Real wisdom. Real truth.

The Bible says, "Fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy one results in understanding". Proverbs 9:10

This verse stands out to me this morning because I can say for myself that I did not know how to make truly wise decisions until I learned to fear the Lord. Yeah, I probably made some good decisions based on chance, but never truly wise until I knew my Heavenly father who brings complete truth into my life. 

I gave my life completely to Jesus about 6 years ago. I look at my life today and know without a doubt, that where I am is not because of my own successes or my own personal doing, but because I realized I could not live a purposeful and meaningful life without Jesus' hand guiding me through important decisions that came my way. 

Before I began to fear the Lord, I was like a little child, lost and looking for my Heavenly father to take my hand and walk me across the busy streets of life. Even a fifty year old man with years of education and experience is like a lost little child without the Lord. 

Life will continue to hand me big decisions, good times, bad times, surprises both enjoyed and despised, but I fear a Lord who is the same yesterday, today and forever. He will not change or leave my side. His word remains as it always has, and saturates my heart. He is in my marriage, my family, my daily life... and for that, I am blessed. I want to seek real wisdom as my life matures. It can't be found on television or in the riches of this world, but in that book of life that sits next to by bed each night. 

I believe it is impossible to be truly wise without fearing the Lord, and I am eager to gain more wisdom today.

Oikos.

"And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that?" Matthew 5:47

Let's not forget the people beyond our Christian circles. Who are we inviting to church or into our homes this week that may not be believers? 

By the way...

I got an A- on my ethics speech... wow! I was so nervous about it. And it was amazing to see how many other Christians were in the class that I wasn't even aware of! It was a great experience but I'm so glad that class is over!! Thank you Jesus for getting me through that one!

I'll admit it.

I've been keeping up with American Idol this season (somehow) .... and my favorite is Megan. Yeah she does those weird little dance moves but her voice is unique. But there is something about Anoop that I really like too... wow, this show has been around forever... and I can't believe I still love it.

shining a little light.

Sometimes, it's the actions of other people that show me how real God is. I felt that this week after hearing a little story about my dad. He is known for being that guy who invites in all the Jehovah's Witnesses or any other person going door to door evangelizing about their religions. 

My dad never turns them away, but rather, he welcomes them into his home and gives them a kind of hospitality that most of these people probably rarely get. He loves talking with them. My dad makes it clear to his new friends that he won't be converted, but they can still discuss their beliefs and become friends.

The other day, my dad went to the Hospital to visit one of his Jehovah's witness friends that he met on his front door step, who had pneumonia. The guy could not believe that my dad took time out of his day to come and visit him.... and my dad just simply said, "You're my friend now, and this is what friends do".

This little story just blew me away because I always thought these people just got doors shut in their faces majority of the time. But my dad actually takes the time to get to know them. My dad always tells me, "They may have different beliefs than me, but they are still people... and Jesus loves all people.

Just thought I would share and hopefully this story will bring you just as much encouragement as it brought me. I am thankful to have a dad that shows me through his actions, what Jesus would do. Hopefully this week we will be reminded to look beyond ourselves and make a difference in someone else's day... even if they are 'different'.

"Right now three things remain: faith, hope, and love. But the greatest of these is love." - 1 Corinthians 13:13

"Happiness cannot be traveled to, owned, earned, worn or consumed. Happiness is the spiritual experience of living every minute with love, grace and gratitude."

Denis Waitley

And he's off!

Yup, my baby brother is leaving for Africa today on a mission's trip. He will be in Africa for ten days, but with flights and all, he will be gone for two weeks. Please keep him and everyone else on the trip in your prayers. I am so proud of my brother and I am amazed by his Passion to serve the Lord through Missions work. I know God is going to use him to do amazing things in this life. He is one of my heroes for sure. Thank you for your prayers!