Wiseheart Solution Foundation

Men of Faith

The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed
- Matthew 8:8

This centurion knew authority when he saw it. He himself commanded one hundred men, and he had witnessed countless examples of power and authority within the ranks of the Roman army. And he knew Jesus had it.

As a result, the centurion did not come pleading his worth (although the Jews made the mistake of pleading on his merit to Jesus). He knew that there was no claim he could make upon Jesus' power; if Jesus healed, it would because he wished to heal, not because the centurion deserved the favor.

Further, the centurion had such confidence in Jesus' authority that he knew Jesus could do what had not even been seen or done yet, apparently. Jesus had so far only healed in person, but the centurion knew that anyone who could heal personally could also heal from a distance if he so desired. "Speak the word only" was all that Jesus had to do and he knew his servant would be healed.

Jesus' reply to the centurion is just as remarkable as the centurion's statement. Jesus exclaimed, "I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel" (v.10). This is quite a compliment, coming from anyone. But for Jesus himself to marvel at the centurion's faith tells us it is certainly something to emulate ourselves.

When you come to God in prayer, do you see yourself as deserving his favor or do you realize that you are not even worthy to come before him in the first place? No matter what displays of power or answered prayer you have seen in the past, do you have faith that he is able to do even more than you have witnessed?
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Death and Dying

All the days of Methuselah were nine hundred sixty and nine years: and he died
- Genesis 5:27

Has history taught us any lesson more clearly or convincingly than that death is inevitable? Even for Methuselah there would finally be a 970th year that he would not see: despite his unique longevity, his remarkable story would still reach its eventual conclusion. The only two people in the entire history of mankind that have evaded death -- Enoch and Elijah -- are perhaps most well known for the very fact that they so unexpectedly escaped death's inescapable clutches.

We frantically attempt to entertain away, or dye away, or exercise away death's calling card: age. Yet, in the back of each of our minds, there is an ever-present awareness that our days are finite; it shows in the choices that we make regarding retirement, life insurance, and even mortgages (there's a reason why you've never heard of a hundred-year mortgage!).

The recognition of our own frailty is apparently one of the lessons that God would have us draw from our experience in this world: "Lord, make me to know mine end, and the measure of my days, what it is; that I may know how frail I am" (Psalm 39:4). This awareness should lead us to a serious contemplation of the meaning and purpose for our life.

What is the meaning of life? A question often asked, but rarely with any real desire to be confronted with the answer. John reveals to us, in the heart-cry of the heavenly throng, why we are here: "thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created" (Revelation 4:11). We are here to please our Creator, to do his good pleasure each day of our lives. As our Creator, he is always worthy to receive all that we have to give.
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Youth and Old Age

I have been young, and now am old; yet have I not seen the righteous forsaken
- Psalm 37:25

Here is David's testimony: although I have seen many adventures as a youth, and faced many struggles throughout my life, I have never yet seen God neglect one of His children or forsake the godly when they are in need.

David was a man of action, a prominent ruler, and a longtime servant of God. This was not a man who lacked experience, or had hid in a corner, or had recently joined the ranks of godly men. And his declaration is that -- in all his years of service, in the great variety of his circumstances -- he has never, even once, seen the godly forsaken or left uncared for!

But there seems to be even more behind David's statement than mere observation. He admits that he is now old. He has seen many other saints grow old, and even die, throughout his lifetime. And now that he is facing old age himself, he looks back on his past observations in order to draw present comfort.

"If God has never forsaken any of His servants in the past, then he will not forsake me now," David seems to be saying. Just as I have seen Samuel, and my father, and many others grow old -- and God remained faithful to them to the end -- God will be with me to the end, as well.

Dear believer, God was faithful to David; and he will be faithful to you. He has never yet failed to make good on a single one of his promises; he will be with you through the challenges of youth, and in the losses and pains of old age.
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Comfort

Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God
- 2 Corinthians 1:4

God gives us comfort in all our tribulation. There is not a sickness, or a loss, or a pain, or a frustration for which God does not provide comfort.

