Jesus did.

“Christ had no sin, but God made him become sin so that in Christ we could be right with God.” II Corinthians 5:21 ERV

Before any of us were born, before our parents and grandparents were born, God had a plan for us.

“ I pray that God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ will be kind to you and will bless you with peace! 3 Praise the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ for the spiritual blessings that Christ has brought us from heaven! 4 Before the world was created, God had Christ choose us to live with him and to be his holy and innocent and loving people. 5 God was kind and decided that Christ would choose us to be God’s own adopted children. 6 God treated us with undeserved grace because of the Son he dearly loves, and so we should praise God.” Ephesians 1:2-6 CEV

We were chosen – you were chosen by God to be His adopted child before the world was created. Did we measure up? No, far from it. It is by His grace that we have been adopted.

“You were all baptized into Christ, and so you were all clothed with Christ. This shows that you are all children of God through faith in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:26-27 ERV

When we are clothed in Christ, we can stand tall knowing that because of Him we measure up!

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Serving with Gladness

We need to be thinking like Jesus – we need to have the same mind set that He did. He came to serve mankind but He didn’t compromise His principles in His service. He was humble and loving but stood resolute in His message of victory over sin and living godly.

“Earth, sing to the Lord! 2 Be happy as you serve the Lord!  Come before him with happy songs! 3 Know that the Lord is God. He made us, and we belong to him. We are his people, the sheep he takes care of.” Psalm 100:1-3 ERV

Let’s serve others today without compromising our stand for the Lord.

“In your life together, think the way Christ Jesus thought. 6 He was like God in every way, but he did not think that his being equal with God was something to use for his own benefit. 7 Instead, he gave up everything, even his place with God. He accepted the role of a servant, appearing in human form. During his life as a man, 8 he humbled himself by being fully obedient to God, even when that caused his death—death on a cross. 9 So God raised him up to the most important place and gave him the name that is greater than any other name. 10 God did this so that every person will bow down to honor the name of Jesus. Everyone in heaven, on earth, and under the earth will bow. 11 They will all confess, “Jesus Christ is Lord,” and this will bring glory to God the Father.” Philippians 2:5-12 ERV

Jesus served with a loving heart. He had compassion for those who were weak, hurting, distressed and overcome by wrong deeds and wrong relationships.

“ Follow my example: Even the Son of Man did not come for people to serve him. He came to serve others and to give his life to save many people.” Mark 10:45 ERV

Right after He said this Jesus healed a blind beggar. He touched the people of His time that others had ignored or worse yet, that they had shunned and deemed unworthy of common courtesy.

The blind, lame, lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors, even a thief hanging next to Him on a cross.

God asks us to humble ourselves and serve. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples. He took on the form of a servant and ministered love and forgiveness to those in need.

When the opportunity to serve presents itself, let’s make the most of it and provide service with a smile. We serve God when we serve others.

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Forgiven & Free

Some people think that to follow God’s Word and to be obedient to the instructions we receive in the Bible is stifling, constricting and even archaic. But…I’m not one of those people! To me the Word of God is vital, living, powerful and life changing in a positive and strengthening way. I can live by God’s word and not be disappointed; His Word never fails, it’s beneficial to my well-being. My Father never lies.

“My soul, praise the LORD! Every part of me, praise his holy name! 2 My soul, praise the LORD and never forget how kind he is! 3 He forgives all our sins and heals all our sicknesses. 4 He saves us from the grave, and he gives us love and compassion. 5 He gives us plenty of good things. He makes us young again, like an eagle that grows new feathers.” Psalm 103:1-5 ERV

Have you ever had one of your kids come in and tell you “I’m so glad you’re my Mom/Dad.”?

What does that do to your heart? Why did they say that? Generally, that comment comes because you’ve just given them something unexpected or done something for them that they really appreciate. They are taken back by how much you love them, and they want to express how terrific they think you are. We’re thrilled to do good things for our kids.

Do you really think that God the Father, the source of all love, would act any differently toward us? We’re His kids – He wants the very best for us. That’s why He sent us Jesus – Jesus gave all He had, to see that we were adopted into God’s family and able to have the abundant life that God intended for us to have.

“Our Lord, you keep your word and do everything you say. 14 When someone stumbles or falls, you give a helping hand. 15 Everyone depends on you, and when the time is right, you provide them with food. 16 By your own hand you satisfy the desires of all who live. 17 Our Lord, everything you do is kind and thoughtful, 18 and you are near to everyone whose prayers are sincere.” Psalm 145:13-18 CEV

God provides forgiveness, peace, joy, power, victory, health, freedon from worry and sin. To sum it up, LOVE!

Whenever someone came to Jesus with a need, He met it. All throughout the Bible, wherever you find God you find provision. The Jewish people gave God names I AM, Jehovah Jireh, Jehovah Shammah – the God who is more than enough, the God who sees before, the God who is ever present…

The Father’s character is mirrored each day in us as we provide lovingly for our children. Next time on of your kids says “I love you” for no specific reason or “Thanks – you’re the greatest” or “Cuddle with me” and your heart swells with love, let it be a reminder of how the Father loves you!

