More than Conquerors, Vol.1 by Carol Nash-Lester

More Than Conquerors

By Carol Nash Lester

More Than Conquerors

Unless otherwise noted, all Scripture notations are from the King James Version of the Bible. Scripture notations marked AMP are taken from the AMPLIFIED BIBLE, Copyright © 1954, 1958, 1962, 1964, 1965, 1987 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Used by permission. www.Lockman.org, Scripture notations marked NKJV are taken from The New King James Version. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by the International Bible Society. Used by permission of Zondervan Publishing House. All rights reserved. Scripture notations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982, Thomas Nelson, Inc. Scripture notations marked MSG are taken from THE MESSAGE. Copyright © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002. Used by permission of NavPress Publishing Group.

Foreword In the Apostle Paul’s epistle to the church at Rome, he lays out the foundation of our glorious faith. He describes the privileges and responsibilities that come with being God’s anointed. He lets the church know what they can expect as soldiers in the army of the Lord. In the eighth chapter, in particular, he declares that nothing can separate us from the love of God, Nothing. He lists the most horrible things that can happen in anyone’s life; trouble, hard times, hatred, hunger, homelessness, bullying threats, backstabbing, the worst sins listed in Scripture, being killed in cold blood because they hate the God in us (Romans 8:35-36 MSG). All of those are tragedies that would make the average man or woman ready to throw in the towel. Yet the Apostle tells us that by the power of God inside of us, we are not conquered, we are not conquerors, we are more than conquerors. Say what ?!? The things that take others out, will make us stronger. This occurs because the power is not in the events themselves; it’s because those things activate the power of God, to enable you to see your way through to the other side. In the previous years, we have experienced many things individually and as a body of the Faithful. No doubt, we will experience life in all its flavors this year, as well. Yet, we can be armed with the knowledge that our God is faithful, and will not allow anything to come upon us that we cannot handle with His help. This means that we can face the days ahead without fear, for with the power of God on the inside, we can do all things, for we are more than conquerors. Be blessed, Carol Nash Lester

Consecration Prayer Father, I give You thanks and praise, for this is the day that You have made; I will rejoice and be glad in it. I thank You for Your provision, Your protection and Your power. I thank You for Your presence that surrounds me by night and by day. I thank You for Your Word, which is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my pathway. I thank You that by it, I receive guidance, wisdom and abundant life. I thank You God, that no weapon formed against me shall prosper, and every tongue that rises against me in judgment, I condemn, for that is Your heritage unto me. I thank You, Lord, for increase is my portion. I thank You, that because I seek to be like Jesus, that I shall increase in wisdom, stature and in favor with God and man. I thank You that the years of my life are increased. I thank You, Father, for this, my set time for favor. I thank You, Lord, that I am blessed in the city and in the country, blessed in my going out and coming in; I thank You, that my relationships are blessed, that my children are blessed, my home is blessed, my investments are blessed. I thank You, Father, that although my enemies step to me one way, they shall flee from me seven ways. I praise You, Father, for the table you have set before me in the presence of my enemies. I thank You, God, for You have commanded blessings to come upon me and overtake me, as I diligently pursue Your Word, Your Work and Your Way. I thank You that no evil will befall me; neither shall any plague come near my dwelling, for You have given Your angels charge over me. They keep me in all my ways. In my pathway is life, healing and health. Forgive me, Lord, for allowing any fear, guilt, selfrejection, self-hatred, unforgiveness, bitterness, envy, sin, pride, or rebellion to open the door to any sickness or 4

infirmity. I renounce these things and cast out all spirits of infirmity that would attack my body in the name of Jesus. Lord, You heal all of my diseases. You are the health of my countenance. I decree and declare that I am loosed from diabetes, high blood pressure, strokes, heart attacks, all cancers, high cholesterol, arthritis, blood diseases and physical pain. I command all hereditary spirits of sickness to come out of me, along with any other assignment that was sent to attack my body, for by the stripes of the Lord I am healed. I thank You that, by the blood of the Lamb I am delivered, and by the power of God I am set free indeed, for you have redeemed my soul from destruction. I thank You that I prosper and am in health, even as my soul prospers. Father, I sever all ungodly soul ties, immoral and unproductive relationships in the name of Jesus. • • •

I forgive any person who has ever hurt me, disappointed me, abandoned me, mistreated me, or rejected me. I renounce all envy, jealousy, and covetousness in the name of Jesus. I renounce all selfishness, self-will, self-pity, selfrejections, self-hatred, and self-promotion in the name of Jesus.

