July 2010 - Little Treasures
I love to find shells, seaweed and glass on the beach. In fact, it is one of my greatest pleasures. I want July to be the same while walking along the shores of infinte truth. I hope to dig around in the words like the gathered rocks that lie on the beach and find little treasures.
On the sand I most commonly find fragments; broken, tumbled remnants of beauty. But, from time to time I come across a complete lovely shell that I am sure was left just for me.
That is how I will read the bible this month like I am seeking treasure. I will also share some of the things I have done with those physical treasures from time to time.
Today, July 1 - 2 Chronicles 1 - Wisdom comes from God
God answered Solomon, “Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked long life, but have asked wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.” 2 Chronicles 1:11-12 (ESV)
It is evident from the bible that wisdom is from God and He gives it to people-here are just a few examples:
“And you, Ezra, according to the wisdom of your God that is in your hand...Ezra 7:25 (ESV)
For the LORD gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding;
he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity,
guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.
Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path;
for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul;
Proverbs 2:6-10 (ESV)
“And the patriarchs, jealous of Joseph, sold him into Egypt; but God was with him
and rescued him out of all his afflictions and gave him favor and wisdom before Pharaoh, king of Egypt, who made him ruler over Egypt and over all his household.
Acts 7:9-10 (ESV)
And count the patience of our Lord as salvation, just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him...
But grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be the glory both now and to the day of eternity. Amen.
2 Peter 3:15-18 (ESV)
In faith,we can ask for it:
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5 (ESV)
Wisdom is to be valued, Job 28:12ff; Psalms 90:12; Proverbs 1:7; 1:12; 3:13-14, 21; 4:7; 8:11; 9:10-12; Ecclesiastes 2:13; 7:19; 9:13; Matthew 10:16; Romans 16:19; Ephesians 5:15; 2 Timothy 3:15
It is an attribute of God as well:
Job 12:13; Psalms 104:24; 136:5; 147:5; Proverbs 3:19; Jeremiah 10:7, 12; Daniel 2:20-21; Romans 11:33; 16:27; 1 Corinthians 1:24; Ephesians 1:8; 3:10; Colossians 2:2-3; 1 Timothy 1:17
, Holy Bible, New American Standard, (La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation, 1995), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under: "WISDOM (DIVINE)".
Here are a couple of new pendants and the below shell fragments will hopefully become the next.
