Good morning Church, It's 2021!
We begin a new year together! What lies ahead; no one really knows. We can determine to change the way we think, and live our lives, but ultimately, we may just repeat the same old patterns. It happens every year as people make "resolutions" by "resolving" to do things differently. If we are honest, very little changes. We need a shift!
What if this year we decided to listen to biblical wisdom and instruction? What if we let the word of God truly guide our steps, and lead us down paths of righteousness? 2020 was marked by "fake" news, lies, deception - a bunch of political and medical leaders, and media puppets who have no clue what they are doing, because they are leaning on their own understanding. Without God's direction they are lost and confused.
We are not like that! We are the righteous children of God, who live by His wisdom and instruction. We are the wise; not fools. Friends, I really sense that this year God wants us to tap in to His wisdom and guidance. It has been impressed upon me to study the Book of Proverbs together. Here is what it promises:
2 Their purpose is to teach people wisdom and discipline,
to help them understand the insights of the wise.
3 Their purpose is to teach people to live disciplined and successful lives,
to help them do what is right, just, and fair.
4 These proverbs will give insight to the simple,
knowledge and discernment to the young.
5Let the wise listen to these proverbs and become even wiser.
Let those with understanding receive guidance
6 by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables,
the words of the wise and their riddles. (Prov. 1:2-6 NLT)
These teachings are the words of Solomon, the wisest man who ever lived, because he was endowed with wisdom from on high, from God Himself (1Kings 4:29). Solomon made a lot of bad choices, but learned from his mistakes. He wants to impart his wisdom to others, especially his children. So, I really want to encourage you parents to read the Book of Proverbs with your children (no matter their age), to instruct them in the way of the Lord!
Here is the first thing every person should know:
Fear of the Lord is the foundation of true knowledge,
Having reverential fear and respect for our Heavenly Father, entails submission to His will and authority, and reveals the heart of a true worshipper of God and follower of Jesus. This is at the heart of belonging to those identified as "wise". The "fool" does not know God, nor will he listen to God. I know we are those who belong to the "wise" category.
Here is the first instruction for the wise, who have the fear of the Lord:
- vs. 10: Don't let sinners entice (allure, persuade, deceive) you to do what is evil. Don't listen to the world's wisdom, listen to the Spirit of God who resides inside you. He is the source of true wisdom (1Corinthians 2:10-13)
- vs. 15: Don't go with sinners, because their path leads to destruction.
Here is the message for us at the beginning of 2021: Choose to follow God, not the world! Let us surround ourselves with wise, righteous people of God who are following the leading of Holy Spirit. As the community called "the children of God", let us live in the fear of the Lord, so we can gain true knowledge. Let's really embark on a journey this year as followers of Jesus, to really follow Jesus! Let's let the Lord instruct and guide us, through His Spirit and His word. Let's be open to His instruction!
Grace and Peace and Blessings,
Mike
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