#5 - Keys to Seeking Wisdom

Good Morning!  What a beautiful day here in South Carolina. I have been enjoying time out on our back deck.... getting into the Word, listening to the birds chirping, enjoyed my coffee & a banana. It is very peaceful out here. 


Let's go ahead and jump in....

Proverbs 28:26 - He who leans on, trusts in, and is confident of his own mind and heart is a [self-confident] fool, but he who walks in skillful and godly Wisdom shall be delivered.

Proverbs 31:26 - She opens her mouth in skillful and godly Wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness [giving counsel and instruction].

I'm going to give you the 5 things I got out of these verses... 


1.) Don't trust Solely in yourself & YOUR WORKS. -  Works alone are not enough. But it is by Faith that we will ultimately find success in whatever area of life you are seeking. 
Early on in our marriage, Tyler & I began our own business. Tyler's personality is that of a choleric (Personality Plus by Florence Littweiler - great read!). Well, a choleric is a "go-getter", a driver! They charge the mountain and are typically just REALLY hard workers. They often don't take breaks... commonly they do not take naps... they are very TASK oriented and get the job done. Well, early on when you are building a business, you know that it is going to take a lot of hard work, and a lot of time. Well, the danger with people who have a choleric tendency is they know they can WORK hard. Work Work Work! I will make it WORK! It can be easy begin to rely on WORKS versus walking by faith and relying on God. To develop anything, work is definitely crucial... not just sitting back and saying, "Ok God, you just bring the people, bring the customers, sell the products, develop the team, etc.".... that would be considered foolish. But finding a balance where Faith meets your Work. Where Faith meets putting your hand to the plow. We eventually... finally adapted a different mindset of showing God our Faith by our works. 


2.) It takes SPEAKING! - It takes using WORDS & opening your mouth!
In my years of studying the Bible, reading other good books, listening to good speakers, listening to CD's .... I have learned that you can't fight thoughts with thoughts. You can't fight Satan with your thoughts! You have GOT to use Words. Jesus did that when he was tempted. He used the WORD. He did not fight Satan with his thoughts. Though he could have had a legion of angels come and help him, he fought Satan with His Words! 
Speak what you want, give life to your desired outcome. Speak the Word. Find scripture that will back up what you are believing for. Speak those things that are not as though they were (Romans 4).
I recently heard a the founder of Outreach America say, "Add, 'In Jesus Name' to the end of whatever you are saying and see if it lines up with the Word." Try it - 
     - I have a headache, in Jesus Name.
     - Dang it, my car died, in Jesus Name.
     - My child doesn't do anything right, in Jesus Name.
     - I have favor in this situation, in Jesus Name.
     - I am getting a promotion, in Jesus Name. 
Pretty interesting test, huh!?! :) It really puts teeth behind your words to see if, by your Words, you really are moving in the direction that you want.


3) It's a Journey - Proverbs 28:26 says he who WALKS in skillful & godly Wisdom. 
To me, that tells me this is a JOURNEY not a destination. Enjoy that walk. Enjoy the journey. Take time to notice the small things as you go. I recently heard a quote that I thought was great, "It has taken you your whole life to get where you are RIGHT NOW. Don't wish 'now' away. Enjoy it." - Enjoy the journey!


4.) What comes out? - When something bad happens, what comes out? 
Your child spills their juice, you hit your head, your spouse asks you to get them something when your arms are obviously full. What comes out? - Looking at our Proverbs 31 friend....on her tongue is the law of kindness. 
Do you have enough Word in you that before you blow up, get angry, maybe even slip out a profanity.... do you have enough Word in in to pause in your mind until you are able to answer with kindness? Have you gotten up before your household to prepare yourself spiritually for the day. Do you have your armor on? 


5.) Finally... receive your deliverance. 


The fruit of walking in skillful & godly wisdom is deliverance. Over & over throughout the Bible it talks about how the righteous are blessed, receive favor, obtain the fruit of the land. It begins by operating in skillful & godly wisdom. Not just in your thoughts or actions, but also in your Words. 

Take time to Listen. When something becomes your "own" and not God's then is when it starts to go downhill. Remember who you're working for. Remember who is Boss. Your Boss will lead you & guide you & give you direction. The hard questions DO have answers, but are you willing to take the time to quiet yourself & listen? 

I have a plan for you & it is a plan to prosper you. 

I have a path for you & it is good. 

Will you take some time to spend with Me? I promise you it will be good. Because that is who I am. 

I am Good. 

--------------------------------
Enjoy your Memorial Day Weekend! Will be back Monday or Tuesday.