Adding Wisdom to Strength

Adding Wisdom to Strength

As an often overwhelmed mother of many, I crave inspiration where I can get it. I’m also a word person, and a single word can sustain me for a long time.

While on my way to a family reunion with my younger kids, we visited a coal mine tour in Pennsylvania. I wanted them to have a sense of their family heritage, since my great-great-grandfather Heinrich Hess, a German immigrant, was a coal miner in that area.

In the gift store after the tour, I found a bin of engraved rocks with words on them. Many of them – such as “Organize” and “Simplicity” - appealed to me, but I decided to narrow my choice to a single one: “Wisdom.” Right now, wisdom is the crying need of my heart.

So today, as I unpacked our vacation treasures, I placed my “Wisdom” stone next to the “Strength” stone I had picked out last year on my birthday as a gift from my daughter. The juxtaposition of the two stones together reminded me of a key principle in life: 

We need to always add wisdom to our strength. 

There are so many things we can do, that we have the power to do. I am glad of that. In the past year, I have needed the strength of courage, energy, and focus to step up and do things that needed to be done. Strength is good, but we desperately need wisdom to make right choices and apply our strength to the right things. These are not always obvious, even when reading the Bible. The Holy Spirit can guide us more specifically as we listen closely with a yielded heart.

I sat yesterday to read my old leather bound Bible and write notes in my Scripture journal. I opened to 2 Corinthians 1, where I had left off my study, and read verse 12.

“Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, in the holiness and sincerity that are from God.  We have done so not according to worldly wisdom but according to God’s grace.”

I thought about this as I wrote:

“This is what I want to be able to say as a Christian.  This requires consecration to God, and wisdom about what he requires. I need to think of this verse as I make decisions for the future, especially ones that affect other people. Some things may seem godly which are not. Some things may seem worldly which are not. What will bring the most glory to God? What is the best way to show his redemption and rescue in my life? How can I lead my children in the ways of the Lord?”

[Side note: Are you curious why I said, “Some things may seem godly which are not. Some things may seem worldly which are not”?  We must not be naïve in our attempts to please God. In the garden of life, we need to be careful not to be snagged by the thorns, even ones that seem pious. Remember that Jesus himself said in Matthew 10:16, “Behold, I send you out as sheep in the midst of wolves. Therefore be wise as serpents and harmless as doves.”  You can read more at the bottom of this post: Follow the Way of Love.]

As I contemplate my future and the choices I need to make, I know I need both wisdom and strength. I want to live with sincerity and holiness in the midst of a world of heartache and confusion. Pray for me, will you? Write to me, and I'll pray for you, too!

Some of my favorite wisdom verses to ponder: 

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, but deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy or selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven, but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.”  James 3:13-18

“Now there lived in that city a man poor but wise, and he saved the city by his wisdom. But nobody remembered that poor man. So I said, “Wisdom is better than strength.” But the poor man’s wisdom is despised, and his words are no longer heeded.  The quiet words of the wise are more to be heeded than the shouts of a ruler of fools.” Ecclesiastes 9:15-17

As Heinrich Hess wrote at the end of his 1886 memoir,

"At my confirmation I selected this verse, Psalm 143, verse 10, "Lord, teach me to do thy will for thou art my God.  May your good spirit lead me on a smooth road."  The Lord has lead me up to this point and I know that He will also lead me further on if I will only believe in Him.  My wish and will is to make myself subordinate to Him and to be true to Him until my end."

Thank you, Heinrich. That's a wise word for me 128 years later in 2014.

Wisdom and strength,

Virginia Knowles

www.ComeWearyMoms.blogspot.com

P.S. You might also enjoy The Simple Yet Mighty Gifts of Acceptance & Affirmation and Dignity, Decisions, and Liberty of Conscience 

Good Words from Colossians 4

Good Words from Colossians 4

DEVOTE:

commit effort and affection

PRAYER:

communion with God and intercession for others

WATCHFUL:

attentive to God’s voice and 

to what’s going on in the world around us ~

ready to respond appropriately

THANKFUL:

gratefully aware of blessings (even in disguise) 

and acknowledging their source

DOOR FOR OUR MESSAGE:

a divine opportunity to move into

a fruitful communication of grace

PROCLAIM:

call attention amid the distractions of the world 

and then share the details of the gospel

MYSTERY:

a story unfolding to open hearts,

not immediately clear but progressively revealed

WISE:

prudent choices, 

carefully thought through

and then carried out

EVERY OPPORTUNITY:

the chances and choices are there ~

what will we do with them?

