Wisdom for Life #5

Thursday, June 26, 2025

“Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths. Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:5-7 KJV).

Today’s Scripture is true wisdom for life….

According to the Book of Genesis (which is literal and historical), the LORD God wisely ordained four institutions in creation for the perpetuation of human life. The first is volition or free will, the second is marriage, the third is family, and the fourth is nationalism. Man’s problem is that he errs in all four spheres, choosing to lean unto his own understanding—thereby complicating and destroying life for himself and those around him.

The first two Divine institutions in creation were desecrated in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. In Genesis chapter 3, they chose to exercise their free will in a negative or sinful manner (following Satan, not God), and they turned on each other instead of living for the wellbeing of each other. The third Divine institution in creation is family, but that was overthrown when their unbelieving son Cain followed Satan and thus killed his believing brother Abel (Genesis chapter 4). The fourth Divine institution in creation was neglected after the Great Flood of Noah’s life. Whereas God commanded the people to scatter to represent their various nationalities in their respective territories (Genesis chapters 9–10), those nations assembled via internationalism—fellowshipping in satanic religion at the Tower of Babel (Genesis chapter 11).

Satan’s evil world system entices man to see something evil, want it, and assume he deserves it. Yet, the Bible instructs, “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world” (1 John 2:15,16). As Moses told Israel, “Ye shall not do after all the things that we do here this day, every man whatsoever is right in his own eyes” (Deuteronomy 12:8).

Yet, those four Divine institutions of creation are attacked even now because man has still not departed from evil….

Reaping and Sowing #8

Wednesday, May 28, 2025

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7 KJV).

Let us not be ignorant brethren concerning the concept of “reaping and sowing!”

In the old farmers’ dictum, “We reap what we sow, we reap more than we sow, and we reap later than we sow,” all three points are equally vital. Our actions indeed have consequences: we do reap what we sow. This we should understand with little to no effort, especially as we look at the physical realm while we plant seed and receive the same species of plant.

As for reaping more than we sow, this too is applicable in both the natural world and the spiritual world. Putting one seed into the ground results in a growing and mature plant that contains numerous seeds itself, so that, as per the rules of reproduction, there can be another sowing. Likewise, our actions set off a chain reaction: this deed (1) causes that to happen (2), and that (2) leads to another phenomenon (3), and on (4) and on (5) and on (6) and on (7). This is most noticeable in the lives of people who have a habit of making poor choices. One stupid decision led to a host of unforeseeable problems. Such a series of disastrous and truly frightening events can even be witnessed across several generations—son, grandson, great-grandson, or daughter, granddaughter, great-granddaughter. The sins of one man or one woman carry on into their families indefinitely, long after his or her physical death!

For example, the easiest illustration is how Adam, though seeing the immediate effects of his sin in his own life, never anticipated it would create 6,000 years of human misery (disease, war, death)! Abram and Sarai had no idea their “brilliant” scheme to “help God” would produce a son (Ishmael) that would form the foundation of a religion (Islam), a religion that competes with God’s son Isaac, plus Judaism and Christianity. That satanic battle has raged on in the Middle East for 4,000 years! What King Solomon did with his hundreds of idols has damaged his nation Israel for nearly 3,000 years! Indeed, that leads us to the third point, how we reap later than we sow….

Reaping and Sowing #2

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

“Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap” (Galatians 6:7 KJV).

Let us not be ignorant brethren concerning the concept of “reaping and sowing!”

Today’s Scripture echoes an expression—“Be not deceived”—found numerous times in the Bible. Sometimes, it is verbatim, word-for-word. Other times, the exact phraseology is absent, but the overall concept is still communicated. For instance, Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Our sinful heart we inherited from Adam leans to its own understanding, making its own rules and believing whatever it sees fit. Having an over-inflated view of itself, it is doubtless untrustworthy!

One way the human heart deceives is with respect to reaping and sowing, so the Holy Spirit made absolutely certain to preface today’s Scripture with, “Be not deceived.” It is extremely easy to have a mistaken impression or wrong idea about reaping and sowing. Perhaps we assume we got away with what we did. Maybe we believe our sowing will be inconsequential. Perchance we think we will reap good when we have sown bad.

