morningstarmen

We spend quite a lot of time telling people that they should pursue wisdom. But what does a man do and to what sources will he turn, once convinced that greater wisdom is exactly what he need? It's wonderful to move a man from thinking that he needs no additional wisdom to recognizing that he does. But then what? If I tell you that you need to eat better, I can tell you what to eat that IS better, and also tell you where such foods can be purchased. If I tell you that you need to keep your body fit and strong through proper exercise, I can make concrete suggestions as to what will work, and how frequently you may want to work out. 

But when we once convince a man that he needs wisdom so that he can make better daily decisions and make better life-choices, where will we send him for that understanding. We live in a world of plenty. The McDonalds ad comes on the television immediately after the nutria-systems ad.  The add for comfortable living room furniture comes on the television followed by the pop psychology show suggesting that we'll feel and look better if we get off the sofa and go outside and do something.

And wisdom seems to come in that many flavors and more also. So what's a man to do? How does he know which "wisdom" is really wise?

The 4th of July. A great day for picnics, the beach, a trip to the vacation home in the mountains and a grand display of fireworks in the evening. But is that all? When we consider the purpose behind the day set apart, what comes to mind? Freedom? Opportunity? Today we'll look at the truth behind freedom. It's unique and rare qualities and how delicate and fragile it may be. Freedom is a very great thing. So we should give it the attention it actually deserves.

We all want to make good choices. We want to make the best choices. We even define wisdom as making the best choice in every situation. But we don't always do that! Why?  It's the stuff that's already in us that influences how we choose. If my ability to choose is a great gift, then using that gift to its full benefit is in the interest of everyone I interact with. And yet the stuff that's holding us back and influencing our inability to make wise choices isn't always easily detected. Let's look at that.

 

The roots of wisdom run deep and take years to grow.  So also do the roots of destructive  practices. This is true for individuals, for communities, and for countries. Let's look at that this week.

What is Wisdom? The ability to choose well in a diverse array of circumstances which the average person encounters. Sometimes we choose well, and other times not. Sometimes we choose in ways which are sinful, while at other times our choices are simply stupid. They are choices informed by inadequate understanding, or personal desires which override good thinking.

To live life well, To leave behind a good legacy. These desires require great wisdom.  In this first of a multi-part study on wisdom, we'll explore the basics.

 

People love to talk. Well, at least mostly they do, unless giving someone the "silent treatment". What, though, is the power of the words we each offer. Silence, after all, is our default "setting". We are "quiet until acted upon".  Since that's true, then could it be that the spoken word could or should be offered with purpose in mind?  Could it be that our words, rather than being random and idle, or self-defensive, could be used at means of creative construction? Let's take a look today.

In a great kingdom, everyone has a role to play. Everyone has things to do. But they also each have some expectations. Let's look at 3 words which can sum up all of life within any kingdom.  Relationship, Responsibility, Reward.  Let's dig in.

A good king makes a great difference. Why? Let's look at that.

Jesus often used two phrases followed by either a description or a parable. They were, The Kingdom of Heaven and The Kingdom of God.  "The Kingdom of Heaven is like..."  is something he was heard to say on numerous occasions. All sorts of ideas and images can come to mind, but perhaps those are secondary. Perhaps we need to ask this one question: How did Jesus intend for his listeners to understand that phrase. Or, how did they already understand the phrase, and thus how are we to understand what this Kingdom is like.

Let's take a closer look. This will be the first of a several part series.

Is the miraculous possible? Not in the sense of merely  amazing or incredible things, but in the most literal sense of the word? Are there occurances which are inexplicable apart from a purposeful action originating with God? Are the things written down and preserved in accounts like those of the Biblical book of Acts real? Just as important a question may be "and can things like that happen today?"  The Big Question behind this is simple really. Do miracles provide some evidence for and justification for belief in God?  Let's take a look.