Happy is the man who finds wisdom, and the man who gains understanding; Proverbs 3:13
Definition of Understanding: (from Strong’s Concordance Hebrew 8394): “from H995; intelligence; by implication, an argument; by extension, caprice:—discretion, reason, skillfulness, understanding, wisdom.”
We all desire happiness, and it is one of the American values that everyone fights, strives, and pursues to gain. However, many times we try to achieve happiness, and it takes us a wrong direction.
The worldly happiness is short-lived, and it takes a lot of effort to maintain it. Sometimes, we have to make spiritual compromises to be happy. At other times, we find that worldly happiness has a big price tag associated with it, and it brings about consequences that eventually make us unhappy.
God has a different answer to happiness. The Lord tells His people that gaining wisdom and understanding allows them to be happy. In this devotional, I would like to unpack what understanding really looks like.
Understanding is having a sensitivity to the Lord and our surroundings. We may have a tendency to look at our surroundings wondering if we are welcome or accepted by those around us. However, understanding takes a different viewpoint.
As children of God, we belong to the Lord, and anywhere He sends us, that’s our assignment regardless of how people view us. Therefore, the question of belonging is answered by Him rather than those around us. Instead of feeling insecure about our presence, we go in with an attitude that we are here to serve and reach those that need God’s touch. It’s a form of hospitality and care for others around us.
We develop a skill to listen, to observe, and to understand where people are coming from and what they need. Some people will be difficult to handle, but part of the skill of understanding is to forgive them quickly, so it won’t block our understanding of what they need spiritually.
I had an interaction with someone recently that did not go well. I shared something about when I first came to the US, and she was quick to give her own opinion about it. It felt rude, brash, and insensitive. As I thought about that interaction, I realized that it could have been so different if she had just made an effort to ask a question or try to understand the circumstances. Making a blanket statement that did not fit the situation caused a shut down of our communication. I had to quickly forgive her, so I can remain open to ministering to her. It also was a reminder not to do the same to others.
Understanding is not about agreeing with others’ viewpoints, but it is about making the extra effort to discern where people are coming from. We need to slow down and be sensitive to the voice of the Holy Spirit allowing Him to lead and guide us on how to handle the situation.
In the last devotional, I shared that Jesus’ disciples asked Him who was the greatest in the kingdom. Surprisingly, Jesus did not mention the disciples neither did he include the religious people on His list. Jesus spoke about children; a group that didn’t have a voice in that culture.
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:1-6
The children have certain qualities that give us a clue as to what God values. Jesus stated that those who humble themselves as a child are greatest in the kingdom of heaven.
Children have no problem making themselves vulnerable or ask for help.
They generally understand that they are dependent on others for their needs, and they are content with that condition.
Children live their lives in the moment rather than thinking that their lives have to have a purpose or every moment has to count.
Children have a sense of wonder about the world around them.
Children don’t get offended easily.
They can easily forgive and forget.
It is easier for Children to believe and accept Jesus than it is for adults.
We gradually lose our childlike qualities, but Jesus told His disciples to be converted and become like a child. This list and the one from the last devotional are areas that we can pray about. We can ask Him to show us where we need to become more childlike.
Jesus’ standard of greatness is the complete opposite of the world!
Who is the greatest in the Kingdom? If you looked at social media, you might think it is us! Nowadays, we are easily impressed and amused with ourselves and others. Words such as “great”, “awesome”, and “amazing” are used regularly on social media to express one’s experience, pleasures, or acknowledgement of others’ accomplishments. I always wonder if there any words that we keep reserved for God alone!?
Jesus’ disciples were curious to know about Jesus considered as the greatest in the kingdom!
At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven?”
Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me. “Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin, it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea. Matthew 18:1-6
I wonder why the disciples asked that question? Were they hoping that Jesus would consider them the greatest in the kingdom? Obviously, they had been faithfully following Him! Had they begun thinking more highly of themselves because of their association with Jesus or the number of times they prayed? It is easy to become proud of our spiritual accomplishments. We are in the danger of thinking that because we go to church or we read our Bibles everyday, we must be great people. We rely on what we do to measure our value!