The other words, “God is not mocked,” necessitate clarification. Someone in unbelief turns up the nose to scorn or make fun, saying, in effect, “God, I will not reap what I have sown! I can dodge or escape ‘for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap!’ It will not come to pass in my life!” Unfortunately, for that mocker, it is but self-deception, and his or her words carry no real weight. “God is not mocked.”

God commanded Adam and Eve not to eat, for they would surely die if they did eat (Genesis 2:16,17). They did not believe God, they ate, and death came—first spiritual (separation from God) and then physical (soul and spirit separated from physical body) (Genesis 3:1-8; Genesis 5:1-5). The wickedness of man was so extreme in the Earth that nearly all perished in the Great Flood (Genesis 6:1-8; Genesis 7:21-24). Abraham and Sarah supposed they could “help God out” with bringing about the promised son, Isaac, but their scheme just produced a competing son, Ishmael, with much ensuing heartache (Genesis 12:1-3; Genesis 16:1-16; Genesis 17:15-22; Genesis 21:1-11).

Let us see other biblical examples of reaping and sowing….

The Awareness of a Temporary Earth

Tuesday, April 22, 2025

“And, Thou, O Lord, in the beginning hast laid the foundation of the earth; and the heavens are the works of thine hands: they shall perish; but thou remainest; and they all shall wax old as doth a garment; and as a vesture shalt thou fold them up, and they shall be changed: but thou art the same, and thy years shall not fail” (Hebrews 1:10-12 KJV).

On this Earth Day, let us not confuse the creation with the Creator!

Today, people worldwide celebrate “environmental awareness.” According to the secular, naturalistic worldview, our planet and its sun could last many more billions of years. They claim that we have done so much damage to our planet—climate change, overpopulation, deforestation, pollution, et cetera—that we must change our attitude toward “mother earth” and change our lifestyles before we destroy her and civilization as we know it! You can sense the zeal in their message, can you not? While these people are sincere, they are wasting all of their time, energy, and resources on a temporary planet.

Let us be very clear that the Lord Jesus Christ placed man on the earth, especially the Garden of Eden, to “dress it and keep it” (Genesis 2:15). Adam was to take care of the Earth: he was God’s representative, God’s king, who had a divine commission to rule this planet for God’s glory (Genesis 1:26-28).

It was not long, however, before Satan distracted mankind from understanding God’s purpose for him. Adam began to focus on himself: like Satan, he began to “worship and serve the creature more than the Creator” (Romans 1:25). Thus began man’s continual downward spiral into spiritual ignorance. He would continually worship himself, as we well know today.

Today’s Scripture reminds us that, because of sin, this creation will pass away. The Lord Jesus Christ, however, will live forever. Why worship that which is temporary? It makes no sense! The Lord Jesus Christ gave you life, not the pagan goddess “mother earth.” Environmental awareness? Indeed, be aware that our world is temporary, as God will one day create “a new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1).

Litanies of Philosophies #6

Monday, March 3, 2025

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:…” (1 Corinthians 2:6 KJV).

What wisdom really matters—and what wisdom really does not?

Today’s Scripture is a clarification. The Apostle Paul in no way disparages or discourages all wisdom, for he does “speak wisdom among them that are perfect [spiritually-mature Christians, who alone can appreciate true wisdom—God’s wisdom].” The world in its so-called “wisdom” had no capacity whatsoever, and still has no capability whatsoever, to comprehend just how God kept a secret (“mystery… hidden wisdom”).

Read today’s Scripture within its context: “[6] Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought: [7] But we speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, even the hidden wisdom, which God ordained before the world unto our glory: [8] Which none of the princes of this world knew: for had they known it, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.”

Had Satan known what precisely was God’s secret, he would have never influenced man (apostate Israel and pagan Rome) to crucify the Lord Jesus Christ. Christ, “the Lord of glory,” is at the center of a plan called “Glory” whereby Father God will glorify Him eternally in both Heaven and Earth. Man, in all his satanic wisdom, still cannot fathom how God will use Christ’s finished crosswork as the plan of salvation to redeem two peoples—Israel (for Earth) and us, the Church the Body of Christ (for Heaven).

