Month: December 2022

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DISCERNMENT

Biblical Definition of Discernment:
Hebrews 4:12 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. (ESV)

Character Study:
Timothy – Acts 16:1-3; Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 4:17 and 16:10-11; 2 Corinthians 1:1 and 19; Philippians 1:1 and 2:19-23; Colossians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; 2:3-4;3:2-6; 1 and 2 Timothy; Philemon; Hebrews 13:23
On Paul’s second missionary journey, he first went to Derby and then to Lystra where he met up with Timothy, who was living there with his mother, a Jewish believer and his father who was Greek.
We read in 2 Timothy 1:4-5 and 3:14-15 that he was trained by his grandmother Lois and mother, Eunice from a very young age.
Philippians 2:20 I have no one else like him, who will show genuine concern for our welfare. v21 For everyone looks out for their own interests, not those of Jesus Christ. v22 But you know that Timothy has proved himself because as a son with his father he has served with me in the work of the gospel.

Timothy is known as:
Paul’s protégé
In Acts 16:1-5 Timothy joins Paul and Silas on their second missionary journey. Because Timothy‘s father was Greek, he had not been circumcised when he was eight days old. Paul thought it wise to circumcise him as the Jews in that area knew his father was Greek.
1 Timothy 1:2 Paul writes that Timothy is his true son in the faith. In v18 Paul instructs Timothy regarding his responsibility, based on prophetic words spoken about him previously.
Philippians 2:19-23 Timothy was with Paul when he wrote this letter to the church in Philippi. Paul commends Timothy because he had proved himself like a son to Paul helping Paul to preach the Good News.
In 1 Corinthians 4:17, Paul sends Timothy to Corinth to remind the people of the way that Paul lives his life in Christ Jesus. He also reminds them what he, Paul, teaches in all the churches wherever he goes.
Teacher
Paul writes the letter of 1 Timothy to encourage him as he teaches the people and warns them against false prophets that had infiltrated the church.
In 1 Timothy 4:1-16 Paul instructs Timothy on how to be a good teacher to the people while showing discernment by preaching the Word and also correcting, rebuking and encouraging the people.
Worker
Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 16:10; 1 Thessalonians 3:2; 2 Timothy 2:15
Paul commends Timothy as a worker.
Encourager
1 Thessalonians 3:1-7 Paul sends Timothy to strengthen and encourage the believers in Thessalonica in their faith. Timothy returns with good news about their faith and love. They remember Paul’s visit with joy and would love to see him again.
Strong faith
2 Timothy 1:3-7 Paul encourages Timothy to be faithful. Paul commends Timothy’s mother Eunice and grandmother Lois who instilled a strong faith in him.
Timidity
1 Timothy 4:12 and 2 Timothy 1:7, 8 it seems that Timothy was young and timid. Paul encourages him in: 2 Timothy 1:7 For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid but gives us power, love and self-discipline.

What the Bible teaches about discernment:
Old Testament:
Deuteronomy 32:1-47 Moses gives a brief history of Israel. This song which Moses teaches to Israel has an important purpose. It will be learned and passed on to future generations. Vv28 Moses says, “They are a nation   without sense; there is no discernment in them.”
1 Kings 3:3-9 Solomon asks for wisdom. The LORD appeared to Solomon in a dream at Gibeon. When asked what he would like, Solomon asks the LORD that He would give him, Solomon, a discerning heart to govern the people and that he would be able to distinguish between right and wrong
The Book of Proverbs tells us about people who have wisdom and enjoy its benefits. In Proverbs 3:21-26 Solomon’s advice is to embrace wisdom and follow after understanding.
In Daniel 2:1-23 Nebuchadnezzar has a strange dream that not one of his astrologers could interpret. When Daniel is asked to interpret the dream, he asks the king for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him. He urges his friends to ask the God of heaven for mercy by telling them the secret. During the night the secret was revealed to Daniel in a vision. Daniel used discernment – the quality of being able to grasp and comprehend what is obscure – and he believed God would tell him all the king wanted to know.