Jesus’ idea of greatness was different. He told his disciples that a little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. There is something that little children possess that we as adults lose. They are free from being self consciousness and are not worried about what others think of them. This allows them to be who they are without putting a front or trying to impress others. There is simplicity and genuineness in their behavior that is authentic and refreshing. They may even say things that could be uncomfortable but true. However,we don’t necessarily get offended by them because we know they have no agenda and that they are just making observations.
Jesus said that we need to converted and become like a child. What would be some of the things that we need to change to become like a child?
Children do not seek control. They can trustfully sit in a car and allow their parents to take them where they wish.
Children do not worry about tomorrow and where their provision will come from. Generally, they know that their parents will put them first and ensure that their needs are met.
Children can play and be free to enjoy themselves without being concerned about impressing others.
They are curious about their surroundings and are continually learning. They are able to take in the world rather than give their opinion about everything.
Children go to bed and can sleep well without being anxious and fearful. They can feel safe and rest easily because they know mom and dad would protect them.
Children make friends easily, and they do not have the hangups of class, wealth, race, religion, etc.
Today, most people will enjoy leftovers from yesterday’s Thanksgiving feast, but the leftovers are only a portion of all the food that was consumed by everyone.
The Bible tells us about jesus’ big gatherings; they had more leftovers than the food the they started with!
When Jesus heard it, He departed from there by boat to a deserted place by Himself. But when the multitudes heard it, they followed Him on foot from the cities. And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.When it was evening, His disciples came to Him, saying, “This is a deserted place, and the hour is already late. Send the multitudes away, that they may go into the villages and buy themselves food.”
But Jesus said to them, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.”
And they said to Him, “We have here only five loaves and two fish.”
He said, “Bring them here to Me.”Then He commanded the multitudes to sit down on the grass. And He took the five loaves and the two fish, and looking up to heaven, He blessed and broke and gave the loaves to the disciples; and the disciples gave to the multitudes. So they all ate and were filled, and they took up twelve baskets full of the fragments that remained. Now those who had eaten were about five thousand men, besides women and children. Mathew 14:13-21
Jesus’ cousin, John the Baptist, had just been killed, so He withdrew from the crowd to have time alone with the Lord. John’s death may also have been a reminder of Jesus’ looming death. Nevertheless, Jesus’ time with the Lord was interrupted when the crowd began to follow Him. The people may have been scared and confused about John’s death. Jesus was compassionate towards them and did not turn them away. He ministered to the crowd and healed their sick.
When time came for them to eat, the disciples were ready to send the people home, but Jesus told His disciples that they should give them something to eat. The disciples could only see their limited natural resources, but Jesus saw God’s unlimited supernatural miracles. The only food available were five loaves of bread and two fish. In the natural, that amount of food may have fed 10-15 people but not 5,000. Nevertheless, Jesus gave thanks for what was available and gave it to the disciples to distribute it to the people.
The people were all fed, and they gathered twelve baskets of fragments of bread. How is it possible that five loaves of bread and two fish could produce almost double the amount of leftovers!? Jesus’ compassion towards people and His thanksgiving towards the Lord invited God’s supernatural work on this simple and small meal. His selfless and faith-filled act opened the door for God to meet Him and provide the “daily bread” needed for that crowd.
As we continue through the holiday season, life will get very busy. Let’s make time for those who are searching for answers. Show compassion to those who are lonely and share with those who are in need. God’s supernatural touch will allow us to have more than enough to meet our needs as well as those He sends our way.
In His great love, the Lord has been rich in mercy towards us. The scriptures below tell us about our condition before Christ and how God’s great mercies changed everything for us and brought life to our mortal bodies.
Let’s give thanks for His indescribable gift of life that we receive by faith. He not only makes us alive in Christ, but He also allows our lives to be fruitful and purposeful!
Let’s show God’s mercy towards others as we spend time with family members and friends during Thanksgiving who do not have a revelation of Christ. The Lord can minister to them through your gentleness and kindness.
As for you, you were dead in your transgressions and sins,2 in which you used to live when you followed the ways of this world and of the ruler of the kingdom of the air, the spirit who is now at work in those who are disobedient.3 All of us also lived among them at one time, gratifying the cravings of our flesh and following its desires and thoughts. Like the rest, we were by nature deserving of wrath.4 But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy,5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions—it is by grace you have been saved.6 And God raised us up with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms in Christ Jesus,7 in order that in the coming ages he might show the incomparable riches of his grace, expressed in his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.8 For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God—9 not by works, so that no one can boast.10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Ephesians2:1-10
It is a great blessing that the Lord protects us and watches over us. Psalm 91 is also known as Soldier’s Psalm. It has been said that the some of the soldiers in WWI read this Psalm regularly and the Lord protected them from having casualties.
Interestingly, the devil tried to use this scripture (V 11) to tempt Jesus to throw Himself from the top of the temple (See Matthew 4). However, Jesus knew that He was not supposed to take God’s promise out of context and presume upon God’s protection.
Let’s give Him thanks for His faithfulness and His protection in our lives!
Psalm 91
He who dwells in the secret place of the Most High Shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. 2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress; My God, in Him I will trust.”
3 Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler And from the perilous pestilence. 4 He shall cover you with His feathers, And under His wings you shall take refuge; His truth shall be your shield and buckler. 5 You shall not be afraid of the terror by night, Nor of the arrow that flies by day, 6 Nor of the pestilence that walks in darkness, Nor of the destruction that lays waste at noonday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side, And ten thousand at your right hand; But it shall not come near you. 8 Only with your eyes shall you look, And see the reward of the wicked.
9 Because you have made the Lord, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, 10 No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling; 11 For He shall give His angels charge over you, To keep you in all your ways. 12 In their hands they shall bear you up, Lest you dash your foot against a stone. 13 You shall tread upon the lion and the cobra, The young lion and the serpent you shall trample underfoot.
14 “Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because he has known My name. 15 He shall call upon Me, and I will answer him; I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him and honor him. 16 With long life I will satisfy him, And show him My salvation.”
The Lord blesses His children with many rich blessings. He is the healer of our spirit, soul, and body. He is also intimately involved in our lives and cares about everything that is important to us. Let’s continue to magnify Him and worship our kind and compassionate heavenly Father!
I have a link below to the song “Healer” by Hillsong!
Psalm 103
Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. 2 Praise the Lord, my soul, and forget not all his benefits— 3 who forgives all your sins and heals all your diseases, 4 who redeems your life from the pit and crowns you with love and compassion, 5 who satisfies your desires with good things so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.
6 The Lord works righteousness and justice for all the oppressed.
7 He made known his ways to Moses, his deeds to the people of Israel: 8 The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. 9 He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever; 10 he does not treat us as our sins deserve or repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father has compassion on his children, so the Lord has compassion on those who fear him; 14 for he knows how we are formed, he remembers that we are dust. 15 The life of mortals is like grass, they flourish like a flower of the field; 16 the wind blows over it and it is gone, and its place remembers it no more. 17 But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children— 18 with those who keep his covenant and remember to obey his precepts.
19 The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.
20 Praise the Lord, you his angels, you mighty ones who do his bidding, who obey his word. 21 Praise the Lord, all his heavenly hosts, you his servants who do his will. 22 Praise the Lord, all his works everywhere in his dominion.
To know that we belong to Him and that God’s character is unchanging are great reasons to rejoice and worship Him! His faithfulness is not only towards us, but it is also for our children and grandchildren. Below is a passage of scripture to meditate on, and then I have provided a link for another worship song.
As we approach Thanksgiving, there will be many distractions in the next couple of weeks. Let’s make time to reflect on God’s goodness.
Psalm 100
Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth. 2 Worship the Lord with gladness; come before him with joyful songs. 3 Know that the Lord is God. It is he who made us, and we are his; we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.
4 Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. 5 For the Lord is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.
I feel led by the Lord to spend the next few weeks focusing on praising the Lord. We are approaching the Thanksgiving season, and it is good to prepare our hearts as we get closer. The world is getting darker and the media continues to bombard people with the evil in the world, but we serve a big God! We can make the effort to magnify Him regularly and fight back against doubt, fear, and anxiety. Let’s prepare our hearts for the upcoming holidays. Below is a great psalm to begin with and a link to a song of praise.
Psalm 31 (NIV)
1In you, Lord, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. 2 Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me. 3 Since you are my rock and my fortress, for the sake of your name lead and guide me. 4 Keep me free from the trap that is set for me, for you are my refuge. 5 Into your hands I commit my spirit; deliver me, Lord, my faithful God.
6 I hate those who cling to worthless idols; as for me, I trust in the Lord. 7 I will be glad and rejoice in your love, for you saw my affliction and knew the anguish of my soul. 8 You have not given me into the hands of the enemy but have set my feet in a spacious place.
9 Be merciful to me, Lord, for I am in distress; my eyes grow weak with sorrow, my soul and body with grief. 10 My life is consumed by anguish and my years by groaning; my strength fails because of my affliction,[b] and my bones grow weak. 11 Because of all my enemies, I am the utter contempt of my neighbors and an object of dread to my closest friends— those who see me on the street flee from me. 12 I am forgotten as though I were dead; I have become like broken pottery. 13 For I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side!” They conspire against me and plot to take my life.
14 But I trust in you, Lord; I say, “You are my God.” 15 My times are in your hands; deliver me from the hands of my enemies, from those who pursue me. 16 Let your face shine on your servant; save me in your unfailing love. 17 Let me not be put to shame, Lord, for I have cried out to you; but let the wicked be put to shame and be silent in the realm of the dead. 18 Let their lying lips be silenced, for with pride and contempt they speak arrogantly against the righteous.
19 How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. 20 In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.
21 Praise be to the Lord, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. 22 In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.
23 Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. 24 Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.
At that time Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee and was baptized by John in the Jordan. Just as Jesus was coming up out of the water, he saw heaven being torn open and the Spirit descending on him like a dove. And a voice came from heaven: “You are my Son, whom I love; with you I am well pleased.” Mark 1:9-11
Jesus set the example for us by being baptized in the Jordan River. This was the very river that the Israelites had crossed centuries prior. He showed that the true change does not come from being delivered from Jordan rivers of life. True transformation comes from leaving the past behind by burying it in the Jordan river and rising to the newness of life in Jesus. We have to let go of the past in order to fully walk into God’s purpose for us. We cannot hold on to the past and move forward in God’s purpose.
Some people spend years in counseling trying to reconcile their past. While counseling can be helpful, it cannot eradicate the past or explain it. The truth is that we cannot change the past. We can either continue fight the past, by imprisoned by the past, leave it behind by embracing our new life. Baptism is a spiritual act when we declare before heaven and earth that the our old nature is dead and buried, and we rise in the newness of life.
Have you been water baptized? Are there areas in your past that still have a hold on you? Are you willing to leave them in the Jordan and allow them to die, so you can rise to the newness of life and walk with the Lord in your new identity in Christ? The change manifests when we agree with what the Lord has already accomplished for us!
Brethren, I do not count myself to have apprehended; but one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Philippians 3:13-14
Paul had mastered leaving things behind. He could not afford to hold on to the past. He had had a rich heritage that he could be proud of. His past was also full of carnal accomplishments, and it also included the memory of persecuting the people of God. Paul was able to accomplish God’s purpose in his life because he was able to put his past behind.
