Song of Solomon Bible Sketch

God loves passionately.

The Lord offers genuine relationship sealed with the promise of the Gospel.

Christ has intimate affections for the Church of all believers. 

The imperfect Bride [Church of all believers] is drawn to the perfect Bridegroom [Christ]. She receives the Holy Spirit and is filled with an undeserved gift of faith in the Bridegroom. Christ not only completely loves and wants His Bride, He treats her as a friend—smiles and sings over her! She honors Him, rejoicing in His reciprocate love which flows into and from her as He provides for Her while she serves and worships Him. 

He does not neglect, tyrannize, frighten, contemptuously reject, or condemn His imperfect Bride who loves Him. He protects His Bride from harmful evil snares, quiets her with His calming love, pursues, and fights for her. He gave her breath and gently embraces her for who she is—His created, beloved, fallen creature. He sacrificially gave Himself up in order to cleanse and heal wounds resulting from her own sins as well as from sins committed against her. In their mutual love, she is seen by her Creator through His Own splendidly beautiful Holy perfection which has purified her. 

She respectfully desires to please her merciful Lord as she seeks Him for wisdom and refuge. He cherishes communication with her, eager to listen to her every praise and prayer. He nourishes her hunger for His strength and satisfies her thirst for His forgiveness. Revealing to her His peace and pleasure, He graciously refreshes, comforts and encourages her within His deeply caring community. He is her only Way. His Word is enriching her Life now and promising her hope of Paradise with Him forever. He guides her to sow His seed—the living and active Word of God which builds up all who believe His Truth.

Song of Solomon 8:6a,7a

Set me as a seal upon your heart…Many waters cannot quench love, neither can floods drown it. Song of Solomon 8:6a,7a

Unquenchable love Christ has for the Church 

The power of the Holy Spirit is poured upon each individual within the Church of all believers. The generous Gift of Holy Baptism provides saving Faith in Christ Jesus. Faith is

• received by water with the Word
• drawing those who receive it to nourishment, growth
• maintaining itself through regular, frequent, study of the Bible and hearing it preached
  
• constantly desiring to bring back ones who neglect, stray from, and reject it
  
• teaching the proper way to live by treasuring the loving fullness of the commandments
  
• encouraging humility which confesses failure, prays for mercy, and asks other believers to pray, also, for positive change
  
• revealing God’s sovereign will
• protecting believers—keeping them safe from being destroyed by threats, trials, tests of faith, even death
• stirring the faithful to live life to the fullest by sharing the love and peace of Jesus
  
• reminding the devoted of strength and contentment that comes with being in the Word rather than conforming to the patterns of this world
• guiding followers to remain set apart in the promise of Grace
• inspiring the congregations to actively worship together in Truth
• answering Frequently Asked Questions about Doctrine
• preserving those who hold onto Faith until the end
• assuring certain hope of everlasting life in Heaven with the risen Savior

The Bible talks about the feast to come in the Old Testament—like an engagement. The feast that has come, mentioned in the New Testament, is in the bleeding dying Christ on the cross and the resurrection on Easter morning. The sacrifice points forward to the Last Day, pictured like the glory of the Church dressed in the righteousness of Christ—two become one—Christ and the Church!

God never changes

Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Hebrews 13:8

How Sweet the Name of Jesus Sounds (listen) 

1. How sweet the name of Jesus sounds
   In a believer’s ear!
   It soothes our sorrows, heals our wounds,
   And drives away our fear.
   
2. It makes the wounded spirit whole
   And calms the heart’s unrest;
   ’Tis manna to the hungry soul
   And to the weary, rest.
   
3. Dear name! The rock on which I build,
   My shield and hiding place;
   My never-failing treasury filled
   With boundless stores of grace.
   
4. O Jesus, shepherd, guardian, friend,
   My Prophet, Priest, and King,
   My Lord, my life, my way, my end,
   Accept the praise I bring.
   
5. How weak the effort of my heart,
   How cold my warmest thought!
   But when I see Thee as Thou art,
   I’ll praise Thee as I ought.
   
