Wisdom In All Things

Given the current cultural climate on the subject, some might think it pretty controversial to suggest that we ‘act like men'. After all, if you were to listen to the critics, “Could there be anything good that would come from it?” I can understand the sentiment. But not the reaction. I think it was John Stonestreet who I heard say recently, “The response to bad authority is not, ‘no authority', it's good authority.” The context had to do with governmental authority, but it seems like it would apply nicely here as well. While we may have steered away from the path of guiding boys into becoming men, it is all the more important that we return to the path rather than abandon the pursuit of manhood altogether. To put it another way, we should seek ‘true manhood' rather than ‘no manhood.' Read the transcript for Stand Firm in the Faith Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things newsletter

In the sixteenth chapter of Corinthians, you'll find these two verses, tucked in there, seemingly as a random stream of consciousness, part of Paul's closing in his first letter to this church in Corinth: "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." (1 Corinthians 16:13-14) Standing firm means maintaining allegiance to biblical principles regardless of ridicule, and contending for Scripture not by being dogmatic but by graciously appealing to the doubter's conscience. As some have said, "God's truth can take their hits." Read the transcript for Stand Firm in the Faith Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

In the sixteenth chapter of Corinthians, you'll find these two verses, tucked in there, seemingly as a random stream of consciousness, part of Paul's closing in his first letter to this church in Corinth: "Be watchful, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong. Let all that you do be done in love." (1 Corinthians 16:13-14) Paul doesn't directly identify anything in particular that we are to watch out for, but that we should be in a state of watching. We are to be actively, and continually, watchful.  A person who is exercising "watchfulness" in their lives is someone aware of the world around them and can think critically about what they see and hear.  Here are 3 phases to becoming watchful. Read the transcript for Be Watchful Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

“Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson I use this quote from Emerson in jest. It seems to me that this is the prevailing thought about what we are to do with our lives: the reason we are here is to go our own way; to leave our mark. But is that truly why we are here?  Dallas Willard says “The purpose of human life is to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever." Here are some key principles for living a purposeful life. Read the transcript for Living Purposefully Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

King David speaking: "For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me." - Psalm 51:3 We've talked in the past about living an examined life. Doing so can be a little unnerving. When we do that, it is (very) likely that we'll find something that we don't want to see, and, as a result, end up shoving whatever we found right back where we found it. However, to consider "not going there" only means that we delay the inevitable. Here are the practical steps that make up our arsenal in our battle against sin. Read the transcript for Confronting Sin: embrace the battle, be victorious, and live a life pleasing to God Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

“The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra.” – Jimmy Johnson Malcolm Gladwell is a popular author and speaker who has written about the importance of practice. In his book Outliers, Gladwell argues that the key to success is not talent, but deliberate practice. Effective practice is the key to long-term skill improvement. These research-backed methods will help you build on the foundation you've laid to create the habit of skill development. Read the transcript for Being Better About Being Better Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

"Conviction is the driving force that transforms belief into action. It's the unwavering commitment to truth and principle that enables us to navigate the complexities of life with purpose and integrity. Without conviction, our beliefs remain mere ideas, but with it, they become the catalyst for positive change in our lives and the world around us." - D.A. Carson Just as Winston Churchill's convictions inspired a nation, the right convictions can guide us toward a life of purpose, resilience, and fulfillment. Developing a biblical conviction is a profound and spiritually rich part of our journey. It's not just about forming opinions; it's about aligning our beliefs and values with the timeless truths found in the Bible. Read the transcript for Trust in the Truth: The Confidence of Conviction Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

“It's bad enough wasting time without killing it.” – Norton Juster, academic, architect, and writer. He was best known as an author of children's books, particularly popular was The Dot and the Line - A Romance in Lower Mathematics With all that we have to do, it is awfully tempting to do nothing with out discretionary time. Until you realize the implications. Idleness and laziness can actually have serious negative consequences on both our personal well-being and the well-being of those around us. If you're struggling a bit with where to focus, or with discovering how you can better ensure you're 'counting your days', here are some practical ways of evaluating the importance you place on living with purpose. Read the transcript for To Number Our Days, Focus on What Truly Matters Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