New Testament:
Mark 12:28-32 When one of the Pharisees questioned Jesus about what “The Greatest Commandment” was, Jesus’ answer reduced the law to two simple principles: Love God and love others. The Pharisees commended Jesus for the right answer.
Romans 12:1-2 Paul urges the Christians to offer their bodies as “living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” He is saying that God wants transformed people with renewed minds, living to honour and obey Him. By doing this we will be able to test and discern what God’s will is for our lives
Colossians 1:3-14 In his prayer of thanksgiving, Paul gives thanks to God for the church of Colossians for their faith in Christ Jesus and the love they have for all the saints. He has not stopped praying for them, asking God to fill them with the v9b “knowledge of His will through all spiritual wisdom and understanding.
Hebrews 5:11-14 The writer of the letter to the Hebrews, are warning the people against falling away. These Jewish Christians were still immature. They should have been teachers by now, teaching the elementary truths of God’s word. They were reluctant to move out of their comfort zone and were “living on milk.”v14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil. (ESV)

Application:
In the Book of Proverbs, God has something to say about every aspect of our life. We see in Proverbs 1:2-4 Solomon says the purpose of the Book is to: teach wisdom and discipline; understand words of insight; teach us how to have a disciplined and successful life; do what is right, just and fair; knowledge and discretion (discernment) to the young.
As believers, we need spiritual discernment.  Because Christ Jesus has become for us “wisdom from God that is our righteousness, holiness and redemption. (1 Corinthians 1:30). We need to have a personal relationship with Jesus.
This is the only way we can attain discernment/wisdom.
Psalm 111:10 When we understand that fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, we will be able to use discernment in the future.
How do we get wisdom? By studying the Bible and praying daily, allowing the Holy Spirit to be our guide.
1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 We must not scoff at prophecies, but instead test everything and hold on to what is good.
Hebrews 4:12 We need to remember that the Bible is God’s Word; living and active; it penetrates the core of our moral and spiritual life; it discerns both good and evil. We must not only read/listen to God’s Word, but we must also allow it to shape our lives.
James 1:5 When we lack wisdom/discernment, we as Christians can pray and ask God to help us make the right choices.
1 John 4:1 We should not believe everyone who says they have “a message from God.”  The best way to discern a “message” is to check and see if their words match what God says in the Bible; their commitment to the body of believers; their lifestyles; the fruit of their ministries and finally what they believe about Christ. Do they believe that Jesus is fully God and full man?

Conclusion:
Psalm 119:125 I am your servant; give me discernment that I may understand your statutes.

Responding in Prayer:
Read Philippians 1:3-11 – Paul’s letter of thanksgiving and prayer to the believers in Philippi.
We can ask the Lord as we start our day to give us spiritual understanding and wisdom, to discern the things of God.
We live in a world where we have difficulty at times knowing the truth from the false. As children of God, we can ask for wisdom and understanding to discern between what is right and what is wrong.
When we ask for discernment, God will increase our knowledge and understanding so that we will get to know and love Him more and more.
As we mature in the knowledge and understanding of God, we will desire to please only Him at all times. We will allow God’s will and not our own to be done in our lives.

(All Scriptures are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise stipulated)

Journal – Scripture/Prayers/Thoughts:

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HOPE

Biblical definition of Hope:
Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD. “Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Character Study:
Hannah – 1 Samuel 1-2
She was married to Elkanah who had two wives – Hannah and Peninah. She was the mother of Samuel, the prophet of God. After being barren for many years, God answered her prayer for a child. She then gives him back to God as a young boy. 1 Samuel 1:26 and she said to him, “Pardon me, my lord. As surely as you live, I am the woman who stood here beside you praying to the LORD. v27 I prayed for this child and the LORD has granted me what I asked of Him. v28 So now I give him to the LORD. For his whole life he will be given over to the LORD.” And he worshiped the LORD there.
God blessed Hannah with 3 sons and 2 daughters. (1 Samuel 2:21)
Hannah is known as:
Woman of prayer
1 Samuel 1:1-16 We read that even though Hannah was one of two wives, barren, taunted by Peninah, a husband that could not understand her “self-pity”  and a high priest that misunderstood her motives, she did not give up hope. She prayed and poured out her heart to God.
Faithfulness and her faith
She was faithful and went to the House of the LORD every year (1:6) and when Eli told her God would answer her prayer she went home and began to eat again and was no longer sad. (1:18)
Devoted mother
1 Samuel 1:21-23 When her husband and the family went on their annual trip to go up to the house of the LORD, Hannah stayed home with Samuel until he had been weaned.
A woman of her word
1 Samuel 1:24-28 We read that once Samuel had been weaned Hannah took him to the Tabernacle in Shiloh along with a three-year-old-bull for the sacrifice and a basket of flour and some wine. After the sacrifice Hannah presented Samuel to Eli, reminding him that the LORD had granted her request for a child.
Praising God
Samuel 2:1-10 Hannah praises God for His answer to her prayer for a son. She saw God as a Rock, the One in whom we have our hope. She acknowledges Him as the One who knows our thoughts, words and attitude and He is also the Supreme Judge who administers perfect justice.

