Job Bible Sketch

2020 is an example

“By the breath of God ice is given, and the broad waters are frozen fast.” Job 37:10 ESV Bible verse hand lettering marker sketch.

 

Life’s journey includes meeting and passing through unexpected experiences.

Expectations may happen as we plan; yet, out of the blue, we are sometimes surprised! Situations come up without warning, or they may creep in gradually—for obvious or unknown reasons—prompting us to redirect our steps and take a sharp turn.

 

Atrocious events of 2020 have been surfacing like never before. Covid pandemic, vandalism, and derechos made news headlines exposing worldly evil, injustice, calamity, lies, fears, confusion, weakness, frailty and uncertainty. Through thoughts and actions, people react or adapt to changes by

• power trips to manipulate and control, fear or impose fear by abuse, numb with alcohol, indulge self-pity, self-isolation or mandate isolation, destruction, unfairly punish, blame-shift and inappropriate stubborn ways stemming from immaturity, pride, anger, and selfishness
  
• prayer, volunteering, creativity, kindness, compassion, helping, encouraging, sorrow, confessing wrong doings/thoughts, repenting, gratitude, and receiving/offering forgiveness are ways to reflect love—not earning—celebrating mercy and salvation in Christ
  

Each person has a unique combination of positive and negative behaviors. Emotional, physical, mental and spiritual health conditions may be all over the place at various intensities. We may become carelessly stuck or we may grow stronger in adversity.

On Superbowl Sunday I went outside to wander. Leisurely passing time before a social gathering, I remembered Kansas friends who would be cheering for the Chiefs. Fishing is a common sport for food and fun on Minnesota lakes—from shorelines, docks or boats in summertime and through a hole drilled in thick winter ice. What a positive thrill it is to notice the bait nibbled and bit! To successfully reel in the catch requires knowledge and skill; yet, often bait is untouched and sometimes fish get away. Those of us who don’t hunt and fish still enjoy outdoor adventures all year. The day was exceptionally mild for February so I skipped snow boots and put on walking shoes instead. I began to seek nature photography when I spotted a breathtaking scene—the sun beautifully lit a little village of ice fishing houses out on Lake Waconia. Roadways were plowed through the snow to accommodate traffic on the lake. Unknowingly, I crossed a spot where a shack had been parked and accidentally stepped into a slush covered ice fishing hole. Yikes—my leg was suddenly submerged below knee and I was extremely startled!  

Generally in this world, embarrassing, difficult situations, pain and suffering are the result of our sin and the sins committed against us. We are ignorant, fail to watch where we’re going, we take the wrong path, we are confused about multiple problems that pile up, we lack will-power, we become complacent, lazy or apathetic, we react badly and make decisions that aren’t good for others and for ourselves. Sometimes the reason we suffer is obvious, other times, we have no clue why bad things happen and we must suffer. Sometimes it is easy see the reasons other people suffer, yet we are blind to what brings about our own suffering. Things don’t sync as we’d hoped they would. We make mistakes, fall, become ill and suffer. Many aspects of suffering and horrible complexities we are faced with cannot be naturally explained or controlled. Evil is not rational.

“God isn’t the cause and source of sin and death. Yet God Himself makes use of the curse of sin—suffering and death—for His good purposes. In doing so, He most often works in a  hidden way.” —Matthew Harrison in Does God Will Suffering and Affliction?

Amazingly, there are things to be thankful for during unpredictable hard times. Praise our Creator!

 

Gratitude exploded within when it dawned on me that my accident could have been much worse. Instead of venturing further out to get the perfect shot I’d envisioned, this was the turn-around point of my journey. I re-focused, changed plans, turned around and walked home in squeaky, soaked shoes with a bloody skinned shin under the fabric of my icy cold lake water drenched pant leg. I’d remembered the incidents I’d heard of where people have died from falling into open water. Thankfully, I’m safe, I didn’t drop my camera, the painful wound is cleansed, the garments washed and dried with the convenience of two appliances I often take for granted. I have a new appreciation for the person who invented a new kind of clear bandage sticker I happened to have on hand because several months earlier I’d accidentally burned my arm on the oven door. Like my bad arm burn, I was able to address the problem without a big expense. I had time to add more rest to my routine while my bad leg scrape eventually healed over a long period of time, leaving only a scar and a memory to share.

