Author: Jayne Lawson

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath:” – Ephesians 4:26

These days there are a lot of things about which to be angry. Our government has become very divisive, creating so much political chaos that it has angered the nation. The global pandemic has resulted in rising unemployment and closed businesses, angering laid-off workers and small business owners. Individuals are reacting angrily to the request to wear masks to help decrease the spread of covid-19. Recent rioting, a result of various acts of violence, has occurred in many major American cities, and angry cries for justice fill the air.

According to Merriam-Webster.com, anger is defined as “a strong feeling of displeasure and usually of antagonism.” Anger often leads to words or acts of hostility, and as it escalates to rage or fury, violence can occur. Anyone who has watched or read the news lately has seen evidence of escalating anger across our country. Anger is a natural emotion, but it cannot be allowed to develop into a full-blown rage. Regardless of whether it is justified or not, anger is not productive. In fact, quite the opposite is true. Anger is a very destructive emotion when it gets out of control.

The Bible tells us that we should not end our day with unresolved anger. If we do, there is a good chance it will allow Satan to get a hold of our spirit. Ephesians 4:26-27 explains, “Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath: neither give place to the devil.” I have always thought of this verse in terms of my family members, especially my husband. If I was angry with him, I knew it was right to talk it out that same day before we fell asleep. Now, I can see how this verse is applicable to events on a much larger scale.

Most of us were stunned when we read of how out-of-control the recent rioting had become. Rioters were breaking into closed shops and looting. Government buildings were being set on fire. Law enforcement officers were gunned down as they tried to control the violent mobs, and all the while, onlookers cheered the perpetrators. Clearly the anger in the people had risen to such levels that sin had taken a firm hold of them, allowing Satan to find his place in their hearts and subsequently, their behaviors. Satan’s stronghold became more evident as lawlessness, chaos, and sin spread like wildfire.

Social media posts were filled with anger as written words spewed out hatred and violence against anyone whom the writers chose to attack. Facts became unimportant, and if they were presented, they were often dismissed. Those whose anger festered and grew relied only on their own opinions and feelings. This is a dangerous practice. The Bible tells us that our hearts, our feelings, are unreliable when it comes to judgment, often twisting the lies into false truths. Jeremiah 17:9 states, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” So, what can we do?

God’s people can pray! James 5:16 reminds us that, “…the effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” We can pray for our country and its citizens. In 2 Chronicles 7, God is speaking to Solomon regarding the nation of Israel. He is telling the king that if the nation sins, but then repents and returns to the Lord, He will forgive them and heal their land. Since God is immutable as He states in Malachi 3:6, “For I am the LORD, I change not…,” it is reasonable to believe He will do the same for America if her people repent and turn back to Him. That will only happen through prayer. “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14). We need to be a people on our knees for the healing of America!

Is it wrong to be angry? No, but it is wrong to let anger control you, and lead you into sinful behavior. We should try our best to avoid anger. The Bible reminds us, “Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.” (Psalm 37:6) Additionally, Ecclesiastes 7:9 states a person with uncontrolled anger is a fool. “Be not hasty in thy spirit to be angry: for anger resteth in the bosom of fools.”

Remember, desiring justice is not the same as harboring sinful anger. Anger at the sinful behavior of others is not wrong. It is when the anger is unrestrained and gives rise to vicious, abhorrent, ungodliness that it becomes sin. A wise man will take time to calm himself, think things over, then try to work out a solution through communication with the offenders. As ambassadors of Christ, we should strive to resolve issues in ways that would honor the Lord. It will take much prayer (1 Thessalonians 5:17), much conversation (Matthew 18:15), and much forgiveness (Colossians 3:13). Above all, we should strive to love one another as Christ has loved us. “A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.” (John 13:34)

Angry words, oh, let them never
From the tongue unbridled slip;
May the heart’s best impulse ever
Check them ere they soil the lip.

“Love one another,” thus saith the Savior;
Children obey the Father’s blest command;
“Love one another,” thus saith the Savior;
Children obey His blest command.

