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Today's Word: Jan 26, 2023
Nehemiah was the cupbearer to the king of Persia before he took up the cause of rebuilding the broken down walls of Jerusalem. He didn't have wealth, experience, or resources, and when he got to Jerusalem, he faced all kinds of opposition. It was one thing after another. But when you're cause-driven, when you have a mission, and you stay focused on it, the greatness God put on you is going to come out as it did in Nehemiah. Rather than take years to finish rebuilding the walls, he inspired the people to do it in just fifty-two days.
You can't make sacrifices to help those around you without God helping you. You're going to see favor that you've never seen. You're going to come out of ordinary into the uncommon, into resources, influence, and opportunity like you've never imagined. You have to find your cause. Live for something bigger than yourself. The greatness in you will come out when you help others, when you build their dreams, when you support advancing the kingdom.
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How often have you been on the brink of a decision that had a major impact on your life and you were uncertain about the direction? Perhaps you're wondering right now about whether you should make an offer on a house in a certain neighborhood, or whether you should take a job offer from another company, or how to help your child choose the right university, or how to care for an elderly parent whose memory is failing. You've done your homework and found unlimited amounts of information, and it's helpful. But now what you need is wisdom, not more information. So where do you find wisdom?
When I think about finding the wisdom I need, my first thought is of Solomon, who was probably only around twenty years old when he took the throne from his father, King David. Suddenly, it was all on Solomon's shoulder to reign over this great nation. God appeared to Solomon in a dream and said, "Ask for whatever you want Me to give you" (1 Kings 3:5). He could have asked for fame, riches, or a larger kingdom, but he answered, "God, what I need is Your wisdom to rule Your people. I need an understanding heart to make the right decisions." God was so pleased with his answer that He not only gave Solomon wisdom, but He gave him power, influence, and great riches.
Just as Solomon needed wisdom, we need wisdom. Solomon says we are to "search for it as for hidden treasure" For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He holds success in store for the upright" (Proverbs 2:4-7). Wisdom comes by understanding and the knowledge of God, and by applying it to our life. You can have stacks of information and even know God's Word, but if you don't apply it, it's not going to do you any good.
The Scripture says, "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you" (James 1:5). We are to ask God to give us wisdom so we have an understanding heart to make right decisions. And one of the best places to find wisdom is the book of Proverbs, which was written by Solomon. It's a book that's full of wise counsel and life lessons, simple in its form, easy to grasp, and easy to apply. That's what wisdom is. It's a simple revelation from God that we can apply to our everyday lives.
Ask God for wisdom and read the book of Proverbs. Read it, reread it, apply it, and reapply it. It is loaded with powerful nuggets of wisdom for your life.
You have greatness in you. You were created to reign in life, to be healthy, strong, confident, valuable, to accomplish dreams, to overcome obstacles. See yourself the way God sees you.
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