 

We need the Bible to remind us what lasts and what doesn’t. 

 

To God be glory—in church we receive the faith that assures us we can submit our difficulties, pain, fears, frustrations, scars, resentful hearts and sorrows to our merciful Jesus who totally gets it, took our sin and died to save us. Hope is found in His sacrificial work and Him presently interceding for those who humbly receive His body and blood. When do we seek Him most? It’s when we are suffering. More often than we realize, God’s angels are protecting and delivering people from evil spirits, dangers and temptations that are part of the brokenness of the world and our own sinful desires. 

 

We need God’s Word to feed and remind us that there are mysteries our Creator has not revealed. God is almighty and is in complete control. Whew—we don’t need to explain and know it all! We only need to be honest and trust our Savior in everything. He provides faith which offers the ability to admit faults, rebuild, nourish, and persevere—all that is needed to keep moving forward. 

 

The Holy Spirit fills us with awesome gifts of grace, patience and healing. Faith works within us to push us to try hard to build up others and ask for forgiveness when we cause problems or fail to do all that we could’ve, would’ve, should’ve done. Christ suffered on behalf of all sinners. Those who don’t reject this gift of faith are enabled to joyfully continue the journey with sufficient strength for one day at a time.

“Praise the Lord! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for it is pleasant, and a song of praise is fitting. … He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds. … He hurls down his crystals of ice like crumbs; who can stand before his cold?” Psalm 147:1,3,17 ESV

 

The Bible invites us to look deeply into the troubles of life through eyes that trust in the merciful hope we have in Jesus.

In the light of Christ, freedom to be truthful is enjoyed. Aspects of Christian life may be compared to figure skating choreographed to a theme. Easy? Not at first—it takes practice—it becomes easier, yet requires effort and endurance. Creative, skillful, graceful movements to a dynamic rhythm in musical harmony is observed, learned, practiced, performed, celebrated. This excellence is not self-taught, but beginning the day we are physically delivered into earthly existence until the the day we exit and pass into the next life, we depend on parents and others to teach us about Jesus, support and help us move honestly through life’s physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual challenges. Christians need church in order to belong and remain devoted to God—to join in and participate within a supportive network.

• Listen to a talk titled Elihu Proclaims God’s Majesty
• Watch a great video summary illustration of the book of Job

“The Lord shows He is our Redeemer, despite what we may suffer in this life.” The Lutheran Study Bible on the book of Job

Not all receive the prize. Great power, justice and pardoning love belong to us only by grace.

Some are waiting for a man-made vaccine, a cure for covid-19, or a variety of things to go their way before they go about living on the terms they perceive as how things should be. 

Our Creator provides man with knowledge and means to come up with solutions sometimes, yet this is not always so. We don’t know if the Lord will or won’t provide a vaccine or cure before He returns. We do know He patiently directs our steps as we trust in Him. His broad plan is to bring sinners to the Light and how He accomplishes this is beyond our speculation. God’s goodness is incomprehensibly immeasurable. We either reject His gifts or we respectfully receive them, pray and go about life as the Lord wills.  

A team of judges at an Olympic figure skating competition determine who receives the gold metal. On the Last Day, God is the one and only judge for the fallen people he created. He does not regard any who are wise in their own conceit; He rewards sinners who by Christ’s mercy and grace are eventually delivered into an eternal life with Him.

I know that my redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand on the earth. And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes—I, and not another. How my heart yearns within me! Job 19:25-27

Pray.

Dear God, replace our pride and fears with courage and Truth. Thank You for supplying Your perfect Son as our Savior and for faith to fully trust Your mercy. Amen.

