Wisdom from Above

Life is hard. We mess up. Troubles come. Plans fail, people disappoint, hopes fade. You feel like you can't go on. You have tried and tried, but things just don't seem to get any better. Finally you give up in sheer exhaustion?  You feel that heaviness, that hopelessness, that discouragement, that disenchantment with life, that deep depression? How can we get through emotional downturns? What lessons can we learn from Elijah about getting through discouragement? Join me as we discover five practical lessons that will help us overcome discouragement.

Elijah is like us in his passions and we can be like him in our prayers! This episode of Wisdom from Above reveals keys to effective prayer.

Elijah challenges the people of Israel to stop wavering between two opinions. If Jehovah is God, follow Him; if Baal is God, follow him. Elijah proposed a contest between Jehovah and Baal. The prophets of Baal to built an altar with a bull upon it, and called upon Baal to consume the sacrifice with fire. The prophet of Jehovah Elijah built an altar with a bull on it and he called upon Jehovah to send down fire to consume the sacrifice. Join us for this thrilling episode that details this incredible showdown on Mt Carmel.

God has a unique plan for every individual believer. There is no general cookie-cutter formula for how God wants to use us. But it is clear that He wants to use us. We are to be salt and light in this world. Jesus wants us to be in the world (as His ambassadors), but not of the world (as His adversaries.) In this episode of Wisdom from Above, we will see two courageous men who held very distinct roles in God's service. We will be challenged, as believers, to surrender all to the Lord!

Things went from bad to worse for the widow of Zarephath. She had gone almost two years with little oil and flour. But that poverty was nothing compared to the tragedy that took place. Her son died. She turned against Elijah. How should we respond in times of need? How should we respond in times of provocation? What should we do in times of crisis? What should we do in times of suffering? Join us for this fascinating biographical study.

What do you do when the supply seems inadequate ? What do you do when the circumstances seem insurmountable? What do you do when your place of resting becomes a place of testing? Join us for this study of Elijah and gain some wisdom from above that will help you navigate these storms of life.

A divine commission is always accompanied by a divine provision. That is, if God asks you to do something, He will, at the appropriate time, provide whatever you need in order to do it. But that does not mean everything will go smoothly. There will be be bumps in the road. There will be hills to climb There will be dangers to avoid. How can we successfully navigate our way through life? Elijah gives us a great example Join me as we look at Elijah: The Tested prophet. .

A relatively unknown prophet marches up to Ahab, the king of Israel, and drops a bombshell of a prophecy. The prophet is Elijah. He was ready to hear God's Word and obey God's Word. He prayed for God to do what God said He would do.In this study we will discover practical truths about reality of God, the authority of God's Word, the activity of a difference-maker, and the critical need to be prepared for eternity. I am excited to welcome you to this episode of Wisdom from Above.

How low can you go? King Ahab was more evil than all the Kings of Israel who reigned before him... and the kings who reigned before him were guilty of rebellion, treason, murder, idolatry and immorality. Elijah was sent by the Lord to be a light in the midst of this darkness. Join us as we dig into the background of this Old Testament prophet who ministered in a time just like the time in which we live... a time when God's Law was broken and God's Word was not was heard. Like a Elijah we can be a light in the midst of the darkness!

Sadly many are so caught up in a pursuit of temporal treasures of little value that they miss out on eternal treasures of great value. Radical discipleship is costly... but it pays rich dividends! Join us as we study the final section of First Thessalonians. We will discover many practical challenges in this episode of Wisdom form Above.

Disicipleship is a life on life impact. Discipleship is pouring what God has taught you into others. It involves modeling Christlikeness by doing God's will with others and before others who will in then do God's will with others and before others. This episode will focus on our relationship with faithful leaders of the church and faltering members of the church. 

Letting someone know their house is on fire is not a message of doom, it is a message of deliverance. If they had not been told, they might have burned to death. In the same way, teaching about the rapture is not a message of doom; it is a message of a deliverance. If people do not know Christ at the time of the rapture, they will be left behind and go into he Tribulation. Paul assures believers that they will not experience that outpouring of God's wrath. Join us was we explore this message of hope.

