6-24-24<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cThe wisdom of the ages.\u201d \u201cWise words, tested by time.\u201d \u201cWorldly advice, from the mouths of wise thinkers.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
People tend to think that because sayings are old, they must be true, if not \u201cwise.\u201d To some degree, almost everyone casually, or often earnestly, has sought after, believed, or acted upon the advice from horoscopes to dreams. And in between, from fortune cookies, the sayings of Confucius, or tea leaves.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Like a broken clock that is correct twice a day, occasionally there is beneficial advice, if not wisdom, that flows from such sources. But not many people stop and realize that much of the \u201cwisdom\u201d we know sounds like good advice but\u2026 contradicts another \u201ctime-tested\u201d piece of wisdom that is also universally accepted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cHe who hesitates is lost\u201d is canceled by \u201cLook before you leap!\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cA watched pot never boils\u201d is contradicted by \u201cStrike while the iron is hot.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cAn unexamined life is not worth living,\u201d although \u201cCuriosity kills the cat.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Perhaps all accumulated wisdom is not so wise after all. But maybe the exception proves the rule. (Whoops!) We can pair-up many of the history\u2019s famous sayings and adages and bywords and make a parlor game of Contradictions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But. This is not the case when it comes to the Word of God. The Lord \u201cis not the Author of Confusion\u201d (I Corinthians 14:33).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy thoughts are not your thoughts, saith the Lord; neither are your ways My ways\u201d Isaiah 55:8).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\u201cMy sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me. \u2026My Father, who has given them to Me, is greater than all; and no one is able to snatch them out of My Father\u2019s hand\u201d (John 10:27\u201329).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To Christians reading these words, I pray you recognize His promises if you are at a point in your life where you need His quiet reassurance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But I also pray that the eyes of secularists and skeptics fall upon this message too, because it is essential to know more than whether God Almighty stacks up well against ancient meme-writers. God indeed asserted the infallibility of His words, \u201cspake by the prophets\u2019: as His incarnate Son did when on Earth. We have record of the Bible, and history, where God\u2019s promises never were proven false; where myriad prophesies were fulfilled; the recorded acts of Jesus. And, above and beyond documentary evidence and raw data, we know of the testimony of uncountable souls who have experienced profound change in their lives, of miracles, of healings, of spiritual, supernatural blessings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But we may wander in a spiritual desert if we only obsess over points of evidence, as in a trial, when all the evidence that Children of God ever needed is right there, in their hearts. Even when it comes to making decisions about tomorrow or the rest of your life, it is faith<\/em> that is required; not facts. God says \u2013 in effect; and I accept this metaphor about physical evidence \u2013 \u201ctake it or leave it, my Children.\u201d Could we possibly need more, from the Creator of the Universe?<\/p>\n\n\n\n The astonishing aspect of God\u2019s promises is how utterly rich they are. Jesus\u2019s greatest sermon, containing the Beatitudes, did not only share God\u2019s point of view\u2026 and offer advice on how to live\u2026 and recommend ways to live\u2026 but also made promises: of Blessings<\/em>. \u201cBlessed are the meek\u2026\u201d \u201cBlessed are the poor in spirit,\u2026\u201d \u201cBlessed are those who are persecuted\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n There is a doctrine that describes this realization: Self-attestation<\/em>. Scripture affirms itself. It is kind of a holy syllogism. Let its truth be a blessing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n One of the Bible\u2019s greatest promises, in fact, provides exegetical blessing without reliance on other verses from other books. It is from Psalm 46:10a, Be still and know that I am God<\/em>. Let its words parse themselves:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Be.<\/em><\/br>\n\n\n\nBe still.<\/em><\/br>\n\n\n\nBe still and know.<\/em><\/br>\n\n\n\nBe still and know that I am.<\/em><\/br>\n\n\n\nBe still and know that I am God.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n Meditate on these words and what they imply \u2013 God\u2019s recognition of us; God setting the mood; an invitation to self-awareness; God\u2019s calming assurance; a reminder of His sovereignty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Comes a Blessing. And, to recall two familiar sayings we all know, we find ourselves not needing a leap of faith\u2026 but rather, we find ourselves standing on the solid rock.<\/p>\n\n\n\n + + +<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just as we presented two versions of some old sayings\u2026 this week we offer two songs on music videos that may be separate, or double, blessings to you:<\/p>\n\n\n\n