Esther Bible Sketch

Who knows how to live these days?

Do you wonder what your purpose is in such a time as this?

“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” Esther 4:14b ESV Bible verse hand lettering marker sketch.

Day-to-day complexities of life’s relationships and personal responsibility to care for our own spiritual, emotional, mental and physical health cannot be managed alone. 

 

Thankfully, our patient Savior provides all that is needed to face each moment of each day. His perfect plan and timing is over our head. We may simply receive help, forgiveness and comfort by trusting Jesus has already won the victory over sin, death, and evil. Abundant opportunities surround us on every side to seek Biblical wisdom, practice patience, and pay-it-forward by sharing Good News, grace and mercy.

“Sometimes life seems as if we are on an incredible journey—and then suddenly, the bus breaks down. We feel trapped in a desert of delay with no way to move on. And in the in-between, it seems God isn’t doing anything to fix our situation. We’re tempted to complain and pout. To grumble and grow bitter. That’s when we need to remember the story of Esther and how God worked behind the scenes to rescue her people. We wait well when we remind ourselves that even while we’re waiting, our Lord is paving the way ahead, scheduling exciting experiences, and booking new destinations for our lives. That’s when we need to choose to rest in God’s providence.” Sharla Fritz in her book: Waiting—A Bible Study on Patience, Hope, and Trust

The Holy Spirit moves faithful people to encourage and listen to each other. He knows each person’s unique roles in personal and community relationships—lays out opportunities, provides guidance—and carries out His promise to defend, protect, and deliver those who seek Him. The only help we can offer each other is in full light of His Word and gifts revealed in Christ crucified for us. We may sow many seeds, share our faith everywhere we go, yet it is not us—it is our Creator who provides nutrients and growth to each individual who is willing to honestly receive His Word. Trusting God’s powerful love, we confidently pray to our Advocate. We may live by grace throughout life’s storms until the Last Day when He makes final judgement and harvests His crop of humble, repentant believers to live forever with Him.

“His winnowing fork is in his hand, to clear his threshing floor and to gather the wheat into his barn, but the chaff he will burn with unquenchable fire.” Luke 3:17 ESV

“For those who live according to the flesh set their minds on the things of the flesh, but those who live according to the Spirit set their minds on the things of the Spirit. For to set the mind on the flesh is death, but to set the mind on the Spirit is life and peace.” Romans 8:5–6 ESV

God knows His purpose and plans. Our Heavenly Father offers salvation to bring all souls out of trouble through faith which brings repentance and trusts Jesus is the way to peace beyond understanding.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” Romans 8:28 ESV

Book of the Bible dedicated to Esther

“Esther is the heroine of the biblical book that bears her name. Her Jewish name was Hadassah, which means ‘myrtle.’ Her beauty, charm, and courage served her well as queen to King Ahasuerus. In that role she was able to save her people from the mass extermination that Haman, the king’s chief advisor, had planned (2:19–4:17). Esther’s efforts to uncover the plot resulted in the hanging of Haman on the very same gallows that he had built for Mordecai, her uncle and guardian. Then the king named Mordecai minister of state in Haman’s place. This story is an example of how God intervenes on behalf of his people to deliver them from evil, as here through Esther he preserved the Old Testament people through whom the Messiah would come.”

Commemoration Biographies

Scripture speaks about uncovering lies and evil in several instances. Jesus is all about truth.

Helpful resources

• Play from the website: Serving the Lord as a Young Adult: Esther, or learn about getting this podcast formatted for your device
• Listen to a conversation about Esther Agrees to Help the Jews
• Bible Study audio about Mordecai Persuading Esther to Help
• Read a youth source blog post Girl Talk: Seize your Esther Moments
• Learn Five Powerful Leadership Lessons From the Book of Esther
• New for the to-read list: Callings for Life: God’s Plan, Your Purpose

Pray

Lord, thank you for safely bringing me to this day. Teach and lead me in your grace and truth. Amen.

