Expect the Unexpected
The wisdom of God and the Word of God go hand in hand. Wise people aren't the smartest people on the SAT scores; wise people are submissive people to the scriptures. Wisdom might not win the most applause, but it's still right. Wisdom might not gain the largest audience, but it's still right. Wisdom might not win the biggest argument, but it's still right. Wisdom will mark your life and change your life as you walk with God who is all-wise. Walk through life with the Author and Finisher of our faith who humbled Himself unto death, even death on a cross. Let's not forget Him during a lifetime of surprising events. Let's learn to expect the unexpected, leaning on Him, and loving Him, and trusting Him, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Dancing Before the Grim Reaper
While we are here on earth, God wants us to enjoy the good gifts he has given us. He wants us to live with heaven in mind, but while we're here, we savor His blessings, enjoy the love and companionship of family and friends, and we serve with vigor. And then, at God's appointed time, we each will wing our way to that Celestial City where the dancing and the feasting and the singing and serving and the loving and the thanking and the worshiping will go on and on and on in uninterrupted eternal joy.
The Missing Piece
Life is filled with puzzles and they're all missing a piece -- as if to remind us that God must remain the -- the middle piece -- the primary piece . . . Solomon is reminding us that God is -- and God will be and God will always be -- the final piece, tying it all together.
Bringing Wisdom to Work
God gives you practical wisdom for the workplace and helps you navigate your work and work relationships well. God gives you wisdom to respond to those in authority over you. God gives you wisdom to know that whatever happens, God has reasons, and those reasons will lead you to new depths of character and trust . . . and even more wisdom.
The Balance and Behavior of Wisdom
The very first step in getting wisdom is wanting to get the wisdom of God. It's a matter of life and death. Left to ourselves we'll pursue perfectionism. We'll become paralyzed by dishonor and criticism. We'll become proud in our knowledge and intellectualism. We'll get wasted in the emptiness of hedonism.Wisdom will draw you to the Creator of wisdom, and the giver of wisdom, and the word of God's wisdom -- which points to the gospel of wisdom.
Following the Best Advice
We don't know what is going to happen the day after tomorrow. We don't even know what's going to happen an hour from now. God is in control of all of that: the day of our birth, the day of our death, and the winding crooked road with the ups and downs of life.So remember: God constructed the twists and turns of life to strengthen our spiritual confidence in Him.And God created the ups and downs of life to stabilize our dependence on Him.
Interrupting the Dead
Over 150,000 people die every day. Despite technological advancements and progress in medicine and science, men have not been able to find a remedy for death.That's why Jesus' claim to be 'The Resurrection and The Life' is such good news! He didn't just claim it either; He proved it. He did what no other philosopher, rabbi, guru, doctor, or scientist could do: He cut to the very heart of our sinful, human condition and weeded it out from the roots.
A Cure for the Incurable
Over 150,000 people die every day. Despite technological advancements and progress in medicine and science, men have not been able to find a remedy for death.That's why Jesus' claim to be 'The Resurrection and The Life' is such good news! He didn't just claim it either; He proved it. He did what no other philosopher, rabbi, guru, doctor, or scientist could do: He cut to the very heart of our sinful, human condition and weeded it out from the roots.
The Assassin
There have been many notorious sell-outs and traitors in history. But none of them are quite as infamous as Judas Iscariot. His name is synonymous with betrayal, and his story is the epitome of treachery. But what led this seemingly committed disciple to forsake Jesus Christ for a mere thirty pieces of silver? Where did he go wrong? And more to the point, as far as we're concerned, what are the warnings for us in this account? Stephen is going to remind us that there is a grave difference between being near Christ and being in Christ.
Assurance
Do you ever struggle with assurance of salvation? Do you feel uncertain that God will forgive you on the last day? If so, the Apostle has a divinely inspired message you need to hear.