He comforts us in his Word, the Bible. When we read His promises and discover his character, we receive the great comfort that is meant for us in his Word. We are reminded that God is good and that God is sovereign. And we are told that his sovereign goodness is at work in this universe on behalf of believers.

He comforts us with his Spirit. In fact, the Spirit of God is called our Comforter. When no human can understand, when no words can relieve, the Spirit of God is still able to minister to our soul. By pointing us to the finished work of Christ and drawing us to the person of Christ, the Holy Spirit sets our feet on solid ground even when our world is falling apart around us.

But there is another way, Paul tells us, in which God comforts us. The very trials and consolations we have experienced will be used to help others through their personal pains. God's Word brings comfort to others as we share with others the scriptures that have helped us. The Spirit of God brings comfort as we testify of the sufficiency of Christ even in the midst of our personal agonizing.

Through the very comfort that we ourselves have received, others receive comfort; this, in turn, consoles us that our trial has not been in vain.
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Jesus Our Example

Jesus saith unto them, My meat is to do the will of him that sent me, and to finish his work
- John 4:34

What drives you? What motivates you? What sustains you? Jesus revealed to his disciples, when they could not understand his passing up a lunch break, that his driving motivation was the will of his heavenly Father.

My meat, my food, my sustenance comes from doing the will of God and finishing the work of God, Jesus says. Notice that it does not suffice Jesus' appetite to simply know the will of God or to study his works. Jesus finds his fulfillment in actively engaging in the work of God and persevering until it is completed.

Too often we think of Christianity as a set of beliefs only. But following Christ invariably means hungering to know the will of God and being satisfied only when we are engaged in it. Nothing else can substitute for active obedience.

And Jesus takes it a step further than obedience; his mission statement includes completion of the work that God has for him to do. Jesus is not just trying to salve his conscience or make a show of obedience; his satisfaction only comes in the achievement of God's purpose for him here.

What about you? Is your meat to do your Master's will? Are you actively seeking to practice the Christian faith, in public and in private? Are you striving to finish the great purpose for which God has placed you here?
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Facing Temptation

Then saith Jesus unto him, Get thee hence, Satan: for it is written, Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and him only shalt thou serve
- Matthew 4:10

It is striking that Jesus, who later asserts that he could call down twelve legions of angels to assist him at any time, chooses to face the temptations of the devil in the wilderness with nothing but the Word of God -- which is the same, and only, weapon that we have against Satan's temptations, as well.

It is as if Jesus is showing us just how powerful, just how effective, God's Word is in the midst of spiritual battle, so that we will trust it's strength for our own struggles. Jesus three times faces Satan's three temptations by quoting the Bible. What other tool could we hope for than the very one Jesus himself wielded in times of personal temptation?

But these verses do not just magically appear to our minds in the moment that we need them. We must be reading, memorizing, listening to, absorbing God's Word in every way we possibly can. We must be people of the Book, Bible-steeped soldiers in the kingdom of Christ.

Jesus knew the right answer, from God's Word, at the right time for the right temptation; we must strive to know and do the same. It is only then that we will be able to, with authority and conviction, repel the approaches of Satan effectively.
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Strength and Encouragement

David encouraged himself in the Lord his God
- 1 Samuel 30:6

David and his men arrived home to discover the army of Amalek had burned the city and had taken their wives and children captive. They wept until they could weep no more. The loss was overwhelming.

In their grief and frustration the men blamed David and spoke of stoning him... but David encouraged himself in the Lord his God. Under God's direction, David then led a victorious march against the Amalekites and recovered their wives and children without a single loss; but we want to give attention to David's method of encouragement.

You may have waited for someone to come and encourage you in your night of trouble, but no one has come. So you may ask, "How can I encourage myself?" First, consider that God is still on the throne and he is your God.