Nehemiah Bible Sketch

Strength in the joy of the Lord

Don’t be grieved—listen to the Word

Hearing God’s word has great purpose that unites us in Christ locally and eternally with all who trust His promises. The Holy Spirit offers faith that believes, receives joy and craves the strength that comes from the spoken sermon, readings and hymns during church worship services.

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Nehemiah 8:10 ESV Bible verse hand lettering marker sketch.

I’m thankful for people who help me make sense of Scripture and bring it into life by applying it to today’s situations. 

The Bible teaches us about ourselves, reveals our sins, humbles, brings us to repentance, and provides zeal to pray for what we need over and over again. God’s plan in supplying His Word is to satisfy us by showing us what we need. Jesus has been grieved in our place at the bloody cross. The joy of the Lord comes to us in the Sacrament of Holy Baptism and the Sacrament of the Altar. These gifts provide strength to forgive others as whoever believes these words has exactly what they say: “forgiveness of sins.”

Nehemiah means the Lord has comforted.

Our Father Creator hears our prayers in Jesus Name and answers according to His will. When we pray “thy will be done,” He works in us so that the things we want are the things he desires to give us—contentment and peace. He has not forgotten His promises which hold true because of the resurrection of Jesus. He is risen! Think of the angel who announced the Good News of Great Joy for you with the birth of Christ! 

• Listen to a conversation between pastors exploring Nehemiah 8
• Interesting notes are available in an excellent Study Bible
• Always great to hear, next best is to read a sermon about Nehemiah 8
• Arch Books for the children who love hearing you read
• Hear the Word at a Church near you

Dear Lord,
Forgive our apathy regarding matters of faith. Thank you for training us theologically by providing highly educated pastors, friends and family who teach your Word to grow the faith You give in Baptism. Thank you for those who lead us in prayer and encourage us to do the same with and for others. You stir us, bring us to tears, fill us with joy, and give us strength.
Amen.

Ezra Bible Sketch

Voices sing together

Music is an excellent element of worship at church

Singing, playing an instrument and listening to sacred music provide people of all ages important ways to 

• worship Christ Jesus
• reflect on the goodness of our Creator’s design
• thank God for His mercy
• become divinely connected to lyrics by the Holy Spirit’s inspiration
• grow the gift of faith and celebrate Baptism
• participate with a like-minded community

Even an unborn child in the womb can feel and hear his or her mother sing! Precious memorized hymn verses can be spoken for encouragement, sung by the blind and recalled in aging!

“And they sang responsively, praising and giving thanks to the Lord” Ezra 3:11a ESV hand lettered Bible verse sketched with markers.

Responsive Worship

Especially after experiencing church closing and distance restrictions due to Covid-19, we repent of taking health and community for granted. Re-opened congregations have a new appreciation for the opportunity and freedom to sing responsively together with their pastors, confessing, praising and giving thanks to their merciful Lord. 

The liturgy or a liturgical style of divine worship service focuses on faithfulness, artistic excellence and integrity of the presentation God’s gifts, Scripture and music.

• Watch video of children expressing their joy of music and adults who inspire development of musical skills: Children making music 
• Read about Music in Service of the Gospel
• Learn about Hymnody and Liturgy
• Listen to a collection of Liturgy Audio Files
• Listen to interview Introducing the Books of the Bible: Ezra
• Receive a sermon His Steadfast Love Endures Forever – Ezra 3:11
• Rich compilation of services, psalms, hymns, and prayers that nourish and edify the faithful: Lutheran Service Book (LSB)

2 Chronicles Bible Sketch

Humble + pray + turn = healing

The Holy Spirit nudges God’s people to humbly pray with thankfulness flowing from our hearts.