What the Bible teaches about hope:
Old Testament:
There are many Psalms that speak of hope:
Psalm 39:1-13 When we do not have God, our lives are fleeting and empty. This is when we put our hope in God.
Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred (postponed/delayed) makes the heart sick, but a longing fulfilled is a tree of life. (Italics in brackets mine)
Isaiah 40:12-31 Here we read that God is almighty and all-powerful. Nothing stops Him from caring for us personally. Verses 29-31 say that He gives strength to the weary and weak. We have the assurance that when our hope is in the LORD, our strength will be renewed; we will soar on wings like eagles; run and not grow weary; walk and not be faint.
Jeremiah 17:5-10 contrasts two kinds of people:
1. Those who put their trust in mere men – they are like stunted shrubs in the desert.
2. Those who trust in the LORD – they are like trees planted along a riverbank. v7 But blessed is the one who trusts in the LORD, whose confidence is in Him.
In Lamentations Jeremiah laments as he watches the suffering of God’s people and the devastation of Jerusalem and the Temple. Jeremiah does not question God’s justice in sending suffering; instead he celebrates God’s faithfulness and unfailing love.
Lamentations 3:19-33 is about hope in the midst of affliction. When troubles come we still have hope; we are not consumed, because of the LORD’S love for us; His compassion never fails – it is new every morning; His faithfulness is great and for this reason we can wait for the LORD to deliver us.

New Testament:
Romans 4:13-25  As Christians we know that the promise God gave Abraham was that he would be the father of many nations (Genesis 17:2-4).We also know that the entire world would be blessed through him. (Genesis 12:3)
This promise was fulfilled in Jesus Christ.
Colossians 1: 24-29 Paul is telling the people of Colossae that he is suffering for them; he has become a servant by the commission God gave him to present  the word of God in its fullness – not only for the Jews but also for the Gentiles
Titus 2:11-15 In this book Paul is giving Titus instructions about “What Must Be Taught to Various Groups.” Because of God’s grace, salvation is for all people. We are instructed to turn from godless living and sinful pleasures. We are to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age.
Hebrews 10:19-25 This passage is a call to persevere. When Jesus died for our sins on the cross, He opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. We can go into the presence of God with sincere hearts, trusting Him
1 Peter 1:3-12 The Hope of Eternal Life. In this passage Peter’s words offer us hope in times of trouble. He bases this on what God has done for us in Christ Jesus. We do not just put our hope in the future, but our eternal life begins when we trust Christ Jesus and in doing so we join God’s family.

Application:
All of us experience days when we feel discouraged. What can we do when we feel lonely or depressed? We can meditate on God’s kindness and love.
It says in: Psalm 42:5 Why, my soul, are you downcast? Why so disturbed within me? Put your hope in God, for I will yet praise Him, my Saviour and my God.
We can learn from Abraham. After God had made an oath in His own name that He would multiply Abraham’s descendants beyond number, Abraham waited patiently and he received what God had promised. When God gives  a promise, we can be sure that He will never change His mind.
As Christians we know that hope produces joy and peace in us through the Holy Spirit. Along with faith and love, hope is an enduring virtue of the Christian life. 1 Corinthians 13:13 And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love.

Conclusion:
Romans 15:13 I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in Him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.

Responding in Prayer.
Read Psalm 130:1-8 – Putting our hope in the Lord.
We can praise God for the assurance we have of His forgiveness. When we cry out to God for help, He will hear us. All we need to do is confess our sins to Him. We can count on the Lord and put our hope in His word, because “with the Lord there is unfailing love.” His redemption overflows. As we yield to the Lord, we are able to cast all our anxieties on Him, because He cares for us.

A prayer of hope:
“Lord, help me to hear You saying, “I am your hope” over all the other voices. I’m running to You with both hands stretched out and grabbing on to You. Fill me up with hope and give me a tangible reminder today that hope is an unbreakable spiritual lifeline. In Jesus Name, Amen.”(Anonymous)

(All Scriptures are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise stipulated)

Journal – Scripture/Prayers/Thoughts:

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JOY

Biblical definition of Joy:
Isaiah 12:2 Surely God is my salvation; I will trust and not be afraid. The LORD, the LORD, is my strength and my defence; He has become my salvation.” v3 With joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation.