6. Till then I would Thy love proclaim
   With ev’ry fleeting breath;
   And may the music of Thy name
   Refresh my soul in death!

John Newton, 1725-1807, Lutheran Service Book ‎524

Helpful links to listen, read and study the book Song of Solomon

• Audio introduction of the Book of the Bible: Song of Solomon
• Videos and workbook for 8-week journey through the Song of Songs

Ecclesiastes Bible Sketches

Living life backwards

Preparing to die will teach you how to live

In the brevity of life, ignorance is not bliss—it only fools us for a time. Ecclesiastes is God’s Word keeping it real. We learn life is not to be lived as for gain but as for the gift of God. Life in Christ is our wisdom which gives life and suffering meaning. The Christian experience understands the vastness of love. The more intensely you love, the more you hurt in loss. The more you know, the more you realize you don’t know. 

Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? —Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

Toil for gain leads to becoming a slave to it—controlled by meaningless vanity, we see weariness, broken mind, discontent, always wanting more—even human wisdom is futile; ambition can be a vice if not in Christ. 

God is the giver of life who provides meaning to it and ability to work for a living. Glory and gratitude to His mercies! Holy Spirit-given faith in Jesus’ work, finished for us on the cross—descent to hell, bodily resurrection and ascension—means grace and victory for repentant sinners.

Ecclesiastes 3:1,6b

For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven: a time to keep, and a time to cast away —Ecclesiastes 3:1,6b

Cycles of life, from peace and building up to war and destruction, can’t be changed.

Often bad times follow good times; also, often good times follow the bad! Nothing a person does changes these revolving cycles. We know there is more to existence. We try, yet we cannot figure out God’s plans and purposes. By faith given to us, we receive humility to seek Him and ask Him to bless us.

Being caught up in cycles of oppression, envy-fueled labor, worry over wealth, and loneliness add to meaningless of life without God. 

Life is hard and messy; however, this does not mean suffering has no value and meaning. Pain and trouble help give perspective to joy, hope, and solace. Wisdom is gained in getting through it. There are abundant opportunities to grow in wisdom for life when we are confident it is in the Lord’s control through Christ. Christian prayer—giving expression to the fullness of emotion and repentance—gets at the completeness of who we are as creatures of God, brings healing, hope, forgiveness and consolation.

Life is not fair, it is corrupted by sin. Don’t set out to search the answer to “why?”—you’ll be disappointed and frustrated. Sin and the devil tries to suck joy from us by tempting us with power. How is it fair that One Man should have to take on the sin of everyone else? 

God has drowned sin to death in Christ. The communion of saints connects us to loved ones here and beyond. Repentance is the way to be satisfied and content, remembering the authority of Jesus never goes away. People who trust Christ crave His Word for cleansing, healing, and release. Christ suffered for us. He goes into death and explodes it. Repentant believers have present joy and certain hope of eternal life with Him.

We shouldn’t live in isolation (inward focus), but in relationship with other people who are in Christ (outward focus). 

It is not always what you speak but how you speak. You are not what you think you are, but what you think, you are. Take self-diagnosis—ask yourself whom you spend most of your time thinking about.

We look for relief from fear, angst, sadness. Feelings aren’t our sole source of identity. 

“…Our value is determined by the God who created us and His Son, our Savior Jesus Christ, who redeemed us. Our Heavenly Father is the Master Craftsman Who designed each minute part of us! Whether our hands are strong and firm or arthritic and weak, they can be folded to thank the God who created them. Whether our feet are long or short, narrow or wide, strong or no longer able to support us, they are able to walk in His ways…” Mustard Seed Devotions, August 07, 2021, Lutheran Women’s Missionary League

We find joy in faith; Christ’s obedience—love He has for us—let it settle in you. Knowledge about God is not the same as fear, love and trust in God. 

“…if it is peace you seek—true, everlasting peace, then look to Him who has broken down the ‘dividing wall of hostility,’ separating us from God. If it is new life you’re looking for, then believe in Jesus Christ and you will find it…” Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries

Honesty in the name of love and truth is good.