“if my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.” 2 Chronicles 7:14 ESV Bible marker sketch hand lettering

But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed. Isaiah 53:5 ESV

Healing blessings are provided by God

Humbleness is power the Holy Spirit gives believers to

• know the value of Christ’s suffering
• take responsibility
• say: I am sorry
• get unstuck from the mud of all sin—ours and those committed against us
• reject temptations to stay in or return to that wrong place
• seek Christ for mercy, shelter, protection and safety
• pray and have prayers heard
• receive cleansing and freedom
• listen to other’s perspective: thoughts, feelings and experiences
• take time to process situations
• have compassion
• be merciful
• be genuine 
• be content with not knowing all the hidden things of God
• take comfort in Truth
• have confidence of the presence of God within
• push forward in joy during both good and hard times
• be motivated by a pure heart made holy by Christ
• receive inspiration to share hope in Jesus

Our Creator promises to listen to repentant prayers of believers who seek Jesus. His beloved Son sacrificed out of love for us, was born, lived perfectly, suffered, died, then rose from death and ascended victoriously, so by grace, sinners are saved from punishment deserved. Christ intercedes for all who seek Him—and repeatedly—now until God’s judgement for eternity in heaven or hell. Power to trust the Word, receive forgiveness, embrace grace, healing, hope and peace is beyond understanding—it is a gift of faith.

Read or listen to

• A relevant devotion about The Courage of Jehoshaphat 
• An excellent sermon titled First and Foremost
• A Hymn Jesus, grant that balm and healing

Pray

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for welcoming us to have personal conversations with You. Help us listen for Your prompts to seek You in every situation and in the beautiful sanctuaries where congregations gather to hear Your Word and receive Your gifts. Thank you for opportunities to attend Church for communion with all believers. Reside in our hearts to equip and motivate us to share Your love. We look forward with joy to the Last Day when Your saving love brings perfect healing of the world You created and unites all believers with You for eternity. Amen.

1 Chronicles Bible Sketch

Give thanks!

I’m praising the Lord for the opportunity to go to church in person for the first time in three months! Covid-19 stay-at-home orders are slowly being lifted! While we waited for the re-opening, we were thankful for people and technology that brought online forms of worship services and Bible studies. God gives us abilities and ways to carry the mission forward and draw people to Himself.

Rhubarb is in season in Minnesota! Thank God before a meal or after dessert. Scripture tells us to pray without ceasing.

“Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; for his steadfast love endures forever!” 1 Chronicles 16:34 ESV Bible verse sketch markers doodle hand-lettering.

Thanksgiving is more than general gratitude

Thanking our Creator requires humility because we’d rather think we’re entitled to things. Provisions of food and shelter, protection, mercy, grace, healing and comfort are just a few gifts of God. 

“From a biblical perspective, if body and soul, house and home, wife and children, and the like are to bring us any real satisfaction or joy we must first reckon with the punishment that our sins deserve. Without mercy, without forgiveness and grace, without Christ, there is nothing much to give thanks for since it is all going to be destroyed or sent to perdition.” —David H. Petersen (read more)

Our help is in the goodness of our Lord!

The Holy Spirit works in us so we may listen and look at life’s situations from a full perspective and know God deserves all the glory for everything good.

“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.” Psalm 10:14 NIV

His steadfast love endures forever!

Jesus is Lord. In Christ we receive the mercy and everlasting loving kindness of our Creator.

Chronicles contains ancient genealogies, lessons learned from family history, and prophetic hopes for the future. (watch an illustrated summary)

My church’s sanctuary is designed to optimize acoustics so voices—confessions, prayers, sermons, songs of thanks, praise and all types of musical instruments are beautiful there. Chronicles inspired J.S. Bach (read more)

• Bach Violin Concertos | Classical Baroque Music
• Hymns by Johann Sebastian Bach in the Lutheran Service Book, CPH
  • Break Forth, O Beauteous Heavenly Light, LSB 378
  • Tis Good, Lord, to Be Here, LSB 414
  • O Sacred Head Now Wounded, LSB 449
  • O Jesus So Sweet, O Jesus So Mild, LSB 546
  • A Mighty Fortress Is Our God, LSB 657
  • The Ancient Law Departs, LSB 898