Lord, bless my latter end more than my beginning. Thank You, for restoring to me the years that the devourers have eaten. I pray Your blessing upon the Body of Christ today. May Your peace surround us. May Your power strengthen us. May Your wisdom instruct us. May Your presence protect us. 5

I pray that You order our steps, guide our feet and salt our speech in ways that glorify you and edify our brothers and sisters. I pray that discernment would increase, that we may see opportunities to be a blessing to others. I pray that the souls that we touch today will see You shining through us. We decree and declare that victory is ours today, in the name of Jesus. Goodness and mercy shall follow us. Favor goes before us. The joy of the Lord strengthens us. Through You, we are complete. Through You, we are more than conquerors, this day. We commit this day to You, in the matchless name of Jesus, we pray. Amen Reference Scriptures: 2 Samuel 5:20 Psalm 119:105 Luke 2:52 Psalm 102:13 Ephesians 6:16-17 3 John 2 Psalm 43:5 Proverbs 12:28 Proverbs 14:30 Psalm 91:10 Job 42:12 Psalm 23:6

Luke 2:52 Isaiah 54:17 Psalm 103:3-4 2 Timothy 1:8 Deut. 12:3 Psalm 103:3 Psalms 91:10-11 Proverbs 12:14 Gal. 3:13 Deut. 28 Joel 2:25 Colossians 2:10

STRENGTH Strength is defined as the quality or state of being strong; bodily or muscular power; vigor; mental and/or moral power, force, or vigor; power by reason of influence, authority, resources, numbers, etc. ; number, as of personnel or ships in a force or body; an effective force, potency, or cogency, as of inducements or arguments. God’s Word tells that we don’t wrestle against flesh and blood (2 Cor. 10:4). When it comes to the various types of warfare we are called to fight, you can spend all day in the gym if you wish, but it won’t do a bit of good, if you want to defeat the enemy of our souls. No ma’am, no sir. We must have an intense mental, moral and spiritual resolve to whip this devil. The Word of God gives us a work out plan, as we go into Holy Ghost Boot Camp, in this season of consecration. Read ahead, as we enter into a session with our Personal Trainer…

"Many are the afflictions of the righteous, But the LORD delivers him out of them all." (Psalms 34:19 NKJV)

My first year in Miami changed my life, on many levels. I came in full of confidence, boldness, fervor and fire. I just knew that, because I was on assignment, sent by God to prepare for the next chapter in my life, that all would be well. Things started out wonderfully, at rapid pace. Doors began to open, favor was shown to me and God showed HimSelf strong on my behalf. Then, I had an accident. No one had warned me about the crazy driving that takes place in South Florida. I was on my way home from a full and productive day in ministry, when a car ran a red light and knocked my car (with me in it) from one side of the intersection, to the other. He hid me on the driver’s side. My Mazda 323 was crushed on the left side, right at the driver’s door. The impact was so strong that my glasses flew off my face and ended up folded under my backside. The “jars of life” were required to get me out of the car. The other driver fled the scene, yet an onlooker stayed with me, while another called an ambulance. He kept telling me to praise God. I was just trying to figure out what to do next. I was all alone in a place with no friends, no family, and church members who didn’t know who I was. Days on end, I was picking shards of glass out of my hair and out of my body. But God…. On that day and those that followed, I came to know the reality of that scripture. God didn’t deliver me from that situation; He delivered me out of it, all the while showing me more of who He is, more of who I am, and more about our relationship. You may have been blindsided by a person, a situation or condition. It may hurt to know that you had to go through the situation, even though you are beloved of God. The hurt will pass. Take heart with the knowledge that, while the love of God didn’t prevent the situation from happening, God was faithful to see you through until you can look back, not having to wonder how you got over. You know it was by the grace of God alone. Be blessed.