CONVERSATION:

out there interacting, not in isolation,

not a lecture but a dialogue

SEASONED WITH GRACE:

attractive ~ inviting ~ savory ~ intriguing

 

KNOW HOW TO ANSWER:

intelligent ~ informed ~ listening

appreciating nuances ~ responsive

FAITHFUL MINISTER:

constant ~ diligent ~ active

on behalf of real people with real needs

ENCOURAGE HEARTS:

spur others to faith, love, and courage

in the inner core ~ it flows from there

GREETINGS:

friendliness sent forth ~

“I am thinking of you and I care”

WELCOME:

“well come” ~ make it a good and gracious arrival ~ 

not awkward but accepting with open arms and hearts

KINGDOM OF GOD:

where our citizenship belongs and our loyalty is due ~

what are our responsibilities?

COMFORT: 

we all need this, from the timid to the zealous ~

a place for soul to rest ~ embrace grace ~

be filled with peace

SERVANT: 

“in the Lord” and “of Christ” ~

action with humility

STAND FIRM: 

 “in all the will of God” ~ 

time to sink down roots ~

grounded in truth learned through study

MATURE: 

not presumptuous or hasty or naive,

but confident and patient ~ seasoned

 

FULLY ASSURED: 

letting faith seep in and

fill up the crevices of doubt ~

convinced through testing

WORKING HARD: 

going the extra mile ~ above and beyond ~ pressing onward

COMPLETE THE WORK:  

follow through ~ get it done ~ persevere

REMEMBER MY CHAINS: 

know the injustice which exists in the world

so you can intercede and intervene

When I went to the Refresh Retreat a few weeks ago, we were each encouraged to take most of our time there to read through the book of Colossians and journal our responses.  I finished up through chapter 3, jotting down key "Good Words" on one part of each page, a “Jesus Is…” list in another area, and tucking in “Exhortations to Me” and other notes wherever they fit.  It’s a good thing my newest journal has big pages!  I used some of my good words on my Kaleidoscope picture.

I’ve been meaning to get back into Colossians to journal through chapter 4.  Yesterday, while I was waiting for my children to get out of youth group, I took out my journal and my iPod Bible app and worked away.  This time, at least so far, I only did the “Good Words” section, and didn't even finish that much until today.  I decided to expand this section, and write a brief impression of each key word or phrase.  That’s what you see above.  Obviously there is much more to Colossians 4.  You'll have to read it yourself.

I also thought about what I would write in an “Exhortations to Me” section for this chapter.  I think the main gist of it is to be fully engaged with my Christian life, to be immersed in fruit-bearing spirituality and ministry, not as a hobbyist but as a disciple of Jesus.  It means living authentically and on purpose, looking for opportunities to serve and share.  It means not letting myself drift into apathy or empty busyness. It means doing my part, with my unique gifts and sphere of influence, to extend the Kingdom of God through the good news of truth and grace.  It means multiplying these efforts by equipping and encouraging others to do these same things in their own way with their own gifts.  In my life, so many of those “doors for the message” are right in my own home with my own children.  So much of that depends on living with Christ at the center of my life, which can be the most powerful example in word and deed.  I’m certainly not there yet, so this is a lot of meat to chew.

I have more to say, perhaps in another post, but for now, a few extra encouragements for you: 

• Read all the way through Colossians.  It’s a wonderful book, full of both inspiration and practical instruction.  Take it a little section at a time.  Meditate on it.  No need to hurry. When you are done with that, work through the Gospel of John.
• Jot down your impressions.  It doesn't have to be formal or fancy or even terribly profound.
• How do the words speak to you right where you are at in life? 
• While the words in this chapter were written in the context of a larger ministry setting, how can you, as a mother, apply them as you seek to disciple your children?

More posts!

Nurturing your own spiritual life:

• Busy, Dizzy and In a Tizzy: Christian Contemplation for Moms

• Wisdom from Letters of Direction by Abbé de Tourville

• Words of Promise, Comfort and Encouragement
• Sanctuary (Big Words)

Teaching children spiritual truth:

• Teaching Our Children to Walk With God
• The Thessalonians Prescription
• Bella Sophia (Lady Wisdom Sets Her Table)
• Trust and Obey

Virginia Knowles

www.ComeWearyMoms.blogspot.com

P.S.  The photos are from the EPCOT Italy pavilion.  I thought I had lost them, so I didn't use them in my other photo post here:  Impressions of EPCOT

One Word: Refresh

"I will refresh the weary and satisfy the faint.”  

Jeremiah 31:25

"You gave abundant showers, O God; you refreshed your weary inheritance." 

Psalm 68:9

"Sow for yourselves righteousness, 

  reap the fruit of unfailing love,
and break up your unplowed ground; 

  for it is time to seek the Lord, 

  until he comes and showers righteousness on you."  

Hosea 10:12

"For I will pour water on the thirsty land,
    and streams on the dry ground;
I will pour out my Spirit on your offspring,
    and my blessing on your descendants.
They will spring up like grass in a meadow,
    like poplar trees by flowing streams."  

Isaiah 44:3-4

Seek the Lord while he may be found;
    call on him while he is near.

Let the wicked forsake his way
    and the evil man his thoughts.
Let him turn to the Lord, 

    and he will have mercy on him,
    and to our God, for he will freely pardon.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts,
    neither are your ways my ways,”
declares the Lord.
“As the heavens are higher than the earth,
    so are my ways higher than your ways
    and my thoughts than your thoughts.
 As the rain and the snow
    come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
    without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
    so that it yields seed for the sower 

    and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
    It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
    and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.
You will go out in joy
    and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and hills
    will burst into song before you,
and all the trees of the field
    will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow the pine tree,
    and instead of briers the myrtle will grow.
This will be for the Lord’s renown,
    for an everlasting sign,
    which will not be destroyed.”  

Isaiah 55:6-13

“The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me,
    because the Lord has anointed me
    to preach good news to the poor.
He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted,
    to proclaim freedom for the captives
    and release from darkness for the prisoners,

to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor
    and the day of vengeance of our God,
to comfort all who mourn,
    and provide for those who grieve in Zion—
to bestow on them a crown of beauty
    instead of ashes,
the oil of gladness
    instead of mourning,
and a garment of praise
    instead of a spirit of despair.
They will be called oaks of righteousness,
    a planting of the Lord
    for the display of his splendor.” 

Isaiah 61:1-3

Many of my blogging friends have introduced me to the concept of picking just ONE WORD as the theme of the new year.  It didn't take me long at all to choose mine and to find several Old Testament passages to go along with it.

My word is REFRESH.  That is definitely my desire and prayer for the year.  I feel like I have been sojourning in a dry and weary land, and I'm in need of spiritual refreshment.  RENEW and RESTORE are its partner words. I trust that I'm in for a blessing.

How about you?

What is your ONE WORD for 2013?

Please visit Deeper Story One Word 365 to find out more and learn about other people's words for the year.  You can even share your own.

You might also like to read my poem Rebound.

Grace,
Virginia Knowles
www.ComeWearyMoms.blogspot.com


The picture at the top of this post is from earlier this evening.  While waiting for my husband in the car in the driveway, I caught this view of rain on the windshield, with my sons' well-lit bedroom window in the background.  Rather abstract and a little bit artsy, it will probably be my submission to the P52 / Sweet Shot Tuesday photography challenge next week.

All Saint's Day and Quotes on Prayer

My Little Explorer
(Will she be a jungle missionary someday?)

Happy All Saints Day, my friends!

I ate leftovers for breakfast -- leftover Reese's peanut butter cups, M & M's, Kit-Kats, Snickers...  Yes, we are recovering from a Halloween-induced sugar rush at our house this morning.   I took my three middle school / high school kids to a youth group party at the church office last night, and after trick-or-treating in that neighborhood, I sat at the door with my little explorer, who gleefully handed out candy to folks coming by the office.  (It's in a planned community with live-work units, so the place was packed!)

And now it's All Saints Day, that oft forgotten holiday.  I'm no Catholic, but I still like to pause and reflect about the saints -- believers in Jesus -- who have gone before me. This morning, I thought a fitting tribute might be a collection of quotes on prayer and compassion by many wise and good saints from yesteryear.  This is good for me, because prayer hasn't exactly been  my strong suit lately and I'm trying to get back into it.  I especially need to pray for my own children!  Maybe it would help to read "Teaching Our Children to Walk With God" by Shiela Catanzarite.