Today's podcast is about the ultimate trip... the rapture. This episode reveals that our hope is based on Jesus' resurrection, focused on Jesus' coming and culminates in Jesus' coming. Jesus is coming ack for the church, and if you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus, you will be left behind! Join guys as we examine this classic passage on the rapture.

God calls us to walk worthy of our calling. Last week we saw the call to a model walk in our private life. This week we are looking at the call to a model walk in our church and in our community. It is a call to holiness in our heart, love in our church, compassion inner community, and diligence in our work.

This episode of Wisdom from Above deals with sexual purity. It reveals what was going on in Paul's day, and we discover that the same things are going on in our day. This passage also reveals God's will for us regarding sexual purity. Join me as we dig into this passage and seek to understand how we can have a model walk in our private life.

Sadly some churches and many believers have lost their way. They have strayed from these truths: People are more valuable than possessions. People are more important than programs. Though they would never say it, their actions betray it. They love things and they use people. God calls us to love Him. This is the greatest command! God calls us to love others. This is the second most important command. Today's episode of Wisdom from Above is about the Model Love.

Do you want to make a difference in our world? Do you want to do things that will have an eternal impact? This passage in First Thessalonians reveals how we make a difference in our world that will have an eternal impact. It reveals how some people will ultimately be our crown of rejoicing! Don't miss this episode of Wisdom from Above!

As we continue our study of First Thessalonians, we come now to The Model Minister. Every believer is a minister of God. This passage reveals the motives, the methods and the manner of a model minister. You can use this study as checkup on your progress as a servant of the Lord.

This 14th season of Wisdom from Above is an exposition of the book of First Thessalonians. The first chapter reveals the heart of a model church. The Thessalonians Church had a faith that worked, a love that labored and a hope that endured. What is the driving principle of the church?   A tradition-driven church does what it does because that's what they've always done. A temperature-driven church does that it does because that's what the majority wants. A trend-driven church does what it does because that's what the successful are doing. A truth-driven church does what it does because that's what God is asking in His Word. We want a truth-driven church! How does a church become truth-driven?  Join me for this podcast and discover some practical truths for you and your church.

This is the premier episode of our 14th season of Wisdom from Above. This season will be an exposition of the book of First Thessalonians. Join us as we dig into the background of First Thessalonians. We will discover seven principles to help us in times of hurt and heartache .

Satan is like a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour. He wants to steal our joy, kill our love, and destroy our faith. But he knows we would see that as a bad thing. Therefore, Satan is a deceiver. His messengers appears as an angels of light. They are wives in sheep's clothing. Temptations appear to be attractive and appealing and delightful opportunities that will being joy and pleasure. We are drawn to the temptation. We have a propensity to do that which is wrong. We need help outside of ourselves in order to find victory. Join us as we explore what it means to pray "lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil."

This episode of Wisdom from Above investigates the meaning of the phrase "forgive us our sins and we forgive those who sin against us." There is an aspect to this request that is desirable; and there is an aspect of this request that is difficult. Join us as we explore the meaning of this part of the Lord's Prayer. I believe it could change your life.

Who is the preeminent figure of Christmas? Is it Santa? No. Is it Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer? No. Is it Frosty the snowman? No. Is it Jesus? Yes! Join us was we consider the reason for the season! This Christmas episode will turn our attention to Jesus and will challenge us to make room for Jesus in our holiday and in our hearts!

This is the third episode of our Christmas Special. We have stepped away from studying the Lords Prayer in order to focus on Christmas and on the reason for the season. Today's podcast episode is titled "The Purpose of Christ's Birth" and is an exposition of First Timothy chapter one verse fifteen. Join me was we explore the simple yet profound truths of this Christmas passage.

Welcome to this special Christmas series of Wisdom from Above. Last week we looked at the Prophecies of Christ's Birth. Today we are looking at the Peculiarity of Christ's Birth. What is peculiar about Christ's birth? It was a virgin birth. You might be thinking, "Is that really all that important?" Absolutely, yes it is important. Join us for this episode and find out why the virgin birth is so important!

Wisdom From Above is breaking away from the Lord's Prayer series to focus on the birth of Christ. This episode will explore The Prophecies of Christ's Birth. These prophecies are anywhere from 1,400 years before the brith of Christ to 700 years before the birth of Christ. They are specific and stunning prophecies of the birth of Christ. I hope this mini-series on the birth of Christ will help prepare your heart for a phenomenal Christmas season.