God knows. Think deeply, speak kindly. Be careful of using many words that don’t say much. Tune in to disordered passions, desires, pride, and spiritual laziness. Realize even wisdom can never attain the control over life we desire. Spiritual arrogance, haughtiness, legalism and demeaning actions leave others feeling damaged, hurt and frustrated. Satan wants us to be in despair when things aren’t going well.

Humility is helpful in all things—especially acknowledging your own sinful weaknesses while using wisdom to help others. We can plant seed, yet only God, the Master over everything we do can make it grow. Look at failure through the lens of Grace which has been given to support what God has given us in life.

Repentance calls us to put away selfish and bad thoughts; it brings us to fill time with prayers—specific petitions in a constructive way. When praying for others

• Focus on thanksgiving for them
• For faith—communion with them
• For wisdom in discernment and reaching out

Worship our Creator and King without letting personal dreams dictate how we approach Him.

• Do not rationalize sins.
• Don’t try to tell God how things should be.
• Remember bodies are the temple of the Holy Spirit given in Baptism.
• Don’t go through religious motions without taking it to heart (hypocrisy).
• Don’t bargain with God—this is foolish talk.
• Exercise faith—meditate and pray out loud (there’s something powerful in hearing).
• If we don’t know what to say; pray, read and listen to God’s Word, Psalms, devotional materials, hymns, creeds and prayers written by faithful people, available in person at church, in bookstores and online by streaming radio and podcasts.
• Flow thoughts into prayers which shape the doing and being.
• Reflect the fact we don’t know how to do or understand that which only God knows. Many things are beyond our scope. We don’t know how to predict the future, the weather, or trees falling; exactly how the Holy Spirit works; or, how to guarantee success or avoid failure. 
• Think about the undeserved reward in Christ’s victory

Faith keeps us mindful of who we are and Who is the Giver of all things. 

Experience teaches the difficulties of time where we are situated. God will bring judgement and we live shrouded by death. We have two choices

1. be grumpy about it—as a curse, trying to push it away
2. live in Baptism—in hope, we live in Christ and He lives in us
   

Seeing consequences for the reality of our sinful condition, even in the midst of it all, God’s grace is mightily alive. God preserves the heart of those who trust Him. Confession and absolution cleanses, fills with peace and patience. His Spirit brings contentment even in sadness—helps us hold pain and suffering tenderly and see brief moments of joy. 

He restores our soul. As we put trust in Jesus, we respond with thanksgiving and praise for

• gifts of happiness
• enjoyment of blessings
• the promise of eternity with Him

Deeper into Ecclesiastes

Listen to conversations about Ecclesiastes: KFUO Radio—Christ for you. Anytime. Anywhere.

Bible studies series including Ecclesiastes: Life by His Word: Psalms and Wisdom Set

Proverbs Bible Sketches

Wisdom in Proverbs

God gives wisdom to remind me I can be absolutely sure Christ straightens my path which leads to Him

Life is like a road trip over an unknown number of days from hospital to home, church, work, shop, recreation, celebrations to funerals and many experiences in between. We go uphill, downhill, flat earth straight ways, curves, slow over speed bumps, slippery slopes, broken ice—bypass dangers of getting stuck in sand, snow, mud, roadblocks—on detours for times of repair and building up construction. Thankfully, we may give heavy baggage to the Lord and travel light!

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6

Proverbs 3:5-6

I am not required to understand every detail of every turn on the road trip, nor is it in my power to control traffic or timing

God’s humble wisdom provides everything good and needed—direction, forgiveness, safety, healing, and assurance in His Word. No one will be lost unless they reject the power of the Holy Spirit. God’s Peace Source (GPS) points to Jesus—the way, truth and life. In my weakness, I’m perfectly strengthened to live with protection of angels commanded to guard my ways until the Last Day. The Comforter mercifully reminds me when I am empty, steers me to repentance, fuels me with forgiveness, navigates to wayside rest. My Savior washes me clean, renews by grace and restores confidence to go forward. God provides faithful friends who are praying God-speed for me. Sermons and various audio snacks feed me reminders that, in the death of Jesus, “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” Jesus rose to life, lives within me, gives Himself for me to taste and digest in The Lord’s Supper. Trusting Christ’s work, my final eternal destination will be with Him, eternally rescued from from sin and its torturous consequences. 