(from “Angry Words, O Let Them Never” by Horatio R. Palmer)

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.” – Ephesians 4:29

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Take time today to pray for healing in our land and our hearts.

“From the rising of the sun unto the going down of the same the LORD’S name is to be praised.” – Psalm 113:3

Although I am retired, I still have a fairly busy life. I don’t think I could name exactly what it is that seems to keep me busy, but my retirement is definitely not as “unbusy” as I thought it would be. Because of this, I still use a calendar to keep track of birthdays, church events, camping trips, and other goings-on in my life. I also have a phone that constantly sends me reminders of more regularly scheduled activities like taking medication, dental appointments, and even when to eat (as if I really needed that!) Anything that is important to me, that I want to be sure I don’t forget, is usually on my phone, and its alarm alerts me when the time has come for me to do something. Why do I do this? Because I do not always remember to do what I need to do. No matter how important they are, I can be so involved in other things that without a reminder, I forget to do them.

Perhaps I should include these on my phone reminder list as well:

• Praise the Lord today – “Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever.” (Psalm 145:2)
• Study the Word of God today – “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success.” (Joshua 1:8)
• Take up the cross of Christ today – “And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.” (Luke 9:23)
• Pray today – “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer;” (Romans 12:12)
• Encourage someone today – “But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.” (Hebrews 3:13)
• Rejoice today – “This is the day which the LORD hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)
• Thank God today – “Unto thee, O God, do we give thanks, unto thee do we give thanks: for that thy name is near thy wondrous works declare.” (Psalm 75:1)

I think it’s time for me to update my daily agenda…

Take time to be holy, speak oft with thy Lord;
Abide in Him always, and feed on His Word.
Make friends of God’s children, help those who are weak,
Forgetting in nothing His blessing to seek.

Take time to be holy, the world rushes on;
Spend much time in secret, with Jesus alone.
By looking to Jesus, like Him thou shalt be;
Thy friends in thy conduct His likeness shall see.

(from “Take Time to Be Holy” by William Longstaff)

“Yet they seek me daily, and delight to know my ways, as a nation that did righteousness, and forsook not the ordinance of their God: they ask of me the ordinances of justice; they take delight in approaching to God.” – Isaiah 58:2

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What’s on your agenda for today?

“For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory;” – 2 Corinthians 4:17

It has been five weeks since I have embarked on my health journey. While it has not been tremendously difficult, it has not been easy either. For the physical aspect of my health, I find I must be self-disciplined, taking care to follow the food plan, measure my food, eat as I have planned out, and drink my water. I also must have the right foods in my pantry and refrigerator, but most importantly, I must remember my “why.” My “why” is the reason I started this journey. In a sense, it is the reward for which I seek in my physical body. I want to be able to be more active, feel less aches and pains in my joints, and overall, to have a healthy body. But like anything that is worthwhile in working for, there are “light afflictions” in this journey. There are times when the scale goes up a bit, times when I fail to get up and move, and times when I just don’t want any more water! But those moments are only temporary. I know if I persevere, I will achieve my goals. I remember my “why.” I am happy to report that as of this writing, I am down 19.3 pounds!

Spiritually, my health journey has taken me down another road with some obstacles that I have also had to overcome. Like my physical health journey, I have had to be more self-disciplined. I have needed to establish a routine in my day that helps me remember to read my Bible and have a quiet time of conversation with God that includes a time of me simply listening to Him. (I find sometimes I like to do all the talking!) The “light afflictions” I encounter spiritually are most often related to my selfish desires, which I am learning more often to recognize beforehand rather than afterward. Sometimes, I have to make sacrifices, and that is not always my desired choice, but it is necessary if I want to achieve my spiritual goals. Again, I have to remember my “why.” What is the reason that I began this effort to improve my spiritual health? It is because I want a closer relationship with my Saviour. I want to really know Jesus, and I want to be able to present my body “…a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1).

When I remember the reasons I began my spiritual journey, and the goals to which I aspire, it helps me stay on track. Each forward step brings me closer to the prize, and on that I must keep focused. In 1 Corinthians 9:24, Paul wrote, “Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.” One day, my physical being will cease to exist, but my spiritual life will continue. That moment when I see my Saviour, I will look into His loving eyes, and I hope to hear Him say, “Well done, Jayne, thou good and faithful servant.” That is my “why.”