Prayer of Thanksgiving

Father in heaven, to You alone do we owe thanks and praise. read more

Pray: Lord, we cannot see the possibilities of Your big picture of love that endures forever if we refuse to open our eyes. Take away our unhealthy assumptions that we know everything when, in truth, only You are all-knowing and have sacrificed all to save us. Forgive us when we forget and decline opportunities to listen well. Put Your genuine love to work within us to discern when to speak and when silence is effective in order to hear and empathize with others. Put helpful words in our mouths to give Your grace to others. Thank you for understanding and holding us while we endure hard things. Thank you for every gift of goodness. Amen.

2 Kings Bible Sketch

Do not be afraid

Abuse of the innocent, injustice, violence, protests, riots, depression, despair and corona-virus are concerns many of us fear

Individuals in  Minneapolis – St. Paul, Minnesota as well as cities throughout the United States and the world are frustrated and confused about addressing all forms of sin and its consequences

…What a baffling, babbling, cacophony of contradictory craziness. … Jesus has something to say just for you, … “Don’t be afraid.”
—Rev. Dr. Matthew Harrison

Click and listen to a sermon and interview: Jesus Doesn't Babble: Jesus brings the Word of peace to those who have grown weary of all the babble. 
 

He said, “Do not be afraid, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” 2 Kings 6:16 ESV
Old Testament Bible verse sketch doodle hand-lettering rubber-stamp art.

“While we live in a world where there are spiritual and other forces of darkness all around us, we nevertheless live confidently as the people of God who are blessed with the ministering of God’s holy angels in our lives. Furthermore, we trust in the triumphant victory of Christ who destroyed the darkness of sin and death in our lives.”
—Rev. Dr. Dennis J. Goff  (read more)


“How do we consider the recent protests sparked by George Floyd’s death in a theological manner? How do we process our own reactions to these events through the lens of the cross?” Listen to Considering Protests for Justice by Rev. Bryan Wolfmueller

Enjoy learning about the Bible with illustrations?

“After David, Solomon leads Israel to a period of greatness, followed by failure and rebellion. Israel splits into two separate kingdoms, and the story traces the slow decline of both, resulting in destruction at the hands of foreign empires. God sends wave of prophets to hold Israel accountable, but Israel ignores them to their peril.” —The Bible Project  Watch illustrated video summarizing Kings

Lord Jesus, in your mercy, hear our prayer

• Forgive us
• Help us trust Jesus (increase faith over fear)
• Draw us to your Word that we may embrace all you have given us
• Guide us to grow by receiving Your gifts along with the community of a church family
• Bless those who are suffering mental anxiety and pain
• Restore what has been torn down
• Protect and deliver us from abusive evil aggression
• Bring truth and justice
• Bring health 
• Bring healing
• Bring wellness and success
• Bring peace
• Bring hope
• Renew and refresh us
• Fill our hearts with the joy of Your plan of salvation and lead us to share the Good News

Amen.

1 Kings Bible Sketch

Pray for Wisdom

How do we wrap our head around what is going on and figure out what to do?

Guidelines, schedules, rules, governing strategies, relationships, Coronavirus (COVID-19) Pandemic, and all the mysteries of life—from conception until death—we wonder about how to handle it all. How do we discover what the will of God is?

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. James 1:5 ESV

Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil… 1 Kings 3:9a ESV Bible verse sketch doodle.

Wisdom isn’t only knowing facts—it is the ability to apply knowledge in a practical manner that flows from a heart of compassion

In every relationship—personally with God and between individuals in group settings of two or more—what could be more important than to humbly go before God and ask Him to give an understanding mind and the ability to discern between good and evil?

