T.W.O

The Word Overview

This overview of scripture is on the International Sunday School Lessons Plan known by some as the Uniform Series. I'm no expert in theology, but I love studying the Word and sharing what I learn. What I write here on this blog is my own understanding and study of Scripture and how I can apply it to my daily living.

© 2017 Audrey Tyler– No distribution beyond personal use without permission

Numbers 13:1,2,17,18, 25-28. Numbers 14:1,2,5-10A

To go along with the majority can disqualify you to receive what God has for you. We see this in today’s lesson. The children of Israel agreed with the majority and was disqualified to take over the land of promise. Joshua and Caleb, two faith inspired spies were the minority and they held their ground and enjoyed all that God wanted to give them. The majority didn’t make it to the land of promise. The majority is not always right, especially when the decision does not reflect God’s perfect will. God’s perfect will was for them to enter the land of promise (Genesis 13:14-17; 15:18-21).

What can happen when you agree with the majority and don’t believe God’s promises.

1. You will stay in the wilderness, barren, unfruitful, lifeless, empty and ungrateful longer than you need to.

2.   You are robbed of the opportunity to enjoy all that God wants to give you - the land flowing with milk and honey - an abundance of good things. God wants you whole, complete, not empty or lacking any good thing.

3. You will keep going in an endless circle, wandering with no success, arriving nowhere.

The majority is not always right and to know if they are right test what they say against the truth, the Word of God. 

Spiritual Health 
At the start of a New Year, millions of people will make a decision to get healthier.
Did you eat all the wrong foods during the holidays? Did you gain a few pounds? Do all those bad eating habits have you feeling unhealthy and guilty? Are you one of those millions of people, committing to turning things around by eating healthier and exercising regularly?
Well, do you know that your spiritual health can also become unhealthy? If you feel that your spiritual health needs some work, here are a few tips for getting your spiritual health back in S.H.A.P. E.

Study – Just like your daily exercise plan, make a plan that includes studying the Word daily. Make a plan to memorize one scripture per month. Post them around your home. Reading God’s word can lift and encourage you and lead you back to where you feel spiritually healthy again.

“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105 KJV).

Humble Yourself – Have a heart to service others. We relate the holiday season to giving, but what about the other months of the year. How can you contribute to helping other all year? Volunteer your free time.

“Serve one another humbly in love” (Galatians 5:13 KJV). Serving others changes your heart for His purpose. You’ve stoop down like Jesus giving of yourself to meet someone else’s need. Read John 13:5-8.

Accountability - Seek out an accountability partner. It’s good to have someone you can count on to encourage you. Comradeship is important. Hebrews 10:24-25 reminds us of the importance of fellowship with others with like minds.

Prayer – There is power in prayer. Prayer is an exercise that is effective and ordained by God for us to use. Prayer can move the world. 

Evangelism –Share the gospel, the “Good News”. Sharing it, keeps it, front and center in your life. “That the communication of thy faith may become effectual by the acknowledging of every good thing which is in you in Christ Jesus” (Philemon 1:6 KJV).

 

James 1:5

Do you have a problem that is overwhelming you? You don’t know what to do about it. You are trying to tough it out on your own? You are relying on your earthly knowledge to get you through it. But you need wisdom from above. This kind of wisdom cannot be found in textbooks, on the Internet or by asking a voice-controlled service like Alexa. It is beyond our reach. To get it, we must “ask” for it….”and it shall be given” (James 1:5). We can ask God for wisdom. That is seeking heavenly opinions on earthly circumstances. 

As believers, we will face unwelcome and unexpected encounters in life that are too great to be overcome in our own strength. James 1:5 have been coming alive in my life. I find myself constantly whispering to God, “I need wisdom”!  I have found out that He delight in giving out wisdom when I ask. When problems threaten to overwhelm me, I rejoice in knowing that wisdom is available and accessible. There is no lack in the kingdom of God. Our every need has already been filled in Christ. We are complete lacking nothing.

Go head and “Ask” Him. You might offer prayers like this through out your day: “God give me wisdom as I face this situation, give me wisdom in the midst of this meeting, give me wisdom as I make this important decision.” You may need wisdom dealing with friction in the workplace, finding decent care for aging parents or a child with learning disabilities. When you don’t have no answer of your own for issues facing your business, ministry or marriage, ask for wisdom. If you are in any leadership position and your decision involve people take James 1:5, practical advice “Ask” for wisdom from God who freely gives and ready to give.. It’s great to know our living God is a giving God. He’s not selfish. He doesn’t hold back, he doesn’t reserve some for later. He doesn’t give a little bit now and the rest later. He gives you all you need full – not lacking. God doesn’t criticize you for asking. He doesn’t find fault, denounce, and condemn you for asking. You can ask him as often for as much wisdom as you need. He will not run out of the supply of wisdom. 

The promise of wisdom is not without condition. You have to ask in faith without doubting. When you ask in faith expect to receive an answer. 

The opposite of faith is doubt. Doubting will wear you out, make you seasick and every decision you make will be uncertain because divine wisdom cannot be given to a mind that is tossed here and there by doubt about God’s character.

Trust God, go from asking for wisdom to being receivers of wisdom. Be overwhelmed by His ability and power and not your situation.

Give some though right now to what situations in your life or even situations in society where we need the wisdom of God.

If you have a situation where you feel the need for God’s wisdom, make a list of these things, and ask God to give you the wisdom you need in each situation. And look back on your list in a few days, weeks, or months and see how God has answered your prayers.