Fear No Fear

(All scripture from Lexham English Bible, Copyright 2012 Logos Bible Software)

For to one is given a word of wisdom through the Spirit, and to another a word of knowledge by the same Spirit,

1 Corinthians 12:8

Knowledge is a wonderful thing. It is a necessary thing. It keeps us from deadly mistakes and missteps. Knowing something doesn’t always mean you know what to do with that knowledge. That’s where wisdom comes in. It is the application of knowledge in the best way possible. It is the quality of having experience, knowledge, and good judgment. It does not stand alone. It needs more than itself to determine the soundness of an action or decision. This is not something we always have in and of ourselves.

“Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask for it from God, who gives to all without reservation and not reproaching, and it will be given to him” (James 1:5). Once we have been given knowledge, we are in the same way offered Adonai’s experience and Adonai’s judgment. Once we have the mindset of Messiah, we have the quality of His wisdom to determine the soundness of our actions. Are they the will of the Father? Will they bring Adonai glory? Is this the path I am meant to travel? You see trouble is only really trouble when it is experienced alone. The situation may not be the most pleasant, but we can be joyful regardless of circumstance and we can be content with ANY level of material existence. We only need to remember that He is with us through EVERYTHING and that He said He would reveal ALL to us through our seeking Him.

How do we know we’re going about it the right way? Wisdom. How do we know we have the knowledge we need? Wisdom. How do we know Adonai is truly with us, hearing us, and answering us every time? Wisdom. How do we know what to say, how to say it, and whom to say it to? Wisdom. Wisdom is the footfalls we use as we make our way through life. It is knowing we’re placing our feet in secure places. On steady ground. Secure. But if we have a word of knowledge, it is not automatic that we have the wisdom it needs to match it. But we can ASK. We are allowed to receive it. We are – in fact – encouraged to ask for it.

What else is a Word of Wisdom? From Ruach HaKodesh it can be the gifting of understanding Adonai’s point of view. To recognise truth, take that truth, and glorify Adonai with it. How do you glorify Adonai with wisdom? By using that wisdom to make godly choices. To perform clean action. To guide others in the godly application of their knowledge. To be able to advise in harmony with Adonai’s point of view. The book of Proverbs is a collection of such knowledge. A list of sayings and judgements which have universal applications for all humanity. It is not a self-serving gift, but a gift of selfless love. We are not to use it arrogantly or attempt to hold it over anyone’s head. Like all the gifts, it is a SERVICE gift. And we are to be serving Adonai over all others.

Daily Affirmation of the Goodness of Elohim: 2 Corinthians 9:8

“And God is able to cause all grace to abound to you, so that in everything at all times, because you have enough of everything, you may overflow in every good work.” What a great promise. That no matter what is happening in the world, in my employment, in my personal relationships, in my finances, and in every aspect of my life, I can have enough. That means I won’t need more and I won’t have less. I’ll have the perfect amount so that I have a content, pleasant, and comfortable life – whether there is conflict, difficulty, or easy sailing. But that’s not all. Not only will I have enough, but I will also be able to bless those around me. It will overflow from me and mine in either physical or performative blessings. I may be able to do more, support more, and encourage more. I may be to do things or provide things that I never could if I didn’t have enough myself. And ALL of it is by Adonai’s Grace. If he wasn’t meeting my need, I’d be unable to do more. What a great double witness. What a great opportunity. That a GOOD God!

Your Daily Confession of Elohim’s Goodness:

I taste and see that Yahweh is good; I am blessed because I take refuge in Him.

Psalm 34:8