“Let no man deceive himself. If any man among you seemeth to be wise in this world, let him become a fool [“moros” = moron!], that he may be wise. For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He taketh the wise in their own craftiness” (1 Corinthians 3:18,19). Saints, far better it is to be temporarily labeled “fools” according to the world’s (flawed) standards—devoid of all their advanced degrees, “clever” explanations, and elaborate arguments—than for God to use His exceeding mightier (perfect) standards to forever prove us fools!

Litanies of Philosophies #5

Sunday, March 2, 2025

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:…” (1 Corinthians 2:6 KJV).

What wisdom really matters—and what wisdom really does not?

Observe Colossians 2:8: “Beware lest any man spoil you through philosophy and vain deceit, after the tradition of men, after the rudiments of the world, and not after Christ.” To “spoil” is “rob or cheat, lead away as a prisoner”—as in, “spoils of war.” Since the Christian ought to be filled with God’s wisdom, and philosophy (the world’s wisdom) is at variance or incompatible with God’s wisdom, the world’s wisdom will take God’s wisdom away from the Christian. The Christian becomes a slave to non-Christian thoughts and worldviews. Any such Christian filled with the world’s wisdom—and there are multitudes of such individuals—is just as useful to God’s ministry as a lost person is (for the lost person is filled with the world’s wisdom too)! Hence, Colossians issues the warning, “Beware!” Watch out, be vigilant, be careful, be on guard!

If left to himself, man will understand none of the things of God: yet, God did not leave us to ourselves, for He gave us His Bible (see especially 1 Corinthians 2:9-16). Yet, when a man rejects that Bible, he wishes to be left to himself. The Corinthian Christians were trying to live this contradiction—and failing miserably! Read the context of today’s Scripture, Paul’s reminder to bring these erring saints back to think about how their Christian life began (Acts chapter 18, when he first preached to them in Corinth): “And I, brethren, when I came to you, came not with excellency of speech or of wisdom, declaring unto you the testimony of God. For I determined not to know any thing among you, save Jesus Christ, and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness, and in fear, and in much trembling. And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man’s wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power: That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God (1 Corinthians 2:1-5).

Let us summarize and conclude this devotionals arc….

Litanies of Philosophies #4

Saturday, March 1, 2025

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:…” (1 Corinthians 2:6 KJV).

What wisdom really matters—and what wisdom really does not?

“Philosophy” is derived from two Greek terms, “phileo” (“to love”) and “sophia” (“wisdom”). It is an infatuation with man’s wisdom, people reasoning about life apart from the words and will of the Creator God. Man has a problem, and he knows it. Nevertheless, he seeks to deny it or hide it. If there is any admission of guilt, man will endeavor to solve his own dilemmas and establish his innocence. Genesis 3:1-13 was man’s first quest to seek wisdom separate from God’s wisdom, even cleverly trying to “cover up” his sin when he failed and skillfully shifting the blame to others when God questioned him about his evil!

Whereas Adam’s fault was individual and corporate, the primary error of the wisdom of the world is divulged in Romans chapter 1 (a national and international issue): “[19] Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. [20] For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: [21] Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. [22] Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools,….”

Romans chapter 1 looks back to Genesis chapter 11 (the Tower of Babel), when the nations decided to abandon the one true God and pursue idols. He therefore responded by giving them up and over to Romans 1:24-32 (this “present evil world” of Galatians 1:4). The nations still “walk in their own ways,” in “ignorance,” “without God,” “in the vanity of their mind,” with their litanies of philosophies and varieties of idolatries (Acts 14:11-18; Acts 17:16-34; Ephesians 2:11,12; Ephesians 4:17-19). Such is where our world’s educational system is situated! If it not based on the Word of God rightly divided, the worldview is just another futile attempt of man serving as the judge of what thoughts and actions are correct or incorrect….

Litanies of Philosophies #3

Friday, February 28, 2025

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:…” (1 Corinthians 2:6 KJV).

What wisdom really matters—and what wisdom really does not?

Corinth was approximately a two-day trip west of Athens, the intellectual capital of the ancient world. Philosophers spent much time going to, from, and through Corinth. Here, as a port city, ideas from around the globe were exchanged. The Corinthians, like the rest of the Greeks, held man’s wisdom in high esteem. Imagine, if you will, a statue of a human brain erected there, with worshippers assembled around it to bow and pray. Also known as “free-thinking” and “humanism,” man is his final authority in this system: he believes he is accountable to no one but himself. What he rationalizes will stand and what he does is for his evaluation alone.