“The love of money is the root of all evil.” – 1 Timothy 6:10 Probably a familiar verse, but think about the last 4 words: “root of all evil.” If we don't love money, we can avoid a whole lot of bad. In fact, we could swap out the word ‘money' for so many things in that verse. “The love of… the couch, Netflix, Peanut Butter M&Ms….” But here, God intentionally–and specifically–identifies the love of money as “the” root problem. I've rounded up recommendations on mastering money into a checklist that you can review to see where you might be allowing money to master you. Read the transcript for Mastering Money Before it Masters You Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

“Imitate Jesus and Socrates.” - Benjamin Franklin Are you as struck by Franklin's recommendation as I am? Why both? If you're going to include Jesus on any list, there really isn't any need to include anyone else. It was curious to me what Franklin might have been thinking that would lead him to include these two people specifically, and only these two people. Perhaps it was this prompting from a personal friend of Franklin's: "My list of virtues continued at first but twelve; but a Quaker friend having kindly informed me that I was generally thought proud, that my pride showed itself frequently in conversation, that I was not content with being in the right when discussing any point, but was overbearing and rather insolent, of which he convinced me by mentioning several instances, I determined endeavoring to cure myself, if I could, of this vice or folly among the rest, and I added Humility to my list, giving an extensive meaning to the word." Humility is "a modest or low view of one's own importance." It may well be that you are important, or the best, but humility moderates a balanced view of how you should view yourself. God opposes the proud just as all others are repulsed by them. Read the transcript for Benjamin Franklin's 13 Virtues - Humility Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

"Holiness is not only separation from evil, but separation unto God." - John Stott Holiness has long been a central theme in Christianity, and throughout history, various individuals and groups have emphasized its importance. It is a concept that often evokes various perceptions, from being old-fashioned and rigid to grace-filled and deeply satisfying.  Either way, the pursuit of holiness is, at its core, an endeavor to mirror God's character in our lives. Read the transcript for The Pursuit of Holiness: Building Holy Habits Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

"Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can." - John Wesley In a world often marred by turmoil and adversity, the call to "not grow weary in doing good" holds profound significance, primarily for Christians. While the call to "not grow weary in doing good" is firmly rooted in Scripture, we need to effectively navigate the challenges and temptations that often lead to weariness in our pursuit of doing good. Here are five keys to helping us persevere in doing good. Read the transcript for Persevere in Doing Good Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

"Heaven is not a distant place, but a perfected state of being where we will enjoy unbroken communion with God and one another." — Tim Keller Thinking rightly about heaven is both significant and transformative as it will shape our thoughts, actions, and deepest longings. Embracing an anticipatory mindset about heaven moves us away from it being a theoretical concept to a transformative way of living. Here are ways "heaven then" can transform our lives "here and now." Read the transcript of The Beauty, Significance, and Transformative Power of Heaven Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

"In every life we have some trouble, but when you worry you make it double... don't worry, be happy..." - Bobby McFerrin He has provided us a catchy way to remember two very important truths about worry: by worrying, we do make things doubly worse, and, that we do have a choice. If you're looking to be happy, you're aiming way too low. Instead, why settle for "being happy" when you can be at peace? Read the transcript of Don't Worry, Be... at peace Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

"When we use our spiritual gifts, we are joining in God's mission to reconcile the world to Himself. It is an act of obedience and surrender, allowing God to work through us to bring about His purposes and transformation in the lives of others." - D.A. Carson The idea of “to whom much is given, much will be required” is that we should, and will be, held responsible for what we have been given. It is reasonable to expect that we glorify God and benefit others having been blessed with our time, talents, and treasures. Read the transcript for Spiritual gifts: unleashing the power within Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

I think we all would agree that when expressing our anger, it is better that we stop short of turning green and smashing everything. Even if we have the power to do it. But you might say, "There are times when we need to smash things into oblivion... like, evil." However, it seems pretty clear that God is the only one that gets to turn green and smash things (so to speak): "Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” Romans 12:19 For this simple reason: if it needs doing, God knows why, when, and how to do it. Read the transcript for How to Handle Anger with Wisdom and Grace Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email  