Lord, we ask for courage to face our struggles each day,
Fears of the past shall not last if we faithfully stay.
Let Your passion consume us as to the truth we hold.
With our calling so sure, victory secure, steadfast we press to the goal.

Keep the race before us; keep our hearts turned toward the prize
With patience and endurance, the cross standing firm in our eyes.
Keep the race before us, and reward us Lord, by Your grace
With crowns of righteousness form the righteous Judge,
When we finish the race.

(from “Keep the Race Before Us” by Ron and Shelley Hamilton)

“Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.” – Romans 8:37

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What’s your “why”?

“Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.” – Philippians 4:5

No one ever said that living a Christian life would be easy. Even Jesus said that we would face persecution in our lives. “These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33) Through it all, we are urged to live a life that continually reflects Christ to the world. Our “moderation” should be visible to all.

A life of moderation encompasses many things. We are to demonstrate kindness to others, be gentle in spirit, and to forbear or be considerate of others even those who do not show these attributes toward us. Living a life of moderation is difficult at times, especially when injustices occur. Whether these injustices are individual or corporate, not demanding our own rights can be a daunting task.  We want to insist that our rights not be infringed upon, yet these self-righteous urgings often spring forth from a troublesome spirit that is more carnal than spiritual. Paul reminds us that we must learn to be content in all situations. He wrote in Philippians 4:1, “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” Our faith in the Saviour should propel us toward being a more compassionate witness for Him, whereby others can see the joy of the Lord in us despite the circumstances surrounding us.

In the wake of societal turmoil, Christians can take a stand. However, we must not react in the same ways as we see the world doing. We must stand for what is right in the sight of God, but we must do it in a way that honors God. If the lost cannot differentiate between Christians and the world, they will have no reason to turn toward Christ. It is only in our separation of behaviors that our testimony has any validity. But this validity does not come without a price. In John 15:19, Jesus said, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.”

When we chose to live for Christ, we will face opposition. It is precisely in those moments that we must “Let your moderation be known unto all men.” Our reactions must be Christ-like in every situation. Our mannerisms, our lifestyle, our attitudes must all reflect Christ. This is what impresses the hearts of the lost. We offer a better way… a new and living way through the Lord  Jesus Christ.

It is not the easiest life to which Jesus has called us, but through the power of His Holy Spirit, we live in such a way as to honor and glory God. “I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” is the truth of God’s Word, and it is this truth that works through us to His glory (1 Thessalonians 2:13). This world needs what only God can provide. Let us live our lives so as to point others to the Saviour.

If not in you, I wonder where
Will they ever see the One who really cares?
If not from you, how will they find
There’s One who heals the broken heart,
And gives sight to the blind?

And if not you, I wonder who,
Will show them love, and love alone can make things new?
If not from you, how will they learn
There’s one who’ll trade their hopelessness
And give joy in return?

You’re the only Jesus some will ever see,
And you’re the only words of life some will ever read
So let them see in you the One in whom is all they’ll ever need
‘Cause you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.

(from “You’re the Only Jesus” by Gordon Jensen)

“And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” – Ephesians 4:24

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“Don’t shine so others can see you. Shine so that through you others can see Him.” – C.S. Lewis

“I thank my God, making mention of thee always in my prayers” – Philemon 1:4

There have been times in my life when circumstances have been so daunting that I had a very difficult time praying. One example was when I faced a frightening health diagnosis. Another was when I hit a wall in my career path, and one more was when I was told by my pediatrician that my newborn baby might not survive. The fear was so overwhelming that it crippled me, and my faith was hanging on by a thread.

During each of these occasions, and many others, I depended on others for their support and their prayers. I know without a doubt that the prayers of my family and friends sustained me through those challenging days, and without their intercession for me, the journey would have been so much more difficult to negotiate. I will be forever grateful for their prayers for I know that their petitions on my behalf touched the heart of God, and He, in His great mercy, answered each one.