Character Study:
Ruth – Ruth 1:1-4:22; Matthew 1:5
She was a Moabitess, that is a Gentile, who was hated by Jews because they worshiped foreign gods and were therefore unclean. Her mother-in-law Naomi was an Ephrathite from Bethlehem.
She married Boaz, Naomi’s closest relative and became an ancestor of both David and Jesus.(Matthew 1:5-6)

Ruth is known for her:
Loyalty
In Ruth 1:4-18 Naomi’s husband and her 2 sons died. She had heard that the LORD had come to the aid of His people by providing food for them in Judah. Ruth gives up her own country, people and gods to follow Naomi, her mother-in-law, back to Israel. Naomi encourages her to go back to her people. Ruth 1:16 But Ruth replied, “Don’t urge me to leave you or to turn back from you. Where you go I will go, and where you stay I will stay. Your people will be my people and your God my God.v17 Where you die I will die, and there I will be buried. May the LORD deal with me, be it ever so severely, if even death separates you and me.”
Diligence
In Ruth 2:1-3 she went out and began to glean in the fields behind the harvesters. She picked up the left over grain for herself and her mother-in-law.
Love for her mother-in-law
Ruth 2:4-15 Ruth showed great love towards her mother-in-law. She cared and provided for Naomi to such an extent that it was well-known throughout the town.
Obedience
Ruth 3:1-5 Ruth followed Naomi’s advice in everything she told her to do. Naomi told Ruth to go and lie down at Boaz’s feet. It should be noted that it was in accordance with Israelite custom and law. It was common for a servant to lay at the feet of his/her master and even share a part of his covering. By observing this custom, Ruth would inform Boaz that he could be her family redeemer – that he could find someone to marry her or marry her himself. It was family business, nothing romantic. But the story later became beautifully romantic as Ruth and Boaz developed an unselfish love and deep respect for each other. (LASB)

What the Bible teaches about joy:
Old Testament:
Ezra 6:19-22 The Israelites who had returned from the exile rebuilt the Temple. After they had completed it, they celebrated the Passover. The priests and Levites had purified themselves and were all ceremonially clean. They ate the Passover lamb, together with all who had separated themselves from the unclean practices of their Gentile neighbours in order to seek the LORD, the God of Israel. They celebrated the Feast of Unleavened Bread for seven days with joy.
Nehemiah 8:7-18 After the rebuilding of the Wall of Jerusalem, the Israelites settled in their own towns. All the people assembled as one man in the square before the Water Gate. They requested that Ezra the priest would bring out the Book of the Law of Moses and read to them what the LORD had commanded for Israel. On completion of the reading, in v10 Nehemiah encourages the people to go and celebrate and give gifts to those in need. They were not to be dejected because, the “Joy of the LORD was their strength.”
Psalm 100:1-5 This Psalm is an invitation to enter joyfully into God’s presence. It is also a Psalm of thanksgiving.
Isaiah 55:1-13 This chapter is an invitation to the LORD’S salvation. Verses 1, 2 and 6 tell us how to get free nourishment that feeds our soul from the LORD. All we have to do is to: Come, Listen and Seek the LORD while He may be found. Verses 8-11 tell us that the LORD’S thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways not our ways. Just as God’s Word goes out from His mouth, it will not return to Him empty, but will accomplish what He desires. v12 You will go out in joy and be led forth in peace; the mountains and hills will burst into song before you, and the trees of the field will clap their hands.
Jeremiah 31:1-14 This passage is a promise to all the families of Israel, not only the tribe of Judah. It also includes all people who trust in God.

New Testament:
Luke 2:8-15 This passage tells us that after the birth of Jesus, an angel of the Lord appeared to shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. The shepherds were terrified, but the angel reassures them to not be afraid, because he is bringing them “news of great joy” about the birth of Jesus who is Christ the Lord.
John 15:1-11 Jesus teaches about the vine and the branches. Jesus is the true vine, God is the gardener and the followers of Jesus are the branches. True believers will be fruitful branches – these branches are cut back to promote growth. God sometimes needs to discipline us to strengthen our character and faith. Those “branches” who do not bear fruit will be v6 If you do not remain in me, you are like a branch that is thrown away and withers; such branches are picked up, thrown into the fire and burned. A true believer’s privilege is that if they remain in Christ and His words remain in them, they may ask whatever they wish and it will be given to them. v11 I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.
Romans 15:1-13 In this passage Paul encourages believers not to just read the Bible but to also study it. In this way we have confidence that God’s will is the best for us.
He continues to write that we are to accept one another. Four times he mentions “Gentiles.”
2 Samuel 22:50; Psalm 18:49 David wrote that he would praise the Lord among the Gentiles.
Deuteronomy 32:43 Gentiles are to rejoice with the Jewish people.
Psalm 117:1 They must praise the Lord.
Isaiah 11:10 They will hope in Him. (see Septuagint)
Philippians 4:2-9 Words of Encouragement: Paul was in prison when he wrote this letter to the Philippians. We see in: “v4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” Paul knew that no matter what happened to him, Jesus Christ was with him.
James 1:2-18 Trials and temptations: James tells us that “when” we have troubles, we are to: “v2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, v3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.“