“And now, O sons, listen to me: blessed are those who keep my ways. Hear instruction and be wise, and do not neglect it. Proverbs 8:32-33

Proverbs 8:32-33

My Creator gave me ears and an amazing sense to listen, hear His instruction, not neglect His wisdom 

Isn’t it wonderful that the God of the universe wants to communicate?! Praying out loud with others, group Bible studies, singing hymns, listening to sermons in person or video with my congregation as well as radio internet streaming and audio bible formats are designed to bless me habitually and actively encourage me to keep God’s ways. Along with other believers, I confess sin, meditate, pray—with thanksgiving—that the Holy Spirit will come upon me and give me desire to be faithful in the works that Christ has done in perfection for me.

A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1

Proverbs 15:1

I pray

Oh Lord, harshness coming from another person does make me angry and sad, especially when it is spoken from an unmerciful, ungracious, ungrateful and confused heart. Thank You for understanding me even when my communication with another falls on deaf ears, is ignored and interpretation is twisted or responded to with degradation. Keep giving me kind, soft answers and fill me with Your patience. Protect my heart when others abuse me with bitterly cold words and actions. I wait for charitable, mutual understanding during each opportunity for conversation You provide. Encourage me during difficult times when others tempt, reject, threaten, blame and shame me. Thank You that You know truth and help me grow and shine among darkness and doubt in this world. Help me love and forgive others, in Jesus Name—just as You assure me of forgiveness, good purposes and promises. Amen.

A glad heart makes a cheerful face, but by sorrow of heart the spirit is crushed.

Proverbs 15:13

Proverbs 15:13a

My spirit is crushed; yet, I have hope!

Life is hard. Others express disappointment regarding their expectations of me. I can’t please them as I wanted and expected that I would. Everyone, including myself, falls short of the perfect people God designed and created us to be. I am sorry and sad when I see my own faults and inadequacies. The Bible teaches me that I’ve sinned, even in ways which I don’t even recognize in myself. I am thankful for the promise of hope in Jesus. This makes my heart glad—my face smiles, knowing Christ is near with His cheer, never will he leave me! Why should Cross and Trial Grieve me? (lyrics), (audio)

Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the body. Proverbs 16:24

Proverbs 16:24

I pray

Dear Heavenly Father, I want to treat others with healthy, sweet, gracious words, thoughts and deeds. Thank you for sweetness for my soul and health for my body which You provide though Your Son and by placing me among gracious brothers and sisters in Christ. Amen.

The intelligent person restrains his words, and one who keeps a cool head is a man of understanding. Proverbs 17:27

Proverbs 17:27

I pray

Sovereign King, thank You for my brain, tact, insight, compassion and empathy for others going through challenging times. Increase patience for every process of Your plan for me. I am happy to be here sharing Good News. Amen.

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. Proverbs 22:6

Proverbs 22:6

Trusting Jesus Christ is the way to the heavenly places He rules

I’m equipped in baptism. Mom lead prayers, devotions, read the Bible. Teachers filled me with knowledge and skills. Pastors and Christian friends encourage me in spiritual matters. By grace, I have been pulled back from straying, grown in faith to maturity; forever guided and sustained until my time in this broken world ends. Out of gratitude I seek opportunities God provides to share!

A word fitly spoken is like apples of gold in a setting of silver. Proverbs 25:11

Proverbs 25:11

I pray

Lord, thank you for every person who communicates the authentic language of Your nourishing love. I appreciate the gifts of artistic talent You give Your dear ones to portray Your genuine mercy at the cross. Because You forknew fallen darkness in me and every person, You planned and carried out Your suffering, death and resurrection to save all who believe. Thank You for cleansing me from all sin—my own and those committed against me. Help me live in Your light to share the mercy and grace You have shown me. Amen.

