Proverbs 2:1-8

Moral Benefits of Wisdom
1 My son, if you accept my words
and store up my commands within you,
2 turning your ear to wisdom
and applying your heart to understanding,
3 and if you call out for insight
and cry aloud for understanding,
4 and if you look for it as for silver
and search for it as for hidden treasure,
5 then you will understand the fear of the LORD
and find the knowledge of God.
6 For the LORD gives wisdom,
and from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.
7 He holds victory in store for the upright,
he is a shield to those whose walk is blameless,
8 for he guards the course of the just
and protects the way of his faithful ones.

As I was reading this passage this morning, I recevied a whole new perspective on it. I'm sure I've read over it numerous times, but this time I really took the words listed to heart. What it boils down to is that we're called to fervently, desperately, passionately look for God's guidance and wisdom throughout our life.

As Solomon describes in verse 4 "...look for it as for silver". So often in this world we're looking for the fame, the prestige, and the riches that the world offers. We're searching for "silver and gold" here on the earth. What Solomon is saying here is that we need to be seeking the Lord and His plan and will for our lives as we would strive and desire the riches of the world. Great application here! It's funny though, so often in life we get sidetracked, and lose sight of our passion and desire for God. Whether it's unanswered prayers, struggles, or even just being blessed - we often forget to cry out to Jesus in EVERY circumstance of life.

As this section of proverbs continues it describes how the Lord gives us wisdom. Our human selves cannot fathom or comprehend the wisdom of the Lord. We can think we have wisdom, but in reality it's petty trivia. From the Lord comes knowledge and understanding. So how are we going to get the wisdom of God, His understanding, and His knowledge? Pretty much by filling your life with His Word, prayer, and the power of the Holy Spirit, which is our earthly portion of the Trinity (standing beside us and leading our paths in every step we should take).

The most exciting part of this passage are verses 7 & 8 - at least for me. It describes how blessings, victory, and protection come out of those whose walks are blameless before the Lord. He brings victory to the upright. He is a shield to the blameless. He guards the course of the just, and He protects the way of His faithful ones. What an incredible testament to the grace of God! Even though I mess up all the time and face opposition while I'm here - God still cares enough to protect me and give me victory - even in my times of trouble.

And again I say, with God all things are possible. Without Him we're nothing! Did you get that? Without Christ - we are NOTHING. My prayer is that anyone that reads this would come to know the neverending peace, love, grace, and even blessings that the Lord pours out over those that love Him. Do you want to feel that surety and rest? Call out to Jesus and you can have it. With Him we have hope and a future. Without him we have damnation. Jesus is THE way THE truth and THE life. No one get's to the Father, except through Jesus. AMEN! And Praise the Lord for his eternal sacrifice - for without his death we would never have his grace and peace.

And last - I've found some INCREDIBLE new music... and just made another EPIC Worship CD. One such song is by Justin Byrne, called "I have found". Take a listen on iTunes and enjoy the lyrics below. SO GOOD! Our God is faithful, just, righteous and loving!

I have found a peace that ploughs on through the storm.
I have found a joy that jumps over sadness.
I have found a love that lights up every room.
I have found, I've found You!

Chorus:
You are all I want,
You are all I need,
Everything my heart could hope for.
We are longing for, the Glory of the Lord,
Cause we know there's so much more!

I have found a trust that teaches how to rest.
I have found a grace that guides me by the hand.
I have found a strength that stands like a mountain.
And I have found, I've found You!

Only You, fill my soul!