Application:
As Christians joy should be part of our daily life. This is not always easy because there are times when it is difficult to show joy. There are times when the troubles in our circumstances or situations, “drag” us down.
At those times, when we experience joylessness we can read:
1 Kings 18:16 – 19:9 The encounter of Elijah who had just defeated 450 prophets of Baal with fire called down from heaven. He became fearful and fled into the desert when Jezebel threatened to kill him. He then asks God to take his life. vv9b -18 The Lord appears to Elijah.
Proverbs 17:22a When you have joy in your heart, you can encourage others, be enthusiastic about your tasks, and you are also able to be positive about what the future holds.
1 Thessalonians 5:16 It is not always easy to be joyful, to pray and give thanks when it feels as if our circumstances or situations are out of control. The plus side of this is that when we are obedient and allow God’s will in our lives, we will find it easier to be joyful, to pray and to be thankful.
In Philippians 4:4-8 Paul tells us to “rejoice” because the Lord is near. We can bring all our anxieties to God and He will give us “peace that surpasses all understanding.” Lastly, we need to keep our minds focused on the good things of God.

Conclusion:
Romans 12:12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Responding in Prayer:
Read Psalm 67:1-7 – Spreading the Gospel about Jesus will bring joy all over the world.
When we make it our daily prayer to pray or intercede for people such as missionaries, believers in countries where they are being persecuted for their faith in Jesus or you and me spreading the Gospel, we can say with the Psalmist: v4 May the nations be glad and sing for joy, for you rule the peoples with equity and guide the nations of the earth.
There are times when our trials and tribulations seem to engulf our lives. We cannot see anything to be joyful about. Those are the times we can “remember” Luke 6:23 “Rejoice in that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.”

Journal – Scripture/Prayers/Thoughts:

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WISDOM

Biblical definition of Wisdom:
James 3:17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.

Character Study;
Solomon – 2 Samuel 12:24 – 1 Kings11:43; 1 Chronicles 28-29; 2 Chronicles 1 – 10; Nehemiah 13:26; Psalm 72; Matthew 6:29; 12:42

Solomon:
Also called Jedidah meaning loved by the LORD; loved of Yahweh (2 Samuel 12:24-25)
His father was David and his mother was Bathsheba. David selected him, as he was the son of his favourite wife, to become the next king.
Solomon asked God for wisdom – 1 Kings 3:9 So give your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?” v10 The Lord was pleased that Solomon had asked for this.
He is the author of Proverbs 1 – 30; Ecclesiastes and Song of Songs.

Solomon is known for his:
Wisdom
In 1 Kings 3:3-15 and 2 Chronicles 1:1-13 we read how when God asked Solomon at Gibeon what he wanted, he asked for wisdom and knowledge.
His wisdom was widespread because we read in 1 Kings 1:1-13 and 2 Chronicles 9:1-12 that the Queen of Sheba came to “test him with hard questions.” When she saw the wisdom, the palace, and the sacrifices he made at the Temple she was “overwhelmed.”
1 Kings 4:32 He spoke three thousand proverbs and his songs numbered a thousand and five.
Building of the Temple
In 1 Kings 5:1 – 9:9 Solomon builds the Temple and his palace. 2 Chronicles 2:1 – 7:22 Solomon built the Temple. We see in both passages how Solomon dedicated the Temple and the Lord then appears to him giving him a promise. 2 Chronicles 7:14 if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.
Pagan wives were his downfall
In 1 Kings 1:1-14, we read that he had 700 wives of royal birth and 300 hundred concubines who led him astray. He allowed his wives to affect his loyalty to God and started worshipping other gods
1 Kings 3:3 He continued worshipping God at the original Canaanite high places, which was forbidden.