One’s pride will bring him low, but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor. Proverbs 29:23

Proverbs 29:23

Fallen human nature’s blind spot of arrogance, pride, and know-it-all attitude hides the truth that only God is omniscient, omnipotent and completely honorable.

Often, people blindly think salvation is accomplished by something good they do or by virtues they have. Such prideful attitudes as well as rude, grudge-holding behaviors and tendencies of entitlement, all lean on selfish power trips to domineer someone or manipulate a situation. Degrading ways infect and spread skepticism, sorrow, chaos, and confusion.

Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him. Proverbs 26:12

Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, ‘Brother, let me take out the speck that is in your eye,’ when you yourself do not see the log that is in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take out the speck that is in your brother's eye. Luke 6:41-42

Haughty eyes and a proud heart, the lamp of the wicked, are sin. Proverbs 21:4

We have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment. We all fade like a leaf, and our iniquities, like the wind, take us away. Isaiah 64:6

Honestly, we cannot save ourselves no matter how much we think we can or how hard we try. Only Jesus saves us from our messes. He is worthy of our praise for His saving work! The Holy Spirit helps us show gratitude by leading us to use His gifts.

Every word of God proves true; he is a shield to those who take refuge in him. Proverbs 30:5

Proverbs 30:5

Beautiful Truth for all people! 

God wants us to be consistently humble and gracious in all we think, say and do—with complete trust—giving all glory and honor to our Savior who died for the sin of the world. He provides faith and growth in the Word.

Charm is deceitful, and beauty is vain but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Give her of the fruit of her hands, and let her works praise her in the gates. Proverbs 31:30-31 

God cares! We may trust that Jesus took all sins upon Himself in His perfect holiness to save mankind from hell. Christ hears prayers of humble repentance and intercedes to rescue and shield all who believe Scripture is entirely true. Healing, peace, joy and praise belong to those who fear God with all their heart, soul, mind and strength. In thanksgiving for His blessings and promises, we strive to love our neighbor as ourselves as we look forward to the endless day with Jesus in perfection beyond imagination!

More on Proverbs of the Bible

Go deeper into the gift of God’s Proverbs

• Listen to or read 31 chapters in the Bible, book of Proverbs
• Listen to Issues Etc podcasts on The book of Proverbs with Pastor Jonathan Fisk
• Listen to Thy Strong Word hosted by Rev. William Weedon – Proverbs 16
  
• Listen to Thy Strong Word hosted by Rev. William Weedon – Proverbs 1 “The Beginning of Knowledge”
• Listen to KFUO various program archives on Proverbs
  
• Listen or read book Demystifying the Proverbs 31 Woman
• Listen or read book Provoking Proverbs: Wisdom and the Ten Commandments

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)

Quotes of wit, wisdom and inspiration

Wit

When thou dost not know what to blog
Let quotes of others clear the fog
Get outside and take a jog
Find your friends and play leapfrog

—Elizabeth Knaus

Wisdom

But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.

James 3:17

more verses on wisdom

Devotion from Lutheran Hour Ministries: Changeless

Inspiration

Pinterest

• Re-purpose the file drawer
• Skip the scrapbook
• Cork for wine, not for wall board
• Visual library

GPS

• Hope for the map-folding challenged
• Relief for wives as passengers with lost men
• Voice of direction to places unseen

Etsy

• 24/7 Shopping convenience
• Analytical search assistance
• Art, vintage, creative supplies

Google

• Everything you ever wanted to know but were afraid to ask
• Resolution for the Scrabble double challenge
• Search the Scripture

YouTube, Vimeo

• Upload, view and share videos

Facebook

• Friends
• Likes
• Places
• Pages
• Timeline
• Trivia
• Messaging
• Photos
• Journal
• Games
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—Elizabeth Knaus

How to be humble. 33 thoughts on the virtue of humility.

Humility means not being proud or arrogant, but being modest and courteously respectful. How attractive is an attitude of meekness and gentleness!