Our enemies are Satan, the sinful world, and our own evil desires. Scripture says they prowl around like a roaring lion and are like a wolf hidden in sheep’s clothing. That means these could sneak up at any time, show up in the least expected places and it is possible we might not even realize they are attacking us, especially if we aren’t spending time in God’s Word. Encountering enemies might happen within:

• our own thoughts
• community
• workplaces
• educational settings
• friendships
• church
• family

Understanding doesn’t come from imagination within ourselves, apart from Christ; it comes from outside of us—only from God who gives it in the Word and Sacraments

Can we get it perfectly? No, we can’t comprehend everything about God. The Good News is that our Heavenly Father, without disappointment or disapproval of us, is pleased we ask Him for discernment and graciously gives us a meek servant heart to see clearly through faith that trusts Jesus. Christ did for us what we cannot do and we can entrust ourselves into His hands when we are afraid.

Resisting temptations and making reasonable decisions is more than using what has been gained through research, books, classrooms or what mom and dad told us. God designed humans with a high degree of complexity. He offers us a Savior and gifts of the Holy Spirit to guide us to accurately discern between good and evil. We are given freedom to either receive or reject Christ.

We should ask God for understanding in everything! We hear His answers by trusting the power of Baptism. God wants all to receive wisdom and make the best of all the faculties He created within us. He provides all we need and wants us to live healthfully.

Scripture

For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. Hebrews 4:12 ESV

Prayer

Pray then like this: “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. Matthew 6:9-15 ESV

Counsel

But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the Father, he will bear witness about me. And you also will bear witness, because you have been with me from the beginning. John 15:26-27 ESV

Friends

A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for adversity. Proverbs 17:17 ESV

Education

All your children shall be taught by the Lord, and great shall be the peace of your children. Isaiah 54:13 ESV

Intuition

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come. John 16:13 ESV

Brain

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1:13 ESV

Soul

And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, Luke 1:46 ESV

Example

Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us. Philippians 3:17 ESV

Compassion

Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Colossians 3:12-13 ESV

Observation

Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, “Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” Deuteronomy 4:6 ESV

Experience

Wisdom is with the aged, and understanding in length of days. Job 12:12 ESV

Reason

When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways. 1 Corinthians 13:11 ESV

Attitude

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. What you have learned and received and heard and seen in me—practice these things, and the God of peace will be with you. Philippians 4:8-9 ESV

Maturity

But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. Hebrews 5:14 ESV  

Time

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted; a time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up; a time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance; a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing; a time to seek, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away; a time to tear, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak; a time to love, and a time to hate; a time for war, and a time for peace. Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ESV

Trials

Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. 1 Peter 4:12 ESV

Testing

Does not the ear test words as the palate tastes food? Job 12:11 ESV

Promise of hope in Christ

In him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of his will, so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory. In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:11-14 ESV

Wisdom is all about Jesus revealed in the Bible 

When we think we know-it-all and can’t be wrong, we are only fooling ourselves. When tempted to criticize and condemn other people, we should look in the mirror.

“For the LORD sees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance, but the LORD looks on the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7b

The only thing that matters is the fear of God—to seek and receive Jesus who saves us from our own foolish ways and makes all things possible.

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:13-17 ESV

Wisdom recognizes we need help. All good things are gifts from God who accomplishes His goals and good purposes for those who love Him. God does not approve of evil, yet He sometimes allows it and can use worldly situations and consequences of sin to draw us to Himself. By faith, we understand this may embody

• bringing us to see our sins, turn away from them, and live in Christ
• experiences of learning the hard way
  
  • from our own mistakes
  • watching others mess up
• acting on Spirit-led motivation to share the Word we have received with all who will listen
  
  • some refuse to listen
  • not everyone who hears will believe
  • when someone hears and believes, this is the work of the Holy Spirit
• asking for help
• forgiving
• waiting
• trusting Jesus
• acknowledging God is in control

Check out these inspiring links…

• Listen or read a sermon: The Good King’s Wisdom
• Watch video overview: The book of 1-2 Kings explained with illustrations
• Listen or read a devotion: The Wisdom of Discernment
• Worship and learn about the false religions of moralism, philosophy, mysticism in contrast to the The Only Way to redemption and life—Christianity—Jesus is full of Grace and Truth.
• Pray for wisdom, then read or listen to the book of Proverbs (31 chapters)

2 Samuel Bible Sketch

Light in dark places changes everything

More powerful than darkness is the Light that delivers from gloom

“For you are my lamp, O Lord, and my God lightens my darkness.” 2 Samuel 22:29 ESV hand lettering sketch doodle.