There are several verses in the Bible that say we should pray for one another. 1 Timothy 2:1 states, “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men.” We are told in Scripture to pray about everything. “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” (Philippians 4:6), and to “pray without ceasing” (1 Thessalonians 5:17).

To be a prayer warrior for family and friends is a privilege and honor. I know how much it meant to me to have someone in my corner when I felt helpless and hopeless, and for me to be able to bring someone before the Lord and ask for Him to intervene is the least of what I can to as a woman of faith. I remember once when I had seen a friend in the grocery store, I shared a burden on my heart and asked for prayer. She stopped right then, took my hands in hers and whispered a prayer to the Lord. It was quietly done, between just the two of us, and no one around was the wiser, but I was so touched that I promised myself I would try to do the same whenever someone asked me to pray for them.

The Bible tells us that the prayers of God’s children are powerful. James 5:16 states, “The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.” Remember, our prayers are going to the One who created everything! He is all powerful! Mark 11:24 records the words of Jesus, who said, “Therefore I say unto you, What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” God is not a genie who magically grants everything we bring to Him. He is, however, all knowing, which means He does answer in the way that is best for those prayed for and according to His perfect will.

It is also our responsibility to pray in faith. Jesus said in Matthew 17:20, “…If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.” The Bible also states in James 1:6, “But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.” We must believe God will respond, and we must trust Him in His response.

Prayer is a privilege, but it is also our Christian responsibility. We are called to pray for one another. Who can you pray for today?

I had gone till I just couldn’t go anymore
My faith had walked right out the door
I thought there was just no way I could ever be free
Someone looked at me with love and concern
And you started to let your prayer wheel turn
Glory Hallelujah, somebody touched God for me.

Somebody touched God for me when I was down, picked me up and turned me around,
Then went to the throne of God to intercede.
When I was sinking in despair, my brothers and sisters sent me up in prayer.
When I was weak, somebody touched God for me.

(from “Someone Touched God For Me” by Davis Geron La Ray)

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” Galatians 6:2

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When your prayer of faith touches God’s heart, He promises to move mountains!

“The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.” – Isaiah 60:19

When I visited San Francisco, I took a tour of the island prison, Alcatraz. One of the areas we visited was the solitary confinement cells. The guide asked if anyone wanted to go in one, and she would then close the door, and we could experience what inmates felt when imprisoned there. Several of us when inside, and when the door shut, there was complete darkness. I put my hand in front of my face and I could not even see the outline of my fingers even though my hand was no more than three inches from my face!

Another time I visited a huge cavern, and once inside the tour guide told us she was going to turn off the dim lights so we could experience the darkness of the cave. Again, when the lights went out, I could see nothing at all. I put my hand up again, and it was Alcatraz all over again! There was absolute blackness all around me. It was pretty unsettling even when I knew she would turn the lights back on in a moment! When the guide turned on her small flashlight, the blackness was immediately gone! I could see again! It was as if the darkness had fled in the presence of the light!

In my mind’s eye, that is the exact same blackness that sin creates in our world. We are surrounded by shadows so deep, they can only be perceived in the spiritual realm. This darkness is not only frightening, but it leads to eternal death, forever separated from God.

There is only one way to make the blackness of sin disappear. Like in the cave, there must be a light to dispel the gloom. The only way to overcome sin’s darkness is with the glorious gospel light, and that light is the Lord Jesus Christ! The Bible records the words of our Saviour when He proclaimed, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12). Once we have asked Jesus to forgive our sins and accept Him as our Saviour, His light shines within us, and sin’s darkness is no longer our captor! When the light of Jesus appears, sin’s ominous presence must flee! The illumination of God’s Word by the Holy Spirit gives us the strength and guidance we need to live victoriously for Him!

The whole world was lost in the darkness of sin,
The Light of the world is Jesus!
Like sunshine at noonday, His glory shone in;
The Light of the world is Jesus!

No darkness have we who in Jesus abide;
The Light of the world is Jesus!
We walk in the light when we follow our Guide!
The Light of the world is Jesus!