We are free to experience His love and forgiveness!

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Good News Good News

We all like to receive good news but here we are not even two weeks into the new year, and I feel that some of you are struggling with an Eeyore complex.

It’s hard to see anything good – you’ve become discouraged and hope seems to be fading. Before you allow that kind of thinking to take root in your heart, stop and read the good news that God has for you today!

Most of you know someone who has all the characteristics of Eeyore. Gloomy, downtrodden, anxious, negative with low self-esteem. Then there’s Pooh – an encourager, looking for the best in everyone, a messenger of good news and hope.

Today, I will take on the role of Pooh.

” Each of you is now a new person. You are becoming more and more like your Creator, and you will understand him better. 11 It doesn’t matter if you are a Greek or a Jew, or if you are circumcised or not. You may even be a barbarian or a Scythian, and you may be a slave or a free person. Yet Christ is all that matters, and he lives in all of us.

12  God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. 13  Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. 14 Love is more important than anything else. It is what ties everything completely together.

15 Each one of you is part of the body of Christ, and you were chosen to live together in peace. So let the peace that comes from Christ control your thoughts. And be grateful. 16  Let the message about Christ completely fill your lives, while you use all your wisdom to teach and instruct each other. With thankful hearts, sing psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs to God. 17 Whatever you say or do should be done in the name of the Lord Jesus, as you give thanks to God the Father because of him.” Colossians 3:10-17 CEV

In the Apostle Paul’s day there were definitely class distinctions – the religious and ruling class thought they were better than the more common people. Slaves were treated poorly and deemed to be in the lowest class by society.

But God…

chose each one of us to be His own and it’s His UNCONDITIONAL LOVE that gives us our worth. We are priceless to Him. He gave His all, His very life, to bring us to new life because of His sacrifice.

God loves you; He has chosen you; He has forgiven you. Christ made you part of His body and He gives you His peace. Because of Him you are worthy to be loved!

“ Christ died for us at a time when we were helpless and sinful. 7 No one is really willing to die for an honest person, though someone might be willing to die for a truly good person. 8 But God showed how much he loved us by having Christ die for us, even though we were sinful.” Romans 5:6-8 CEV

Good News – Good News! Christ died for you and you are deeply loved!

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Not A Game of Hide N Seek

When I was a kid we loved to play hide n seek. The neighbor kids would all come together in our front yard and we would scatter from there. Our houses had been built in a pecan grove so there were lots of trees to hide behind to avoid being caught.

We would play for hours. The darker it got the easier it was to hide. Then someone would turn on a porch light and the game was over.

As I was reading in Proverbs this morning, it dawned on me that the Holy Spirit is that porch light. Let me explain.

Jesus gave instruction to His disciples that when He left this earth the Holy Spirit would come and guide us into all truth.

“I have so much more to tell you, but it is too much for you to accept now. 13 But when the Spirit of truth comes, he will lead you into all truth. He will not speak his own words. He will speak only what he hears and will tell you what will happen in the future. 14 The Spirit of truth will bring glory to me by telling you what he receives from me.” John 16:12-14 ERV

There are so many times that I pray, “Holy Spirit, I need wisdom and I thank Jesus that you came to lead me into truth”.

It’s not a game of hide n seek. The Holy Spirit is available 24/7 to lead us. Let’s look at Proverbs 8.

“Listen, Wisdom is calling. Yes, Understanding is shouting for us…4 “I am calling out to all of you.  I am speaking to everyone. 5 You who are ignorant, learn to be wise. You who are foolish, get some common sense. 6 Listen, I have something important to say, and I am telling you what is right. 7 My words are true, and I will not say anything that is wrong.
8 Everything I say is right; there is nothing false or crooked about it. 9 These things are clear to any intelligent person.  They are right to anyone with knowledge. 10 Choose discipline over silver and knowledge over the finest gold. 11 Wisdom is better than pearls,
and nothing you desire compares with her.” Proverbs 8:1-11 ERV

The great thing about wisdom is that it isn’t hiding. Wisdom, God’s wisdom, is available to all of us.

“ Do any of you need wisdom? Ask God for it. He is generous and enjoys giving to everyone. So he will give you wisdom. 6 But when you ask God, you must believe. Don’t doubt him. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is blown up and down by the wind.” James 1:5-6 ERV

Ask God. He enjoys giving wisdom. How do you know it’s God? Well, the Bible says we will be led or our hearts will be guarded by peace. If you need to make a decision pray about it and then proceed in the direction that gives you peace. No peace, don’t do it.

I’ve heard people say, “I just had a gut feeling this was right” or “I felt uneasy about that, I should have gone with my heart”. When we ask for wisdom, we can trust God to give it. Don’t be tossed about like a wave in the sea.

Seeking God’s wisdom is not a game of hide and seek. It’s a life of trust and it’s better than gold!

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