1. Listen more than talk. Follow the words of the other, without being overly concerned about sharing your ideas.
2. Ask people for their opinion.
3. Be ready to give credit for another person’s idea, even if you are the one to carry it out.
4. Count to five before adding to a conversation. Be sure that the other person has finished his thought, and reflect on what he said.
5. Provide positive feedback.
6. Say, “I’d be honored” when asked to help.
7. Say, “It’s my pleasure” when thanked.
8. Admit when you don’t understand or know something.
9. When you screw up, say, “I was wrong.”
10. Teach someone what you know.
11. Cautiously use criticism, constructively and sparingly.
12. Give God the glory for skills, talents, blessings and successes.
13. Understand that timing is important.
14. Prioritize your time.
15. Think less about money for self, more about money for charity or for the building up of important things.
16. Think of others first, before yourself.
17. Pass on thanks to those who help you achieve something for which you were thanked.
18. Be quiet about your goals.
19. Be quiet about your achievements.
20. Look for potential in others.
21. Help others with their goals.
22. Value other people’s time.
23. Remember you have faults and are a sinner—you are no better than anyone else.
24. Give others the benefit of the doubt.
25. Pray for humility.
26. Seek wisdom by choosing wise friends.
27. Be willing to learn in all areas of education, especially about moral issues. Spiritual knowledge is found in church, Bible study and personal devotions.
28. Keep calm and carry on.
29. Be willing to accept new ideas and change.
30. Graciously accept praise with a sincere and simple, “thank you” without expounding upon it.
31. Don’t compare yourself to others.
32. Stick with your convictions. Recognize differences in others, but don’t conform if it doesn’t respect your values.
33. Forgive others who’ve wronged you without responding in revenge. Then move on.

These ideas are easier said than done, however, God is pleased when we try. The pleasure the Lord takes is not because of what we do, but because of the perfect life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ to earn our redemption. Teach us, oh Lord, to have a humble spirit.

For the Lord takes pleasure in his people; He adorns the humble with salvation.—Psalm 149:4 ESV
Teach us oh Lord. 
Christmas Inspirations Postcard Number Four ©Elizabeth B. Knaus

The Savior Redeems

Read more about these postcards for sale at the Christian Postcard Section in my Etsy Shop

Remembering Mom is a Blessing. She gave me life, love and shaped my soul.

This year I have a better understanding of sorrow. For one thing, it has been a year since I lost my mother. Losing someone you love is difficult, whether it be to death or any other way people lose each other. But Christian believers know that death is not a final loss. This faith takes away the sting—even though I am sad in the present—I have peace in the promise of eternity together. The gift of faith I received in baptism and through hearing the Word of God allows me to trust that the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ is pure grace which redeems me. It helps me understand sacrificial love.

Curious people love to learn. This is why the adult Bible class I go to after church on Sundays is well attended. I don’t do well at studying on my own, so it really helps to participate in class as a listener. Not that I retain all the knowledge that is available to absorb on my own, but I know the Spirit uses this method to get things into my thick noggin and amazingly allows me to retrieve it when I need it most.

One of the great things about this class is that it offers opportunity for questions about the sermon, is open to and often is side-tracked into discussion about various topics that are current in everyday life. This way I am able to learn about a perspective often not available through the popular news media. For example, I would not have known about the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Mandate. The Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) response—the video was informative and interesting. President Rev. Dr. Matthew C. Harrison testified on Capitol Hill before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, representing my position. I object to the use of drugs such as “the morning after pill” and procedures that are used to take the lives of unborn children, who are persons in the sight of God from the time of conception.

Now, our Bible class is into the third of the past three topics listed below:

1. Isaiah—Book of the Bible (740–861 BC)
2. Witness • Mercy • Life Together Bible Study, Albert Collver (2011)
3. What Happens When I Die?, Stephen Hower (2011)

Ruth Margaret (Olson) Busse

Remembering Mom is a Blessing 
I see her in the mirror
Hear her in a sister
Feel her in the sky
Imagine her in my car
Find her in a photo
I remember her smile,
her discernment,

her grace,

her hug,
her voice,
her wisdom.