What the Bible teaches about wisdom:
Old Testament:
Job 28:12-28 In this passage Job speaks of wisdom and understanding. In v12 he asks where wisdom can be found and where understanding dwells. He continues to say that it cannot be found in the land of the living. Wisdom is more valuable that any gold or gems. v23 He answers that only God knows where it dwells. v28 He concludes that God is the source of wisdom.
Psalm 111:1-10 This Psalm shows us that everything God does is for our good and reverence. The LORD is the beginning of wisdom.
Proverbs 2:1-11 Moral Benefits of Wisdom – Verses 1-8 say that the Lord will give wisdom to those who are faithful. Verses 9-11 say that we will find the right way to go because wisdom will enter our hearts and knowledge will fill us with joy.
Jeremiah 9:23-24 People tend to admire wisdom, strength and wealth in others. God’s priority is that we know Him personally and live a life that reflects kindness, justice and righteousness.
In Daniel 2:1-19 Nebuchadnezzar had dreams and asked his magicians, enchanters, sorcerers and astrologers to tell him what he had dreamt. Not one of them could do this and the king ordered the execution of all the wise men of Babylon. After Daniel had spoken to the king, he returned home asking his friends to plead for mercy from the God of heaven concerning the mystery of the dreams, so that he and his friends might not be executed with the rest of the wise men. During the night the mystery was revealed to him in a vision.
This passage shows that wisdom comes from God alone!

New Testament:
Luke 21:5-38 Jesus talks to His disciples about the “Signs of the End of the Age.” He gives them a promise in v15 that He will give them the right words and also wisdom so that none of their opponents will be able to reply or take a stand against them.
Acts 6:8-15 Stephen was a man full of God’s grace and power; he did great wonders and performed miraculous signs. He was arrested by a group of men from the Synagogue of Freed Slaves (also called Freedmen). They argued with him but were unable to stand up against his wisdom.
1 Corinthians 2:6-16 For true Spiritual wisdom or discernment, a believer must be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Paul taught the Corinthians that true wisdom requires the believer to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
Ephesians 1:15-23 In this prayer Paul asks the God of our Lord Jesus Christ to give all believers Spiritual wisdom and revelation to know Him better. We can read the Bible or daily devotions and only know about God. The only way to have a personal relationship with Jesus is to spend time with Him, not only reading our Bibles but studying it, in prayer, worship and giving thanks for what God has done for us.
Colossians 3:1-17 Paul writes what Christians should do to live a holy life. He sums it up in v16 Let the message of Christ dwell in among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom, through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.

Application:
In Ecclesiastes 7:1-14 we read what form of application Biblical wisdom should take in life and vv15-29 shows the limits of human wisdom.
Daily we can interpret the verses as follows:
vv1-4 We live with adversity daily, so as Christians we know that we learn more about God’s will for our lives, when there are struggles, sorrows or suffering! 
vv5-6 It is better to be reprimanded by a wise person and so be refined for the Kingdom of God than to be praised by a fool.
v7 There is a saying, “Money talks.” We read or see on TV how easily people are bribed – it can be said that those who are involved in extortion or bribes are truly fools.
v8 When starting a project or ministry it takes patience to see it through or to be consistent. This is a practical way of showing “faith in action.”
v9 We need to control our anger, especially when rebuking or chastising someone. Our tone of voice should be to the benefit of everyone involved.
v10 We need to resist the urge to too long for “the good old days.” As a disciple of Jesus, we need to adhere to what He said in: Luke 9:62 Jesus replied, “No one who puts a hand to the plow and looks back is fit for service in the kingdom of God.”
vv11-12 Both wisdom and money can be a benefit and get you almost anything, but only wisdom can save your life! We should not be part-time Christians, but Christians wholly devoted to God alone.
v13 We must submit to God’s will, and accept the way He does things.
v14 God allows both the good and bad times to come to everyone. We should be content in all circumstances, recognizing that God is in control.

Conclusion:
James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.

Responding in Prayer:
Read Psalm 37:1-40 – Instructions on how to gain wisdom.
This Psalm gives insight into the realities of life, inviting believers to have trust, peace and contentment even when it feels as if evil has the upper hand.
The Psalm also contrasts the wicked person with the righteous. When we ask for wisdom, we can be assured of: v23 The LORD makes firm the steps of the one who delights in Him; v24 though he may stumble, he will not fall, for the LORD upholds him with His hand.
Give thanks in all circumstances – good and bad – for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

(All Scriptures are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise stipulated)

Journal – Scripture/Prayers/ Thoughts: