Bringing Wisdom into Line with God’s Kingdom
WISDOM, AS STRONG AS THE ETERNAL LOGOS OF GOD, MAKES ITS PLEA TO US.
Just like the Logos (the Word) of John 1:1,
Wisdom has dwelt with the Lord from the eternities.
Some are good; some hold danger. In all of them we need the help of the Holy Spirit.
• FIRST is pure wisdom that comes from above. This finds release in us by the Holy Spirit.
• SECOND is the wisdom revealed in Scripture. Here we need help from God’s Spirit lest we twist His Word and make wrong use of it.
• THIRD is the wisdom that comes from counselors. Here we need the help of the above two, lest the counsel be contrary to what is right before God.
• FOURTH is the wisdom we gain through the living of life, We need the help of the above three that we might learn from our mistakes.
• FIFTH is the wisdom that descendeth not from above. This is earthly, sensual and devilish. Here we need the help of all the above.
DAY 1—When God made the heavens and the earth, Wisdom was His delight.
Proverbs 8:22,30 The LORD possessed me (Wisdom) the beginning of His way, before His works of old. Then I was by Him, as one brought up with Him: and I was daily His delight, rejoicing always before Him.
John 1:1-3 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.
LORD, I stand in awe of Your Wisdom. It has come with You from out of the eternities. Oh, how vast and strong are Your ways! Thank You—Oh, thank You! —for drawing me to seek the wisdom You will give. I wait empty before You for the understanding and insight You are ready to give me for this very day.
Proverbs 11:2 When pride cometh. then cometh shame: but with the lowly is wisdom.
Proverbs 15:33 The fear of the LORD is the instruction of wisdom: and before honor is humility.
I Corinthians 8:2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know.
FATHER, I renounce the fear and anger that has crowded in upon my spirit. I wait before You empty. I have no understanding of what to do in this trial now upon me. Please fill this empty vessel.
Proverbs 16:16 How much better is it to get wisdom than ggjd! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!
Ecclesiastes 7:12 For wisdom is a defence, and money is a defence: but the excellency of knowledge is. that wisdom giveth life to them that have it.
LORD, Jam poor and have little hope of gaining wealth. Oh, but I have hope of gaining wisdom! It is because of Your grace and wonderful provision for me. In my simplicity I turn to you and ask for wisdom. I ask and I wait—and I love You.
Paul’s testimony is that nothing is as valuable as knowing the indwelling Christ—Phil 3:7-11
Isaiah 33:6 And wisdom and knowledge shall be the stability of thy times, and strength of salvation: the fear of the LORD is his treasure.
Proverbs 24:3 Through wisdom is an house builded: and by understanding it is established.
DEAR LORD, never have I known a time so unstable—both in the world and in my own life. Sometimes I tremble at what is taking place all around us. But now, I wait in Your presence seeking wisdom. And, oh! Please give me knowledge of Your ways and Your Kingdom.
There is light for the impending darkness—Ps 27
Jeremiah 9:23,24 Thus saith the LORD, Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, neither let the mighty man glory in his might, let not the rich man glory in his riches: but let him that glorieth glory in this, that he understandeth and knoweth Me that I am the LORD which exercise lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness, in the earth: for in these things I delight. saith the LORD.
DEAR LORD, sometimes I’ve thought I had wisdom. Sometimes it made me proud. But now I see I have nothing in which to glory—except in knowing You. My own wisdom has failed in what we face today. I submit to Your mercy, Your judgment and Your righteousness in this time of trouble.
Human wisdom grows pale in the light of the Gospel—I Cor 1:17-23
II Timothy 3:13-15 But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.
FATHER, let me be a light to the little children I come in contact with. I hold them before You. Draw their hearts to be open to Your Word. Cause it to form in them the wisdom they will need to face the world that is increasing in evil.
From early days it was God’s admonition that children be taught His Words—Deut 6:6,7; 11:19
FOR SOME DAYS WE WILL ALLOW THE WISDOM THAT IS FROM ABOVE TO WORK ITS WAY INTO US. We can yield to its embrace even if our souls have been wounded.
James 4:8 Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.