Read 1 Corinthians chapter 1: “[17] For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. [18] For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. [19] For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. [20] Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? [21] For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. [22] For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks seek after wisdom: [23] But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; [24] But unto them which are called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God, and the wisdom of God. [25] Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”

Let us go back to the original problem pinpointed in Romans chapter 1….

Litanies of Philosophies #2

Thursday, February 27, 2025

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:…” (1 Corinthians 2:6 KJV).

What wisdom really matters—and what wisdom really does not?

As a trained scientist (geologist, Earth scientist), I can guarantee you the scientific method concentrates solely on the natural world (not the spiritual world). It is a process of first observing an event, then recording what information you have gathered, and finally hypothesizing (speculating how the incident operates). Through subsequent experiments, you increase learning by amassing more data or information, thereby allowing you to modify your hypothesis or reject it entirely and form a new explanation (which can be tested, then accepted or discarded). Of course, contrary to popular belief, this is not a foolproof, airtight, “beyond-all-suspicion” belief system. Scientists rely heavily on their brains, which are imperfect. Long-held views, accepted by most “experts,” might be disproven later and totally abandoned. Science textbooks are regularly updated to reflect this flux!

Do you remember the aforementioned scientist and educator who influenced me in my university days all those years ago? Unquestionably, he tried to understand an evil society and desperately sought to improve it, but human effort is insufficient to comprehend and overcome sin. Philosophy is simply man making full use of his limited intellectual capacity, endeavoring in his own strength to figure out his origin, life, and purpose. Such a quest has been likened unto a blind man in a dark room looking for a black cat that does not exist! It is truly a hopeless, fruitless search.

Paul the Apostle himself, addressing philosophers (“intellectuals”) in Athens, preached in Acts chapter 17: “[26] And [God] hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth, and hath determined the times before appointed, and the bounds of their habitation; [27] That they should seek the Lord, if haply they might feel after him, and find him, though he be not far from every one of us: [28] For in him we live, and move, and have our being; as certain also of your own poets have said, For we are also his offspring.” Think of a blind person stretching forth arms and fingers, groping for a wall, door, window—anything to indicate location or orientation.

Such is the wisdom of this world….

Litanies of Philosophies #1

Wednesday, February 26, 2025

“Howbeit we speak wisdom among them that are perfect: yet not the wisdom of this world, nor of the princes of this world, that come to nought:…” (1 Corinthians 2:6 KJV).

What wisdom really matters—and what wisdom really does not?

Back in my early university days (over 15 years ago now!), I was exposed to the scientific career of a famous educator. Our professor played an online video of this long-time researcher, and I was simply fascinated with his insight and experiments. Although not working in my discipline (he was biology-oriented whereas I was geology [Earth science]- oriented), he investigated phenomena I grew to find interesting as well. Even after graduating college, I watched a couple dozen of his online videos as he lectured about scientific principles in his field of study. Undoubtedly, he was an educated, brilliant man—in the eyes of the world, that is. He alluded to the Bible just once, albeit it was a misquote (a religious tradition he assumed was Scripture).

After all these years, I recently did an internet search to see if he was still living. Now over age 90, he was very much alive—long retired from professorship, but still giving lectures and active in his research. Less than a week later, I saw his name in a list of notable deaths. It was a bit startling to me, but, then again, he was quite advanced in age. When I located and read his obituary—some 1,300 words, or almost three pages—it went on and on about his childhood, education, career, and retirement. He attended and graduated from prestigious institutions of higher learning, spending decades as a distinguished professor at a private university. In addition to hosting a television series that would be used to train other “intellectuals,” he wrote hundreds of scholarly articles and a few textbooks on the subject. Moreover, he received numerous awards and led organizations of professionals in his field of study. He and his wife (also highly educated) traveled the world for speaking engagements. The obituary closed without a solitary reference to anything “religious” or “spiritual.” Like many, he was indeed filled the wisdom of men, but was he bursting with the wisdom of God? Obviously not.

Let us see how today’s Scripture is applicable today….