Our mighty God is our deliverer and shield

God cares for us so much to offer Holy Light in His Word to expose our darkness and create faith which allows us to 

• honestly see and admit our sinful nature
• constantly work on changing sinful ways
• fight to resist temptation
• know that God’s own Son was born to bear our sins on the cross
• pray and be heard
• take refuge in our Lord above all else
• live joyfully by grace
• have a clear conscience through Baptism into Christ
• care about the welfare of others

Our Creator designed us for perfection, yet—because sin entered the world after the fall—we all lack it. Even faithful people cannot follow His good and loving commands. Coronavirus and other hardships create havoc and doubt.  

Spirit-given faith trusts God’s Word which reveals the one thing we need for our rescue—mercy given through the birth and unjust suffering of our perfectly pure, humble Lord who never did, said, or thought anything wrong, ever. Jesus did the work necessary to save the world from sin, evil, and death—this victory for us is finished. The promise is true. Grace is available for all to receive faith until He returns for His faithful when His glory will be obvious to everyone at the time all will be judged by their faith or absence of faith.

Our gentle Heavenly Father’s sacrificial Love cleanses us from the filthy sin He hates. Christ rose on the third day and ascended to our Heavenly Father where Jesus intercedes on behalf of prayerfully repentant faithful people. Our Creator’s grace flows to us through Christ who completely understands suffering injustice and consequences of sin. He covers

• wrongs we confess
• things of which we are guilty, unaware
• inadequacies
• sins committed against us
• death from COVID-19 and every other cause

All goodness flows through Christ who compassionately heals the wounds and sickness of brokenhearted people. Those adopted by the Holy Spirit receive

• power to discern what is the will of God, what is good, acceptable and perfect
• ability to both receive and give people compassion and grace
• the gift to forgive people just as we receive forgiveness in Christ
• strength to suffer
• patience to wait for joy that follows weeping
• constant growth and development of character
• a healthy heart and soul which trusts the Lord to carry and lead us during difficulties and sorrow
• hope of the glorious heaven prepared for all adopted into faith
• peaceful rest

Two options

1. Receive faith—live truthfully, humbly trusting the transforming Light. 
2. Reject faith—live secretly, remaining arrogantly stuck in darkness.

In Christ, the faithful believer is

• beloved
• holy
• blameless
• pure
• trained for war
• equipped for battle
• strengthened
• great
• guiltless
• delivered from strife
• exalted above the haughty
• delivered from men of violence
• fast, able to leap over a wall
• secure in heights
• protected in a wide open place
• rewarded with eternal life

Be inspired

• Watch an illustrated video
• Listen to a lively discussion
• Hear a tenderhearted sermon
• Read about contempt (opposite of honor and respect) 
• Church Worship and sing to our Marvelous Light
• Bible study …in the darkness of this world, His Light shines all the brighter!

Pray in Jesus’ Name

O Holy Spirit, Light our paths with Your Word. Only in You can we fight against the the darkness of worldly life. Remind us when we fail in thought, word, and deed that Jesus was born to forgive us for slipping. We praise You for the faith You give in Baptism and ask that You draw us to crave Your wisdom in Scripture. How wonderful it is to be sure You are walking with us, picking us up, and mercifully carrying us as You lead us in Truth to receive Your grace. Use our difficult experiences and sufferings to remind us of our connection to the power of Christ’s death and resurrection. Comfort and inspire us to recognize opportunities to shine, unconditionally love, and encourage all those around us who haven’t yet heard, are gloomy, or are lost. Amen.