PRECIOUS WISDOM

“Blessed are those who find wisdom, those who gain understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold.”- PROVERBS 3:13–14

At a certain point in my life, I was the worst at money management. I figured that money existed to be spent. I’ve learned through the years that money is to be managed. This wisdom is more valuable than any amount of cash, which I can spend in seconds.

I’ve also learned that seeking wisdom about what matters in life can bring more life— and a better life too. When I seek wisdom in the Word of God about any issues I face, I can resolve them in a way that is fair, loving, and responsible.

Wisdom truly is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. Whether it is about money concerns, marital problems, or any other issues we may have, wisdom will be of great help. Time and time again the book of Proverbs reminds us how precious wisdom is. Jesus tells us, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).

So, is wisdom something we treasure? Is our heart inclined toward knowing and fearing God? Just what is the object of our affection?

There are no secrets here. God made us and knows what we need so He knows how to resolve our problems. Knowing this wonderful God and obeying Him is how we will unlock godly success.

Seek to know God, obey Him, and you will become wise. God’s Word is the answer to any problems as long as we are willing to act on it.

My God, help me to stop chasing the wind. Turn my heart and mind toward you. Give me a desire for wisdom and instruct me in your ways. Jesus said that you will give wisdom to those who ask because you love us. I ask you for wisdom today. May you be glorified through it. Amen.

Today’s Challenge — What is the issue that is most pressing to you at the moment? Look up Bible verses concerning that very problem, and then pray for God to reveal to you through his Word how you can resolve that issue, or at least make peace with it. BibleGateway.com is a good search tool, or use another method of your choosing.

Behold God’s Beautiful Creation

All of nature declares the majesty of the Almighty.

Genesis 1:1-31

In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth with intention and precision. He spoke galaxies into existence, formed mountains and valleys, filled the seas with life, and adorned the earth with things of various colors and shapes. He surveyed His creation, declaring it to be “very good” (Gen. 1:31).

Beholding the wonders of creation allows us to catch a glimpse of divine artistry. The vibrant hues of a sunset, the delicate intricacy of a butterfly’s wings, and the grandeur of mountain ranges—all bear witness to the God’s endless wisdom and creativity.

Getting caught up in the mundane moments of life can make it easy to overlook the beauty around us. But when we slow down enough to take in God’s creation, it’s hard not to be filled with awe and gratitude. Each sunrise, chirping bird, and rustling leaf speaks of the Creator’s love for us. God’s declaration that His creation is “very good” reminds us of the inherent worth of all He has made, including us.

Pause for a moment to step outside and behold the beauty of God’s creation. Whether you look at a single blade of grass or the expanse of the sky, remember it all reflects the goodness of our Creator, who made every bit of it with love.

Glorifying God in Our Bodies

It is my eager expectation and hope that I will not be at all ashamed, but that with full courage now as always Christ will be honored in my body, whether by life or by death.

Philippians 1:20

Your body, and what you do with it, matters.

More than once in his writings, the apostle Paul expresses great concern about people’s bodies. He asks the Corinthians, for instance, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God?” He then goes on to say, “You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). In other words, our bodies belong to the God who created them and who sustains them. This way of thinking is at the heart of Paul’s theology.

Paul found great joy in knowing that Jesus would be honored, or exalted, in his own body. It was his chief aim and prayer that in his ministry he would possess courage and faithfulness to do this. For Paul, to exalt Christ meant to make much of His great name: to give Him glory. We see this attitude expressed by John the Baptist, who said of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). Similarly, you’ll never find Paul drawing attention to himself. He saw himself only as a conduit leading to Christ.

It comes as no surprise, then, that when he wanted to establish his credentials as an apostle, Paul didn’t say, “Let no one cause me trouble” just because he was a mighty apostle or because he was used by God to preach the gospel. No—he said, “Let no one cause me trouble, for I bear on my body the marks of Jesus” (Galatians 6:17, emphasis added). Through his body, his commitment was revealed. He was increasingly abused for his devotion to Christ. He finally went to his grave scarred, brutalized, and disfigured—yet through his trials, his cry remained “I will rejoice.”

God was Lord over Paul’s whole life: his body, his time, his totality. Only that could bring him such joy. Only that can bring us such joy.

The bottom line is that you are not your own. Nothing you have is your own. Everything is a stewardship, whether God has given you much or little. You belong to God, your Creator and your Redeemer. One day, He will raise us with glorified, imperishable bodies (1 Corinthians 15:42-44, 51-54). For the moment, in this life He calls us to serve Him in this body. In everything you do with it, then, let your body be an offering that you joyfully lay before God.