Come to the light, ’tis shining for thee;
Sweetly the light has dawned upon me;
Once I was blind, but now I can see:
The Light of the world is Jesus!

(from “The Light of the World is Jesus” by Philip Bliss)

“The sun shall be no more thy light by day; neither for brightness shall the moon give light unto thee: but the LORD shall be unto thee an everlasting light, and thy God thy glory.” – Isaiah 60:19

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Is His light shining in your life?

“As ye have therefore received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk ye in him:” Colossians 2:6

So far, 2020 will be quite a year to remember. There have been lots of disturbing things that have happened. We have witnessed a group of government officials try to destroy our President; we have seen injustices against various groups of people; we have faced a worldwide epidemic that has shutdown countries around the globe, and we have watched our economy plummet and unemployment drop to rates not seen since the Great Depression.

This is not the only time in history when circumstances were difficult to endure. Times were hard in ancient Israel during the first century. Roman soldiers routinely patrolled the streets of Jerusalem enforcing the oppressive laws of the empire upon the Jewish people. There were hostile groups of Jews who rebelled against the authorities, and there were religious leaders whose hypocrisy drove wedges in the population. It was during this volatile time that Jesus lived.

When He began His ministry, He told his disciples, “Follow me.” (Matthew 16:24) He didn’t say “Walk with me.” He said, “Follow me.” To follow Christ means to walk in His footsteps. Paul further explains our role as Christians in 1 Corinthians 11:1, “Be ye followers of me, even as I also am of Christ.” We are to live as Jesus lived as described in the Bible, and like us, He also lived during some precarious times. Israel was under the control of Caesar Augusutus, and I can only imagine what social media posts would have said about the tyranny of Roman occupation and the heinous acts of the Jewish rulers. Yet through these times, Jesus always spoke about loving His enemies. Even when He was hanging on the cross, He reached out in love and asked His Father to forgive those who were responsible for crucifying Him.

As Christians, we are called to reflect Christ in everything we say and do. One hostile post on social media can ruin a testimony for Jesus. This doesn’t mean we cannot speak out against social injustices, abortion, governmental corruption, or indecencies, but we must do so out of love, not hatred. Our words can still honor God just as the words of Christ honored His Father in everything He said. Our actions can still bring glory to the Lord just as Jesus’ life brought glory and honor to God continually.

This world is dominated by sin, and the only cure for that is Jesus. The only way we can point others to Christ in this uncertain time is to be vastly different that the world, so that when people look at us, they see Him. While the population spews words of hate and fear, our voices must reverberate with love and hope. When people see a culture of chaos and precariousness, we must offer stability and peace through Jesus Christ. While the world uses words that cause decisiveness and anger, we must speak with words that calm and soothe the troubled soul.

This is what Jesus meant when He said, “Follow me.” We cannot claim to follow Christ and then imitate the ways of the world at the same time. We must be careful to walk only in the footsteps of Jesus in both word and deed. Then, and only then, can we truly show the world “the way, the truth, and the life” (John 14:6).

If not in you, I wonder where
Will they ever see the One Who really cares.
If not from you, how will they find
There’s One Who heals the broken heart, gives sight to the blind.

And if not you, I wonder who
Will show them love and love alone can make things new.
If not from you, how will they learn
There’s One Who trades their hopelessness for joy in return.


‘Cause you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.
And you’re the only words of life some will ever read.
So let them see in you the One in Whom is all they’ll ever need.
‘Cause you’re the only Jesus some will ever see.

(from “You’re the Only Jesus” by Gordon Jensen)

“For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:” 1 Peter 2:21

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If you want to take a stand, take one for Christ!

“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.” – James 1:5

Currently, my morning Bible reading is in the book of Proverbs. I’ve been reading a lot about wisdom and its importance in my life. One verse that I noted was Proverbs 9:9. “Give instruction to a wise man, and he will be yet wiser: teach a just man, and he will increase in learning.” I believe that the primary focus of Proverbs is to help us be wise in our faith and service to the Lord, but I also think it was written to give us wisdom in multiple areas of our lives as well.