FATHER, I renounce the double-minded way I’ve lived, I’ve loved and lusted. I’ve sought peace by quarreling. I’ve worried while trusting. I’m ready for this all to be gone and I draw up close to You for the pure way of thinking You are waiting to give me.
We give up anxiety to find the peace of God—Phil 4:5-8
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is... peaceable...
Proverbs 3:17 Her ways (that is, the ways of wisdom) are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace.
Hebrews 12:14a Follow peace with all men...
I Timothy 2:2b …that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty.
LORD, too often I’ve been irritable and faultfinding. I am ready for this to be gone from my life, from my home, from where I work. Please give me the wisdom that will work toward peace. Work in me so my very presence will bring peace.
In the Government of Christ peace will become known in all the earth—Isa 11:1-9
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is... gentle...
II Timothy 2:24 And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient.
Gal 5:22 But the fruit of the Spirit is…gentleness...
LORD, gentleness has not been one of my natural qualities. I’ve been harsh and even cruel in the way I’ve spoken to those I love. Set me free from this and give the that gentle wisdom that will enable me to live with others in harmony. Bring me to the place where my very presence will impart gentleness to others.
Love will help produce gentleness—I Cor 13:4-7
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is... easy to be entreated...
Philippians 2:3 Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory: but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves.
James 1:19 Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath...
LORD, forgive me for not listening to these with whom I disagree. I’ve been harsh and demanding. Today I turn from this. I look to Your Spirit to work a new quality in me that will enable me to listen, without becoming angry. Make me willing to change.
Paul gives some clear points to help us in this matter—Rom 12:3, 10, 16.
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is... without partiality...
Matthew 7:1 Judge not, that ye be not judged. For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.
FATHER, forgive me for judging others so harshly and so quickly. Forgive me for being partial to some while shunning others. Help me no longer jump to conclusions about people. Give me the wisdom that will equip me to treat all persons alike without judging them before I really know them.
James gives some practical admonition on receiving people that are different—Jas 2:1-9
James 3:17 But the wisdom that is from above is... without hypocrisy.
Luke 12:1,2 Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees. which is hypocrisy. For there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed: neither hid, that shall not be known.
LORD, I admit it. I’ve been prone toward hypocrisy. I’ve wanted people to think of me better than I am. Oh, I turn all of this over to the cleansing power of Your sacrifice on Calvary! Let me move in Your Kingdom as a person who is transparent and real.
As ministers of God, we are called upon to exhibit a love that is not pretended—II Cor 6:4-6
WITH A HEART THAT IS OPEN TO THE WISDOM FROM ABOVE. WE WILL MAKE OUR SUPPLICATIONS STRONG. It is when we recognize our own poverty of spirit that we can receive the fullness of what God offers.
James 1:5 If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not, and it shall be given him.
Psalm 51:6 Behold, Thou desirest truth in the inward parts: and in the hidden part Thou shalt make me to know wisdom.
LORD, please give me wisdom for what I face today. I open my inward parts to You. Search me as I wait before You. Show me the foolish ways I have embraced. Cleanse me of the vain thoughts I’ve held so I can live today as a child of Your Kingdom.
Here is wise counsel that we let go of vain and prideful wisdom—Pro 3:5-7
Proverbs 2:2 ...incline thine ear unto wisdom, and apply thine heart to understanding...
Psalm 119:111,112 Thy testimonies have I taken as an heritage for ever: for they are the rejoicing of my heart. I have inclined mine heart to perform thy statutes always, even unto the end.
LORD, simply stated, I lean my soul toward You this day. I am so in need of wisdom that I’m stopping everything to listen to what You will say. Oh, You are ready to give me wisdom! Thank You! I continue to wait as You give understanding to my heart.
Those who refuse to listen open themselves to trouble, even judgment from God—Zech 7:11,12
II Chronicles 1:10-12a Give me now wisdom and knowledge, that I may go out and come in before this people: for who can judge this thy people, that is so great? And God said to Solomon, Because this was in thine heart, and thou hast not asked riches, wealth, or honor, nor the life of thine enemies, neither yet hast asked long life: but hast asked wisdom and knowledge for thyself, that thou mayest judge my people, over whom I have made thee king: wisdom and knowledge is granted unto thee...