"These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." (John 16:33 NKJV)

Someone said that the only things that are certain in this world are death and taxes. I must differ with that, however. While death and taxes are certain, you can also take anything God says to the bank. I love the Lord. He doesn’t sugarcoat anything. God gives it straight, no chaser. He pulls no punches in our text today as He tells us up front that we will have tribulation. Sometimes what we call tribulation is just life being life. Sometimes it’s drama we bring upon ourselves, through being hard-headed or disobedient; sometimes it’s because of the company we keep. Yet other times, it’s not because we’ve done anything wrong, not due to associating with the wrong kinds of people. Sometimes, tribulation comes when you’re smack dab in the middle of your set place, doing exactly what God has called you to do. Jesus tells us to get ready, because it’s coming, but don’t let it rock your world or steal your joy. Get glad, because He has overcome the world. You may ask, “Ok, but what does that have to do with me?” The answer is that, when you have the power of God on the inside, you can afford to get happy. You are made in the image and likeness of God HimSelf. You are heirs of God and joint heirs with Jesus, the Christ. That means that you have Holy Ghost DNA; Power, personified! If Jesus overcame the world, you, too can do it, too! Don’t worry, be happy now!

Then he said to them, “Go your way. Eat the fat and drink sweet wine and send portions to anyone who has nothing ready, for this day is holy to our Lord. And do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” Nehemiah 8:10

After years of being in the dark about their inheritance from the God of heaven, after finally being safe and secure from their enemies, the people of God had heard the Word of God spoken to them. Imagine what it was like, to hear of God’s love for them, of His plan for them, to know that they were never off God’s radar. I’m sure the power and purity of the truth of God’s power, love and plan was overwhelming to them, to the point where they were overwhelmed and repentant of anything done to cause God any pain. Ezra encouraged them, however. He let them know that hearing God’s Word, knowing God’s love, being God’s people was cause for celebration. No more looking back in stagnation, only looking forward in celebration. This was a time to bask in God’s presence, to manifest His presence for those who had need and to take joy in knowing that that our strength, our authority and influence, our power to rise is found in God alone. Our strength is not found in our investment portfolio, our bank accounts, or our voter’s registration card. Those things are fleeting, at best. Our strength rests in God and God alone. Let that thought bless you!

He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might he increases strength Isaiah 40:29

Fannie Lou Hamer was known for saying that she was “sick and tired of being sick and tired.” Even though she was speaking of discrimination in this country, no doubt you’ve been there before. Life has a way of taking the wind out of your sails every now and then. This is not necessarily a bad thing. When we’ve come to the end of our resources, that’s the time that frees God to step in and take your situation to another level. Today’s scripture tell us that when you feel as if you can’t go “another stepfurther;” when you’ve exhausted your mind, your money and your might, that’s when God gives you power. To make it even better, when you feel as if you don’t even have what it takes to get things started, today’s text tells us that that when you have no might at all, God increases strength. How can this be? Even when you think you have nothing, God is saying to us today that we have more in us than we think we have. When we think that we have nothing to offer God, He takes what is already in us (that we don’t even know that we have), and He maximizes it for our good and for His glory. I feel my help coming! Today, we can receive “grace to help in the time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16). All we have to do is acknowledge that He is God and we are not, and God rushes in, to take you where you need to go. Now, who wouldn’t serve a God like that?

Even youths shall faint and be weary, and young men shall fall exhausted; but they who wait for the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:28-31

I remember the first time I heard that verse of scripture. I was a freshman in college visiting a church one day. The pastor stood at the back of the church, lifed his hands, and declared that scripture with power and conviction. I tell you, that set my soul on fire. Even though I was only seventeen years old, I was tired, ya’ll. Away from home for the first time, living in a hostile environment, trying to find my place in the world, I went to bed tired and woke up even more tired everyday. Why? I was fighting day and night. Lord Jesus…. What did it for me was hearing that if I waited on God, if I served Him and placed my trust upon Him, He would renew my strength. Instead of being prey, God would make me the predator and cause me to soar above the drama and confusion all around me. Instead of coming in last in the race, I would emerge the victor, if I just stayed on the Lord’s side. Almost thirty years later, I walked through that college campus, amazed at its beauty, reflecting on that time of my life. With tears in my eyes, I spoke to the atmosphere, “You tried to stop me, but I made it.” I say to you today, you may be in a hostile situation. You may have been dealt a rough hand, but know that if you just wait on God, if you just trust in and serve Him, your strength will be renewed, and you will receive supernatural strength to overcome any obstacle that seeks to stop you. Receive it in Jesus’ name. 13