I want to make sure you are properly warned against enduring the consequences of a lop-sided morning. Because a lop-sided morning leads to a lop-sided day. By lop-sided, I mean focusing only on one area of your life to the exclusion of others. My sense is that there is a tendency to elevate exercise over the time you need to spend thinking, or more importantly, feeding your soul. Mornings should be an "all of the above" proposition so that you benefit from nurturing your mind, body, and soul. Read the transcript for Creating a Meaty, Meaningful Morning Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email  

There's no denying that "A Few Good Men" is a classic. In this movie, you have a young military lawyer, Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee, played by Tom Cruise, assigned to defend two marines accused of murdering a fellow soldier.  With Colonel Nathan Jessup on the stand, Kaffee confronts the commanding officer of the Marines by accusing him of ordering a "code red" (an unauthorized disciplinary action) that led to the soldier's death. Jessup initially denies any involvement, but Kaffee continues to press him, demanding the truth. Ultimately, Kaffee's rebuke leads Jessup to admit to the truth. He sought justice and open rebuke led him there. Which, is the goal by the way. Rebuke is the means, not the end. Read the transcript for Better is Open Rebuke Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email    

“We are made wise not by the recollection of our past, but by the responsibility for our future.” – George Bernard Shaw Shaw's comment on wisdom is important because it rightly integrates the past and the future. In fact, it can't truly be wisdom unless we apply to the future what we have learned by experience to be true. For as it has been said, if we don't learn from history we are doomed to repeat it.  Having gathered a consensus from professors who have taught at seminaries like Trinity, Dallas, and Moody Bible Institute, we'll see that the path to wisdom involves the essential aspects of studying Scripture, prayer and meditation, seeking wise counsel, character development, community, and practical application. Read the transcript for The Essentials for Becoming Wise Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email  

Kindness penetrates. Similar to the way water can find its way into the most hidden, protected places. However, when it comes to kindness, it is not so much that it breaches as it is being absorbed. Kindness is wanted. Needed. Life-giving. Nice on the other hand, is temporary and superficial. Nice is the sizzle. Kindness is the steak. The Bible doesn't teach, call, or direct us to be nice. We're to love one another, be kind to one another–treat others as we would like to be treated. Read the transcript for No More Mister Nice Guy Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

“People have learned to escape Reality very well but too often lose their way back.” — Eugene J. Martin, visual artist Harry Houdini's escapes were just an illusion, much like our attempt to try and escape reality. Fortunately for us, as Jon Bloom reminds us, “Jesus has come to set us free from fantasy's impoverishing enchantment.” Rather than look for the ‘escape button', we can respond properly when we're tempted by the lure of the illusion of escaping by remaining grounded in reality. Read the transcript for Escaping Reality is an Impossible Reality Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

No doubt you are familiar with the hymn. Sung the world over, it has ministered to millions. And probably why it resonates so deeply, is that for Horatio Spafford, the author, these lyrics are autobiographical. Despite the years of tragedy he and his wife had endured, these lyrics are a testament to his faith and trust in God. It is this idea that even in the midst of great loss and sorrow, we can find peace and comfort knowing that God is sovereign and that He cares deeply for His children. Read the transcript for It is Well with My Soul: Can You Say That? Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

Once we get our thoughts right about God, ourselves, and our circumstances, that right thinking leads to right living. This was something that Peter, in 1 Peter 1:13, was trying to stress by calling a group of Christ followers being persecuted for their faith to do three things: gird their minds, keep sober, and hope–completely–on the grace of God. Read the transcript for A Mind Ready for Action Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

Eleanor Roosevelt said that we should "do one thing every day that scares you." Sure, I get it. The status quo is not very exciting, and, for different reasons, could possibly even be unhealthy. Life requires (some) risk. After all, "nothing ventured, nothing gained". Here's something I think we can work with. Risk-taking is a willingness, to take a justifiable risk, given the preferred outcome. There is wisdom in that.   But isn't the point of pursuing wisdom to avoid risk? Avoid risk? No. Take calculated risks? Yes. Read the transcript for Does risk-taking need to be risky? Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