DEAR LORD, as a father to these children, I ask for wisdom that I might guide them in the ways that are right. Help me to walk before them with integrity. Let my life, as well as my words, guide them in the ways of Your Kingdom.
The Lord is also pleased to grant wisdom to the youth—Dan 1:17-20
Proverbs 2:3-5 Yea, if thou criest after knowledge and liftest up thy voice for understanding; if thou seekest her as silver and searchest for her as for hid treasures: then shalt thou understand the fear of the LORD, and find the knowledge of God.
FATHER, I give up my fascination with the world and its ways. I renounce the knowledge and understanding the world system is trying to put over on us as it rejects You and Your Kingdom. Oh, give me right knowledge! Give me understanding! Cause my heart to yearn yet more and more for Your ways.
The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom—Ps 111:10; Pro 1:7; Pro 9:10; Pro 15:33
Proverbs 4:7 Get wisdom, get understanding: forget it not neither decline from the words of my mouth. Forsake her not, and she shall preserve thee: love her and she shall keep thee. Wisdom is the principal thing: therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.
LORD, I’m finally coming to see how so many of my movements and actions have been unwise. I have made more foolish mistakes than I want to admit. Some of them weigh heavily on me and I feel guilty. All I can do now is turn them over to You and Your mercy and seek Your wisdom from this day forward. Oh, I cry unto You for wisdom now!
For all who seek wisdom, it will become a gracious adornment to their life—Pro 1:7-9
FROM THE PROPHET DANIEL WE LEARN HOW IMPORTANT WISDOM IS FOR THE LAST DAYS. God’s wisdom will bring us into light while darkness covers the earth.
DAY 18—While wickedness increases, there will be a people in the earth who have embraced wisdom from the Lord.
Daniel 11:32,33 And such as do wickedly against the Covenant shall he corrupt by flatteries: but the people that do know their God shall be strong, and do exploits. And they that understand among the People (the maschilim, those who have embraced wisdom) shall instruct many: yet they shall fall by the sword, and by flame, by captivity, and by spoil many days.
FATHER, we see the last days will be furious with much deception and war. I renounce fear for these days. I hold my family before You. Let Your Holy Spirit work in them and bring upon them strong desire for wisdom. Oh, that our lives might become grounded and stable in knowing You and Your Kingdom—even if some of us suffer for it.
In the final time when all hope seems gone, there will arise a victorious people
firmly grounded in knowing their God—Dan 11:31-36
Daniel 12:1,3 And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book. ... And they that be wise shall shine as the brightness of the firmament and they that turn many to righteousness as the stars for ever and ever.
FATHER, it seems we are near the time of trouble. Please bring upon Your people that movement of Your Spirit that will make them wise for the perilous time. Move on our leaders. Please move on these I hold before You. Some of them need yet to repent.
Daniel 12:10 Many shall be purified, and made white, and tried; but the wicked shall do wickedly (that is, wickedness shall increase): and none of the wicked shall understand; but the wise shall understand.
FATHER, we are trusting Your great love and wisdom for the time of trouble. Oh, bring upon us the spirit of wisdom and revelation! Let us know when and how to make our movements through the last dark days. Give us understanding while the world is in its greatest confusion.
The beginning of the Book of Proverbs points us toward the gaining of wisdom—Pro 1:1-5
Daniel 9:22 And he informed me, and talked with me, and said, O Daniel, I am now come forth to give thee skill (wisdom) and understanding. At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to show thee: for thou art greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.
FATHER, faith has come into my heart that Your Spirit will guide us through the last perilous days. Whether it be the end of the age, or the end of our time on earth, we shall be taken through with triumph. Oh, what a joy and peace is ours! I yield today to Your Spirit’s guidance and comfort. Thank You for loving us as You do.
Those who have embraced the wisdom of the Lord shall have understanding even if they must confront the anti-Christ himself—Rev 13:7-18
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Berean Ministries
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Elk Park, NC 28622-0038
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