When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon you. Isaiah 43:2

I think some people come to God with fairytale thinking. I know, because once upon a time, I was one of them. I don’t know where that mindset came from (because I was never taught that), I believed that, once I gave my life to Christ, that it would be smooth sailing all the way. Somehow, I thought that because I was saved, I was exempt from heartbreak and hard times. Silly rabbit….. The reality is, that God never promised that your way would be easy. As a matter of fact, His Word tells us that they that live godly shall suffer persecution (2 Timothy 3:12). Thank God, that that is not the end of the story. God’s Word tells us that there will certainly be times that we will pass through floods and fire. This much is true. But, His promise is a) I’ll get through it; b) I don’t have to do it alone, for He will be with me. Just know that He’s with me, is enough, for I know that He will never lead me through that which is bad for me. Even though it may not feel good, it will work together for my good, because I love Him. That’s enough for me.

"The LORD is good, A stronghold in the day of trouble; And He knows those who trust in Him." (Nahum 1:7 NKJV)

The prophet Nahum (whose name means “consolation”) was called to prophesy the destruction of Nineveh, a perpetual enemy of the people of God. In the chapter of today’s text, Nahum makes a case for the power of God, in letting God’s people know, that even though they have an enemy with some power, that their enemy is no match for the power of God. Nahum lets them know the awesome depth and breadth of God’s power, and then flips the script….While there is no place that our enemies can hide, we do have a hiding place; right in the presence of God. A stronghold is anything that has a strong hold on you. This can refer to a physical place (such as a shelter), a state of mind or mindset. What Nahum says to us is that there may be trouble all around us, but when we’re connected to God, He not only becomes shelter to us (keeping us safe from harm); He gives us peace of mind, when life is wreaking havoc upon us. This means that we can face tomorrow with confidence that our God knows that we trust Him, and continues to demonstrate that He is trustworthy. In short, to those who love and live for Him, God is good all the time and all the time, God is good. Believe that!

“..but the people that do know their God shall be strong , and do exploits. And they that understand among the people shall instruct many…” Daniel 11: 32-33a In today’s text, the prophet and Master Statesman, Daniel, stands to encourage the heart of King Darius, as well as to confirm the destiny of his reign and nation. According to the prophecy, there would be “Hatorade on the horizon,” with nations rising up against each other, in a constant tug of war to determine who would occupy the seat of power. Like an arm wrestling match, the power would go back and forth from nation to nation. Others would rise up and try to manifest the vision that God had for His people, failing miserably. They didn’t know that God’s vision for His people is often imitated, but can never be duplicated. You may be encountering warfare on another level, even if you are fighting with yourself to accomplish what God has called you to. Our text lets us know the key to victory: knowing God. This means that our strength lies in knowing who God is, knowing His voice, His Word, His plan. It means when you are intimate with God, that not only will you be fruitful, you’ll be able to accomplish great things. You will also have the wisdom of how to accomplish the same in the lives of those around you. What does that mean for us in this time of prayer? It means making time to seek the face of God. It means spending time with God, so that we can recognize what He is doing and where He is going. When we do this, we are able to have the peace of God, that surpasses understanding, and makes us the kind of people that others seek to follow. Through knowing God, we are equipped to defeat the enemy and disciple those to whom we are called.

Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness. Isaiah 41:10

There are many definitions of Fear: • •

Forgetting Everything is All Right Finding Excuses And Reasons

•

False Expectations About Reality

•

Foolishly Erases All Reasoning

•

Finding Everything A Roadblock

•

Face Everything And Recover

However you spell fear, God tells us not to do it. He gives us a reason: because He promises His presence. He promises not only to show up, but also to strengthen, help and uphold us* with HIS righteousness. This reminds me of a hymn we used to sing in church, “Ask the Savior to help you, comfort, strengthen and keep you. He is willing to aid you. He will carry you through.” Our text today takes this assurance to another level. Before we can even ask, the presence of the Lord will surround us and give us everything we need to get through our trying times and tribulations. The Word of God is just right for us, regardless of our taste buds; giving us exactly what we need, exactly when and why we need it. It is the mind of God for the people of God. Eat it; eat it all, and see that you will be thoroughly equipped for every good work to which you are called. •

Hymn, “Yield Not to Temptation,” written by Horatio Palmer.

“… humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7 (NKJV)

Our Spiritual Personal Trainer gives to us another circuit of exercise, in our quest to develop our spiritual strength: Stop, Drop and Roll with it. When it comes to advancement in the Kingdom, the way up is down. This is counterculture behavior, however. In this country, the way to get ahead, the way to receive promotion is to flex our muscles, to work hard and to compete with our neighbor, rather than to complement them. In the Kingdom, however, the way to promotion is to humble yourself, as you continue to do what God requires of you.. That is the “stop” and “drop” part of the equation. What are we to stop, you ask? • •

Stop stressing Stop obsessing

•

Stop regressing.

Stop trying to figure out how to make things happen and humble yourself under the hand of God (That’s the “drop” part of the equation). To drop means to understand that although you possess the Spirit of God, you acknowledge that God knows what’s best for you and has the power to take you where He wants you to go. It means to take your hands off the steering wheel, in submission to God as the Driver of your destiny. The Roll part of the equation comes with casting your cares upon God, because you know that God always cares for you. We receive strength when we give our struggles to God, with the comfort that comes with knowing He cares for His own.

Knowledge and wisdom Years ago, while I was in college, I was fortunate to be a student member of a professional organization. I was the only undergraduate student member in the state chapter (to my knowledge). My senior colleagues would allow me to tag along to support their community service activities and sit in on their business meetings. There was once an occasion when one of my colleagues was giving me a ride to a venue for a panel discussion hosted by our organization. I listened to the conversation of my colleague am I remember thinking, “people actually pay him $150/hour for this?” When can I hang out my shingle and get paid? Just because one is “schooled” doesn’t make them wise. At the end of the day, it doesn’t make them knowledgeable about anything outside their craft. It simply makes them trained. As children of the Most High, we have 24/7 access to the wisdom of the ages. As a matter of fact, God implores us in His Word. Knowledge is the a) acceptance and b) retention of information. Knowledge is what man can transmit to you by way of his studies or experiences. Wisdom is the application of the knowledge gained. Wisdom can only be given by God. Both are so important, that God says in His Word, “Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” (Prov. 4:7). They are essential tools in becoming More than a Conqueror, because they alert you to other tools in your arsenal that God has given you, and they teach you how to use them in a God-honoring way. Let’s look at what God has to say about these invaluable tools. May they increase in the days ahead. Take a look….

God says: "'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My Ways,' says the Lord. 'For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts than your thoughts'" (Is. 55:8-9).

I remember that, as I was growing up, there were times when I couldn’t, for the life of me, understand where my parents were coming from. Does anyone else have that testimony? From my youthful perspective, I had crystal clear understanding of the subject at hand, and my parents were the ones who were missing what I thought was obvious. Isn’t it funny how times bring about a change? Now that I’m an adult in headship, I can see clearly where my parents were coming from. As a matter of fact, I can hear my Mamma’nem say, “Just wait ‘til you grow up.” In the same vein, there are sometimes situations, where, like Ford, we believe we have a better idea and don’t understand why God won’t let us have our way. When those times come, chalk it up to a classic flesh vs. spirit contest. God’s ways are not ours, neither are His thoughts like ours. What makes sense to us is often nonsense to God. Not only is God’s way the best way, when you belong to Him and know that you do…. it is the only way.

All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." 2 Timothy 3:16-17

At the end of every year, mailboxes abound with diet plans designed to help us correct the error of our ways, when it comes to eating. If you’ve been around for awhile, you’ve heard of the Atkins Diet, South Beach Diet, Cabbage Diet, Juicing, Detoxing, etc. the essence of these plans is that we restrict our eating to a specific food group; some promoting carbs, some protein, some with no meat, some with all meat. Some of us are event on the “Seefood Diet,” eating everything we see. Because our God loves us so, He gives us a full balanced meal in the Word; a reminder of His love for us, a warning of what happens to continued disobedience, an instruction of where we need to tighten up, and others where we need to loosen up. The Word of God is just right for us, regardless of our taste buds; giving us exactly what we need, exactly when and why we need it. It is the mind of God for the people of God. Eat it; eat it all, and see that you will be thoroughly equipped for every good work to which you are called.