The Bible says that “A wise man will hear, and will increase learning; and a man of understanding shall attain unto wise counsels:” (Proverbs 1:4), and it is only through the Word of God that true wisdom can be found. For me, I have gleaned so much from my morning quiet times with God, both in His Word and through our time together in prayer, that I am more and more aware of how invaluable the Bible is to my well-being and my spiritual growth. Because of this, I believe that God expects the very best of me in every aspect of my life, and to be the best that I can be, I must be plugged in to His wisdom.

I need His wisdom to make the right choices in my life, both physically and spiritually. Proverbs 2:10-11 states, “When wisdom entereth into thine heart, and knowledge is pleasant unto thy soul; discretion shall preserve thee, understanding shall keep thee:” I am learning to make those wise choices in my life, and I am seeing how God is helping me do so. For me to be a servant of God, 100% willing to serve Him to the best of my ability in whatever capacity to which He calls me, I must have the wisdom to make choices in my life that will please and honor Him.

If you are following me in my health journey, here is my recent update. It has been 30 days, and I am excited with the success I have experienced in both the physical and spiritual aspects of my journey.

Regarding the physical, I have shed 16.2 pounds, and I have more energy and less pain in my hips and knees! I am learning how to cook with recipes, which makes me much more cognizant of what I am putting into my body, and I am learning portion control. How does this connect with wisdom? I need wisdom to make the best choices to achieve optimal health. As I work to make this “temple of the Holy Ghost” more acceptable to God, it will bring Him glory when it can be effectively used in service to Him. “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” (1 Corinthians 6:19-20)

Regarding the spiritual, I am learning to read the Bible for quality not quantity. This means that while I am following a yearly reading schedule, I am not bound by it. If I feel the need to dwell on a passage of Scripture and meditate upon it for an extended length of time, that’s okay. It is important for me to listen to and follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Sometimes, He wants me to just read and listen as He speaks to my heart. Psalm 119:27 states, “Make me to understand the way of thy precepts: so shall I talk of thy wondrous works.” This is how I can gain wisdom and grow in my faith.

The wisdom of God is not acquired passively. The Bible states, “For whoso findeth me findeth life, and shall obtain favour of the LORD.” (Proverbs 8:35) I must be actively involved in its acquisition, and then I will be able to be wise in how I act toward others, to make the most of every opportunity the Lord brings my way, and to know how to respond to others. (Colossians 4:5-6) This will enable my testimony to point others to Christ, and help me serve Him faithfully all the days of my life.

Where can one look for wisdom? Where understanding find?
Man does not grasp its value— More than can be mined.
It can’t be bought with finest gold, silver, or jewels so rare.
Priced far beyond all rubies, nothing can compare.

Where then does wisdom come from? Where understanding dwell?
God comprehends the pathway, He alone knows well.
He views the ends of all the earth; He sees the world He formed.
He has established wisdom, tested and confirmed.

Fear of the Lord is wisdom; seek it and you will find.
Cry out for understanding; let it fill your mind.
Search as for hidden treasure; look for it every day.
This is the path to wisdom; follow all the way.

(from “Where Can One Look For Wisdom?” by Susan H. Peterson and Lowell Mason)

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17

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“The chief means for attaining wisdom, and suitable gifts for the ministry, are the Holy Scriptures, and prayer.” – John Newton

“This I recall to my mind, therefore have I hope.” – Lamentations 3:21

When I was a little girl, I was sent to live with aunt and uncle on the other side of the country. It was a traumatic event in my life, but God had His watchful eye on me even though I didn’t know Him yet. As most southern families, my aunt and uncle attended church, and I accompanied them. It was here that I first learned about Noah and his ark, David and Goliath, and the precious stories about the Son of God, Jesus.