"We need to orient our lives on the clear statements of Scripture regarding God's will. And here is one: "For freedom Christ has set us free. (from Gal. 5:1)" Christ's will for you is that you enjoy freedom. Where you go to school, what job you do, where you live, etc., are not nearly so crucial as whether you stand fast in freedom." - John Piper Most crucial, and foundational, is finding freedom in Christ. Piper points us to Galatians 5:1 and the fact that Christ has set us free unlike anyone or anything ever could.  We'll look at what it looks like to be truly free and stay that way. Read the transcript for Be Free Stay Free Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

“By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” – John 13:35 Are you loving enough, or in a way, that it is even noticeable? Or, at best, is it at a level and consistency that it is what people think of first when they think of you? Not just your friends and family, but total strangers? That is what John 13:35 is essentially saying. We will be known–as a disciple of Jesus–by our love. Read the transcript for Are You Known by Your Love? Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

We can't become so 'wise' that we are able to avoid all the scary parts of life. Wisdom is the means by which we navigate what God decides to allow--and intends to use--in our lives for our good and His glory. That includes fear. Read the transcript for Choosing Faith Over Fear Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

Heaven is not just a destination, but a mindset. Of Colossians 3:2 (“set our minds on things that are above, not on things that are on the earth”), J. B. Lightfoot, English theologian and Bishop of Durham (1800's), states that we “must not only seek heaven; [we] must also think heaven.”  As we set our minds on ‘things above' we are able to put ‘things below' into the right perspective. Read the transcript for Keeping Your Mind on Things Above Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

Becoming a "Proverbs 31 Man" is an intriguing perspective to have on this chapter in Proverbs. You, like me, may have been more familiar with Proverbs 31 largely referring to the characteristics of a godly woman.  In order to be a “Proverbs 31 Man”, we must become a “Proverbs Man”, which is something we all are to be, married or not. Read the transcript for Becoming a Proverbs 31 Man Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

"No pressure, no diamonds.” – Thomas Carlyle, Scottish philosopher Equal to the pressure we face is the strength and wisdom God provides to walk in conjunction with His purpose to yield the intended outcome. While it is unavoidable–and it shouldn't be avoided entirely, given its potential benefits–we can ‘get a grip' on how to maintain the ability to remain steadfast under pressure. Read the transcript for Pressure, Pressing Down on You Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

It is God's leading that makes 1 Thess. 5:21-22 (NASB) possible: “examine everything carefully, hold fast to what is good, abstain from every evil.” This “biblical sleuthing” is what John MacArthur points out as the “responsibility of every Christian… discernment is not optional for the believer–it is required.” Read the transcript for Discernment: The Commitment to Choosing Well Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

Our being wounded or wondering should be a hint that we're running the risk of attracting unwanted attention, which is why Peter urges us to think clearly and remain vigilant. When you take a good look at yourself, are you giving the “roaring lion” any reason to target you? Are you unknowingly or unnecessarily vulnerable? Read the transcript for The Roaring Lion Hunts the Wounded and the Wonderers Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

I mean for us to “noodle” in the best possible way. While enjoying the practical benefits of journaling, we gain all the more by recording this intentional quest for wisdom. To the point John Piper makes about “living for the glory Christ”, this is a quest worthy of capturing and remembering. Read the transcript for Journaling to Capture Wisdom In All Things Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

We're getting it from the inside, from the outside, and when we trace it back to its source, it leads us directly to Satan, The Father of Lies. Satan is a pro at reflecting the light, deep deception, and manipulation. We need to pay particular attention to this because of the severity of the consequences. Satan's single aim is to utterly destroy you by any means he is allowed. This makes guarding our hearts, minds, and souls of paramount importance. Read the transcript for How Easily Are You Deceived? Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email

Just as the 10 Commandments prescribe for us what we are to avoid, did you know they also point to a “positive side”?  They provide for us a framework for living out the character of God, and how are lives are to be distinct. In front of the commandment is that positive application that we can recite in our quiet times, if not at the start of each day. Read the transcript for The 10 Commandments: How Are Lives Are To Be Distinct Sign up for the Wisdom In All Things weekly email  

Living life on mission, does not mean we need to be a missionary. However, we can easily see how our lives might look strikingly similar. Learning Mission from Missionaries transcript. Sign up for the Wisdom in All Things email.