“For the LORD grants wisdom! From his mouth come knowledge and understanding. He grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. He is their shield, protecting those who walk with integrity. He guards the paths of justice and protects those who are faithful to him. Then you will understand what is right, just, and fair, and you will know how to find the right course of action every time. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will fill you with joy. Wise planning will watch over you. Understanding will keep you safe.” Proverbs 2:6-11 (NLT)

We used to sing it all the time at Bethel Temple…. “God don’t want His people walking in the dark! There’s danger, walking in the dark!” As true as this is, how many of us can easily point to someone that we know who is walking in the dark. How do we know? We can see the bruises in the shins and broken bones from walking into walls and tripping over what God meant to be stepping stones. There’s no need for this. As the songwriter said, “Oh, what peace we often forfeit. Oh, what needless pains we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God is prayer!” Solomon tells us in today’s text that God grants a treasure of good sense to the godly. That means that God deserves and desires first place in our lives. We need to consult him at every juncture of important decision making, with the knowledge that counsel from Him will keep us from needless peril. When we’re confused, God gives us clarity. When we’re clueless, God gives us a clue. The Wisdom of God will protect us, watch over us, keep us safe, and make us glad about it, according to today’s text. 23

Now: Who wouldn’t serve a God like that? With the aged [you say] is wisdom, and with length of days comes understanding. But [only] with [God] are [perfect] wisdom and might; He [alone] has [true] counsel and understanding. Job 12:12-13 (AMP)

Somebody once said, “There’s no fool, like an old fool.” That’s probably because one would think that once you’ve been around the block a few times, you would be able to glean some wisdom along the way. Sadly, you and I both know that this is not always the case. The truth is that it is not time that teaches us; experience is not the best teacher. It is God that gives true wisdom. Bishop Jakes used to tell a story about his parents driving in circles, because his dad wouldn’t pull over for directions. Bishop said that he recalled seeing a girl walking down the street with a double dip ice cream cone, seeing her with one dip, the cone and then nothing. Driving in circles, getting nowhere, due to not getting clear direction. May that never be our testimony. There’s no excuse for walking in circles, when we have total access to the fountain of all wisdom. During this time of consecration, pull up your chair to the Master Teacher, and allow Him to download wisdom and understanding, so that we may walk a path of clarity. Think of it as an investment in the days ahead.

“For it is written, I will baffle and render useless and destroy the learning of the learned and the philosophy of the philosophers and the cleverness of the clever and the discernment of the discerning; I will frustrate and nullify [them] and bring [them] to nothing.” 1 Corinthians 1:19 (AMP) Church can be a laboratory, where we learn how to live the life God calls us to live. I think the reason is because church is filled with people in different stages and states of growth in the spirit. There are many houses of worship like the church at Corinth. There were people who were saved, because of what Jesus did on Calvary’s cross and others who believed that they were saved because of who their pastor was. The Corinthian church had those who were gifted with every spiritual gifting; tongues, prophesy, administration, etc., yet missed the boat on what is most like God….. love. They were loving a God they couldn’t see, and looking down upon the image of God, sitting in the pew. In the words of Rodney King, “Can’t we all just get along?” In the church then and in the church now, there are those who want to complicate salvation, to invent steps to being saved, technologies for deliverance, strategies to freedom. In our text, the Apostle Paul reminds us that God had no steps, strategies and technologies to the New Life experience. We are not saved by the philosophies of man, but by way of the “foolishness of preaching (v.21).” Access to God, entrance into His Kingdom is given unto us, in accepting the truth that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes on Him shall not perish, but have everlasting life.” (John 3:6) The Way to God is through accepting the love that God has given to us through the birth, life, death and resurrection of the Christ, and by sharing that love with others. Like the song says, “While we’re trying to figure it out, He’s all ready worked it out.”

“Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” Proverbs 4:7(NKJV)

In our present day economy, one might be tempted to say, a job is the principal thing therefore, get a job. Others might say that money is the principal thing, therefore get money. When something is the principal thing, it is first in order of importance, of chief value, or the main thing. Oftentimes, this is a subjective process, meaning, that you tend to them what you’re interested in as most important. There are some things that are universal, however. One thing is the paramount importance of wisdom. When we have wisdom, we can get everything we need, for we have access to the Mind of God, which sees everything we can’t see. Other things are nice to have, but give me wisdom, for when my portfolio loses its value, when I’m layed off on my job, wisdom will show me the way to get double for my trouble.

Behave yourselves wisely [living prudently and with discretion] in your relations with those of the outside world (the non-Christians), making the very most of the time and seizing (buying up) the opportunity. Colossians 4:5 (AMP)

Years ago, when developing a ministry for a young adult population at another church I attended, I performed a needs assessment of what they felt would most needful for them in this new ministry. The answers ranged from advice on investments, to single parenting support and counsel, legal advice, financial planning, health seminars, etc. In the assessment, I asked if they were open to someone from outside the church providing the advice or counsel and a large number of respondents indicated that they would only receive information from those who were saved. Someone actually said, “Ain’t nothing no sinner can tell me!” Wow…. I would say that this would be true, when it came to matters of salvation or of interpreting scripture, but when it comes to legal or medical advice, I just want to know if they are a) competent and b) ethical. Being saved doesn’t make you a good attorney. I believe that we lose when we carry that mindset. We lose the opportunity to get sound counsel (especially if we don’t know what we’re doing in that area), and we lose an opportunity to witness. How can we win the world, if we never engage them; if we never develop relationships which open the door to speak into their lives? Today’s text encourages us to behave ourselves wisely, making the most of our time and seize every opportunity God provides, especially when it comes to relating to those who are not in the faith.

Let that be a challenge for us today; to not look down upon those who are not believers, but to look them in the eye and into their hearts and speak life.

“If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.” James 1: 5 (AMP) Joseph Scriven, in his hymn, “What a Friend We Have in Jesus,” says, “O, what peace we often forfeit! O, what needless pains we bear, all because we do not carry everything to God in prayer!” Don’t those words just grab you where you live? In the same vein; “O, what trials and tribulations we encounter, O what mistakes and errors we make all because we don’t ask for wisdom from God!!!!!!” (That’s the Nash-Lester translation) Today’s text lets us know that God doesn’t mind giving us His wisdom; as a matter of fact, He will lavish it upon us, if we would only ask. You may ask yourself, “Why would I have to ask God for wisdom? Why won’t He just give it to me?” I believe that is because the fear, or reverence of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom (Prov. 9:10). When we know that God is all-wise and all-powerful, the respect of that power and wisdom will compel us to seek God in our decision-making and problem-solving. We will need to hear from Him at every crossroad of life. Why would I try to direct my own course, when I have 24/7 access to the fount of all wisdom? To admit that you don’t know it all is a very wise thing to do. God gives us free access, and welcomes the opportunity to provide revelation, information and direction to those that seek Him.

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.” James 3:17 (NKJV)

Jesus, in His parable of the unjust steward said that, “…the children of this world are in their generation wiser than the children of light (Luke 16:8 KJV)” or “Streetwise people smarter in this regard than lawabiding citizens. They are on constant alert, looking for angles, surviving by their wits.” (MSG) So while Jesus commended the unjust steward for being shrewd, make no mistake; The Master doesn’t hold the steward up as a shining example for us to follow. They may say that “God helps those who help themselves,” however, there is a way to go about it. Today’s verse gives us an indication on how we can know where wisdom comes from. Wisdom that can manipulate a situation in your favor at someone’s expense does not come from God. Wisdom that plans for the greater good does come from God. How, you ask? James tells us that God’s kind of wisdom is full of mercy and good fruit, without partiality. That means that when our plans are crafted with the Wisdom of God, truth must be demonstrated in a way that breeds peace and edification for all those involved. The Wisdom of God honors the Word of God and blesses the people of God. That’s the best wisdom of all. 30

“Teach us to make the most of our time [KJV- “number our days”], so that we may grow in wisdom.” Psalms 90:12 (NLT)

Moses, in today’s psalm, speaks of the everlasting nature of God and the finiteness of man. No matter how long we are here on earth, life is short. The longer we are here, the more we realize that we cannot take any day that God gives us for granted, and that we must make the most of the time we receive from God. When we realize where all life comes from, we become ready students at the feet of the Master Teacher, willing to learn how to maximize the gift of life. The more we exercise the posture of bowing in the presence of God, the wiser we become. Like Isaiah, when we get a glimpse of God, we realize that the best of our knowledge is foolishness to God. The closer we get to God, the closer we will want to get, so that we may feel the warmth of His love and the strength of His wisdom. May this time of consecration serve as a means to deepen our intimacy from God, which will, in turn, strengthen the depth of our wisdom, as we seek to please Him in the days ahead.