In this episode of Wisdom from Above we move from a prayer for glory for God to a prayer for groceries for man. This is a practical prayer... but it is often misunderstood. "Give us this day our daily bread." Join me was we unpack this prayer request. We will discover some practical truths that give us insight into our Heavenly Father's provision and give us understanding of our responsibilities.

We are studying the Lord's Prayer... one phrase at a time. Hallowed be Thy name - Delighting in God's Person. Thy kingdom come - Devoted to God's program. Thy will be done - Dedicated to God's Plan. What three things do we need in order to do God's will? What seven things are clearly declared to be God's will? Where does this need to start? Listen to this podcast of Wisdom from Above to find answers!

We are studying The Lord's Prayer so we can pray in the manner that Jesus taught. Last week we looked at Delighting in God's Person... "Hallowed be Thy name." Today we are looking at Devoted to God's Program... "Thy kingdom come." What is the kingdom of God? Are we in it now? If not, when will it come? What does God want me to do?

The Lord's Prayer - Delighting in God's Person As believers in Jesus Christ, we have the incredible privilege of coming boldly to God in prayer. The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray, and Jesus gave them a beautiful pattern for prayer... that we call The Lord's Prayer. The first priority in prayer is delighting in God's person. There is the intimacy of calling Him "Father" and there is the majesty of knowing He is the Almighty God. Our prayers should be impacted by both of these truths! Join me as we investigate this marvelous pattern for prayer.

In chapter one, we saw Jonah going away from God… in a ship. In chapter two, we saw Jonah going to God… in the belly of the whale. In chapter three, we saw Jonah going with God... in the city of Nineveh. Now we come to chapter four, and Jonah is going against God in a shelter! Jonah is overcome with bitterness toward his enemies and focused on their destruction. God works in an amazing way to help Jonah understand His love for all people. Join us for this incredibly practical episode of Wisdom from Above.

In Jonah chapter one Jonah was running away from God. Now in chapter three Jonah is running with God. This story reveals the blessing of God's discipline and the joy of getting a second chance to do what we are called to do. This story also reveals that God's desire is not to bring deserved punishment, but rather to show undeserved mercy. Join me in this podcast of Wisdom from Above as we discover how God how to find mercy and forgiveness and life.

In chapter one, Jonah was going away from God in a boat. In chapter two, Jonah is going to God in fish. Jonah cries out to God in prayer. Jonah is desperate for God and dependent on God. This study reveals four very practical steps we can take to get our life turned around!

Jonah has shipped out in the opposite direction from what God called him to go. God caused a raging storm to batter the boat he was in. The sailors were imploring; but Jonah was snoring. The sailors cast lots and God caused the lot to fall on Jonah. Jonah confessed his sin and faced his consequences. Jonah is thrown overboard by the sailors. Join us as we investigate this fascinating story.

God told Jonah to go east. Jonah went west. Have you been there? Sure you have. Sadly, we often do just the opposite of what God is asking us to do. Jonah decided he was going to run away from God and his responsibilities. Then Jonah discovered something he should have already known... you can run, but you cannot hide. Join me for this fascinating look at Jonah the prodigal prophet. .

Jonah is a whale of a book... pun intended! Join me as we dig into this Old Testament book that has captured the minds of young and old. The book of Jonah is I loaded with practical applications to our everyday life. This first episode will whet your appetite for more of the book and it will hit you with two very powerful challenges.

This is the final episode of season 11... The Hall of Faith. We will discover who is referred to as men and women of whom the world is not worthy! These true stories of men and women who walked by faith have gripped our minds and challenged our hearts. The author of this book reminds us that there are many others who walked by faith that could have been listed in the Hall of Faith. I am especially encouraged that you and I can walk by faith. We can be victorious. We can leave a legacy of faith to the next generation. The key is not that we be flawless, but that we be faithful! We simply need to take God at His word and act upon it!

Today's episode of Wisdom from Above is very encouraging. This true life story of Jephthah shows us that God has a marvelous plan of using ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things... and all the glory goes to God. My dear friend, God can use you... if you present your life to Him. God can use you... if you are willing to trust in the Lord and walk by faith. You don't have to be noble by birth, or powerful of body, or elite of class, or brilliant of mind. You just need to be available to God and faithful to obey.