Grace and peace,
Virginia Knowles
www.ComeWearyMoms.blogspot.com


Some people think God does not like to be troubled with our constant coming and asking. The way to trouble God is not to come at all. - D. L. Moody

Prayer is weakness leaning on omnipotence. - W. S. Bowden

He who has no vision of ETERNITY will never get a true hold of TIME. - T. Carlyle

Is prayer your steering wheel or your spare tire? - Corrie ten Boom

Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him. –James Hudson Taylor

You must GO forward on your knees. - James Hudson Taylor
Compassion costs. It is easy enough to argue, criticize and condemn, but redemption is costly, and comfort draws from the deep. Brains can argue, but it takes heart to comfort. –Samuel Chadwick 

There is nothing that makes us love a man so much as praying for him. - William Law

If sinners be damned, at least let them leap to Hell over our bodies. If they will perish, let them perish with our arms about their knees. Let no one GO there UNWARNED and UNPRAYED for. - Charles Spurgeon

It is not the bee's touching on the flowers that gathers the honey, but her abiding for a time upon them, and drawing out the sweet. It is not he that reads most, but he that meditates most on divine truth, that will prove the choicest, strongest Christian. - Joseph Hall 

The Christian on his knees sees more than the philosopher on tiptoe. - D. L. Moody

Talking to men for God is a great thing, but talking to God for men is greater still. - E. M. Bounds

The one concern of the devil is to keep Christians from praying. He fears nothing from prayerless studies, prayerless work, and prayerless religion. He laughs at our toil, mocks at our wisdom, but trembles when we pray. - Samuel Chadwick

And we ourselves are 'saved to save' - we are made to give - to let everything go if only we may have more to give. The pebble takes in all the rays of light that fall on it, but the diamond flashes them out again; every little facet is a means, not simply of drinking more in, but of giving more out. - Lillias Trotter

It is wonderful what God can do with a broken heart, if He gets all the pieces. –Samuel Chadwick

You shall find this to be God’s usual course: not to give his children the taste of his delights till they begin to sweat in seeking after them. - Richard Baxter

Lord grant that the FIRE of my heart may melt the lead in my feet. - Unknown

Work as if everything depended upon your work, and pray as if everything depended upon your prayer. - William Booth

When we get a glimpse of the worth of a soul, and begin to realize that we stand between lost men and Heaven or Hell, then we shall have real concern and the Lord will hear our prayers of intercession. - J. W. Mahood

How long will it take us to learn that our shortest route to the man next door is by way of God's throne? – A. T. Pierson

Oh! men and brethren, what would this heart feel if I could but believe that there were some among you who would go home and pray for a revival – men whose faith is large enough, and their love fiery enough to lead them from this moment to exercise unceasing intercessions that God would appear among us and do wondrous things here, as in the times of former generations. - C. H. Spurgeon

Some people become tired at the end of ten minutes or half an hour of prayer. What will they do when they have to spend Eternity in the presence of God? We must begin the habit here and become used to being with God. - Sadhu Sundar Singh

Prayer - secret, fervent, believing prayer - lies at the root of all personal godliness. -William Carey

The Church has not yet touched the fringe of the possibilities of intercessory prayer. Her largest victories will be witnessed when individual Christians everywhere come to recognize their priesthood unto God and day by day give themselves unto prayer. – John R. Mott

Prayer is not monologue, but dialogue. God’s voice in response to mine is its most essential part. - Andrew Murray

Satan trembles when he sees the weakest saint upon his knees. - William Cowper

Pray not for crutches but for wings. - Phillips Brooks

God never ceases to speak to us, but the noise of the world without and the tumult of our passions within bewilder us and prevent us from listening to him. - Fenelon

God will do nothing but in answer to prayer. - John Wesley

I have found that there are three stages in every great work of God: first, it is impossible, then it is difficult, then it is done. - Hudson Taylor

God never intended His Church to be a refrigerator in which to preserve perishable piety. He intended it to be an incubator in which to hatch out converts. - F. Lincicome

When we go to God by prayer, the devil knows we go to fetch strength against him, and therefore he opposeth us all he can. - Richard Sibbes

Pray often; for prayer is a shield to the soul, a sacrifice to God, and a scourge for Satan. - John Bunyan

Prayer will make a man cease from sin, or sin will entice a man to cease from prayer. - John Bunyan

Prayer is the midwife of mercy, that helps to bring it forth. - Matthew Henry

The angel fetched Peter out of prison, but it was prayer that fetched the angel.-Thomas Watson

Bear up the hands that hang down, by faith and prayer; support the tottering knees. Have you any days of fasting and prayer? Storm the throne of grace and persevere therein, and mercy will come down. - John Wesley

Are you living for the things you are praying for? - Austin Phelps