When I returned to California to live once more with my parents, I began to attend a small church near our home where a missionary presented the gospel message during a morning worship service. His message really touched my heart, and when he gave an invitation, I was quick to respond. That day, I accepted Christ as my Saviour and invited Him to be Lord of my life. Afterwards, I attended Sunday school as much as possible, learned more about Jesus, and my young faith grew. One of the first verses I remember memorizing was John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

When I became a young mother, I also became more active in my Christian faith by taking my own children to church and teaching in Sunday school and AWANA. I chose to work the handbooks with my children, memorizing lots of verses along with them, and letting them “sign off” the sections in my own handbook. I trusted Proverbs 22:6 then, “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it,” and I still trust it today. I can also recall many of the verses that I “hid in my heart,” which gave me great comfort during a few rough times when raising my family.

Now that I’m in my “golden” years, I still can remember many of the verses that I learned long ago, and they continue to give me great comfort when circumstances are troublesome. For example, we are in the midst of a global pandemic, and I rely on Psalm 91:2-3, “I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.”

In times of difficulty, troubles, or fear, recalling verses from the Bible can be a tremendous source of comfort and strength. These verses are the tools the Holy Spirit uses to remind me that God is always in control, always with me, and always working all things “…together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

When doubts and fears come, I remember the promises in God’s Word. These assurances in Scripture are the reason that I have peace in my soul today and hope for tomorrow.

Standing on the promises of Christ my King,
Through eternal ages let His praises ring,
Glory in the highest, I will shout and sing,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing on the promises that cannot fail,
When the howling storms of doubt and fear assail,
By the living Word of God I shall prevail,
Standing on the promises of God.

Standing, standing,
Standing on the promises of God my Savior;
Standing, standing,
I’m standing on the promises of God.

(from “Standing on the Promises” by Russell Carter)

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.” – Romans 15:13

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Looking for hope? Read the Bible, and I promise you’ll find it there!

“And after these things he went forth, and saw a publican, named Levi, sitting at the receipt of custom: and he said unto him, Follow me.” – Luke 5:27

Imagine sitting at your desk at work and having someone fairly well-known walk up to you and tell you to leave everything behind and come with him to be part of his team. No two-week notice, no thinking it over, no asking the family their thoughts about quitting your job. Just get up, follow that person, and join his chosen team.

That was what happened to Levi, or Matthew as he is more commonly known. I have never really thought about Matthew, the tax collector, who became a disciple of Jesus and the author of the Biblical book that bears his name. In the days of 1^st century Israel, tax collectors, or publicans, were not highly esteemed for various reasons. Often they employed unsavory tactics to collect more revenue than was due, which did not endear them to the people. Additionally, they were Jews working for the Roman government, and as such they were considered “unclean” and “unredeemable.” No one liked the local publican.

Anyone that associated with the publicans were also looked down upon by the Jews. For Jesus to allow Matthew into his inner circle was to invite harsh criticism from the Jewish religious leaders of the time as well as the common people because publicans were in the same grouping as “sinners.” Thus, by association, Jesus’ reputation suffered, and the Pharisees held Him in great disdain. “And when the scribes and Pharisees saw him eat with publicans and sinners, they said unto his disciples, How is it that he eateth and drinketh with publicans and sinners?” (Mark 2:16) That didn’t stop Jesus from loving Matthew and inviting him to be part of His fellowship.

Maybe Matthew was weary of the scorn of the people. Maybe he was longing for someone to show compassion to him. Maybe the ill-gotten gains no longer satisfied the longing in his soul. Perhaps it was the first time in a long time that anyone had genuinely shown an interest in him. Whatever the reason, when Jesus offered His hand to Matthew, the publican immediately left his post and followed the Master. The Bible records “And as he passed by, he saw Levi the son of Alphaeus sitting at the receipt of custom, and said unto him, Follow me. And he arose and followed him.” (Mark 2:14).

Matthew chose to follow Jesus without hesitation. Can we say the same of ourselves?

Sweetly, Lord, have we heard Thee calling,
Come, follow Me!
And we see where Thy footprints falling
Lead us to Thee.

Footprints of Jesus,
That make the pathway
We will follow the steps of Jesus
Where’er they go.

(from “Footprints of Jesus” by Mary Slade)

“Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.” – Mark 10:21

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If Jesus walked by and asked you to give up everything and follow Him, would you?