Our world loves mythical stories of superheroes... stories like those of Hercules, Thor, Superman, Batman, and Iron Man. But many find even more satisfaction in true stories of super heroes... stories of people who gave their own lives in order to save the lives of others... chief among whom would be Jesus. Today's episode looks at a real life hero who was known for his incredible strength and his amazing exploits. His name was Samson. He was flawed like all of us, but he was also a man of faith. We can learn a lot of practical lessons from Samson. Samson had a shocking start, a sad fall, and a stunning finish.

Barak was victorious, but he was not glorious. Even his greatest victory flew under the radar because the commander of the opposing army was killed not by Barak, but by a woman. That woman, Jael, drove a tent peg through the temple of Commander Sisera, nailing him to the ground. Jael was glorious. They sang of her as most blessed among women. They sang of her victory over Sisera. But Barak is still listed in the Hall of Faith... and we can learn three powerful truths from his faith

Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart. We put our hope in our wisdom and power and skill, but God wants us to put our hope in Him. This truth is vividly pictured in the story of Gideon. Join me as we go back to this historical event and discover wisdom from above that will transform our lives.

This episode of Wisdom from Above reveals a true life story about a woman who went from the House of Shame to the Hall of Fame. The key to this radical change of life was faith in God! Join me as we dig into the true life story of Rahab .

Have you hit a wall? Perhaps it's a wall of trouble. Perhaps it's a wall of temptations. Perhaps it's a wall of broken dreams. Perhaps you are feeling defeated and discouraged.  You may be feeling that life is not worth living or that God is not worth trusting. Joshua faced a massive wall at Jericho, and the Bible says “By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they were encircled for seven days.”  Let's look at this historical event and see what God wants to teach us about faith.

The Israelites were trapped. They were caught between the Egyptian army and the deep Red Sea. They were terrified because they were focused on the power of their enemy and they had forgotten the power of their God. God was about do something so marvelous and so miraculous that many people try to minimize it to make it more believable. God was about to open up a dry path in the middle of the deep Red Sea. What an incredible all-powerful God we serve. Join me as we examine this monstrous major miracle in this episode of Wisdom from Above!

Moses chose the unreasonable, saw the invisible, and experienced the impossible. Moses sets a great example for us. Moses overcame five obstacles that you and I face almost every day. Join me for this episode of Wisdom from Above as we discover truths that can transform our lives.

Moses' parents are listed in the Hall of Faith... not because they were famous, but because they were faithful. This episode reveals the belief of Moses parents, the behavior of Moses parents, and the boldness of Moses parents. Join me as we discover four practical ways we need to express our faith.

This episode of Wisdom from Above reveals the bones of belief... accepting God's Word as true and acting upon it. Joseph faced severe storms and difficult trials. He was wickedly betrayed, falsely accused, and wrongfully imprisoned. How does he respond? We will discover three practical principles in Genesis 50 that can impact the way we live.

Most tombstones have a birth date and a death date with a  dash between them. The dash represents the time here on earth. The question is this: "What are you doing with your dash?" This episode of Wisdom from Above podcast reveals how we should look up, how we should look back, how we should look out, and how we should look forward. It highlights leaving a godly legacy for our children and our grandchildren. 

How in the world did Jacob make the Hall of Faith? Think about it. He knowingly took advantage of his brother, he willfully schemed with his mother, and he purposefully deceived his father. How did he make the Hall of Faith? Join me as we look at the life of Jacob. There are several practical lessons we can learn from Jacob. .

This, our 175th episode of Wisdom from Above, starts with a story about a fire that broke out at a chemical plant. A Norwegian fire truck saves the day, but things are not what they seemed. Things are not always as they seem to be on be the surface, are they? We may see some event in our life as an obstacle when God knows its an opportunity. We may see some event as a crushing defeat when God sees it as a course correction. We may think of something as a disappointment when it is really His appointment. This episode highlights the importance of trusting God, waiting on God, and doing what God asks.

This 174th episode of Wisdom from Above investigates one of the greatest examples of faith and obedience ever recorded in all of history. Abraham is asked to sacrifice his only begotten son. This is just one of three stories about Abraham in Hebrews 11 that reveal his faith in God. Join me as we look at this man who was called "the friend of God."