There was no friend at hand to encourage David; his own men had turned against him. But when it appeared everything was lost, he turned to God for his help. He saw God as his God. He did not consider God to be at such a distance that he would not come to his rescue.

Second, remember that daybreak may be just ahead. David and his men experienced the anguish of believing their families probably had been killed, but they were all recovered safely. The old adage goes, "The darkest time of the night is just before dawn," and dawn may soon be breaking for you.

Further, you can encourage yourself by remembering that our trials are for a good purpose. The trials themselves are burdensome and distasteful but the end is good as God teaches you more of your weakness and more of His strength.
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BE COMFORTED

As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem. Isaiah 66:13 KJV

Are you struggling again today? God knows, and it doesn’t matter if it happens again and again. Like a mother wakes up to comfort her newborn no matter how many times they cry, day or night, so will your Heavenly Father come to comfort you!

Beloved, lie on your Father’s chest and breathe in His wonderful scent of love and compassion for you. Let His presence bring you comfort and soothe you till you find rest. He won’t ever get tired or be fed up with comforting you with His presence. That’s just Who He is! Hallelujah!

Prayer point: Heavenly Father, thank You for never getting tired of comforting me whenever I need it. You always come to quiet my soul and give me rest whenever I am weary, restless, and all over the place. You are the best relationship I could ever have, in Jesus’ name! Amen.
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Proverbs

Then shalt thou understand righteousness, and judgment, and equity; yea, every good path
- Proverbs 2:9

With all the new philosophy, technology, and insight that we have in our day, is this promise still relevant? You may be asking yourself, "Do I need to understand these things?"

The answer is a resounding, "Yes!" You need to understand righteousness; you need to understand judgment and equity (justice). You see, these truths are not like Plato's philosophy, or Shakespeare's observations, or Isaac Newton's theories. These truths are more like law of gravity; it never becomes irrelevant and always needs to be understood.

If you do not understand what is right and wrong, what is good and bad, how to make wise decisions, what is fair and equitable -- then you will be like the person jumping off a building that does not understand the law of gravity. Thinking you are too enlightened or educated for "that nonsense" will not keep you from crashing to the ground.

Similarly, if you do not understand the eternal and unchanging standard of righteousness, which is founded in God's good and immutable character, then you will come crashing down sooner or later. Life will be like studying for the wrong test, or preparing for the wrong calamity -- you will be caught suddenly and tragically unawares. There is no defying or suspending the truth of God.

But to those who pursue God's truth, they are promised understanding of "every good path." Think of it! God's wisdom for every moment, every action, every decision. The promise -- and the danger -- could not be greater.
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Patience and Hope

The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know thy name will put their trust in thee: for thou, Lord, hast not forsaken them that seek thee
- Psalm 9:9-10

What a promise! The Lord will be a refuge, a shelter, a hiding place in times of trouble.

Trouble is a part of life. We live in a fallen world and are part of the fallen race. It is impossible to fathom the magnitude of the troubles that encompass the globe, or even a single breast. It often is overwhelming and even those who profess to believe in God sometimes forget that he is the source of help in the time of trouble.

When struggling with trials, sickness, and losses it must be remembered that God is sovereign and He is working in our life even when we cannot understand the unfolding of his providences. When trouble comes to a marriage, or parents are struggling with a rebellious child, it must be remembered that God's Word is our source of counsel and that God does not forsake them that seek him.

Satan may suggest your trouble is too great, that there is no hope; but God is the God of hope and it is to him that you must turn. The psalmist says "they that know thy name will put their trust in thee." True knowledge of God brings trust.

To understand God is all powerful brings you to believe nothing is too hard for him. To understand he is merciful gives you hope to call on him in your time of need. To understand he is faithful assures you he will keep his promises.
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Church Life

Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep
- Romans 12:15

The church of Jesus Christ is often described by Paul as being "the body of Christ." This imagery is meant, we are told, to remind us of how closely we are connected to one another.

If you accidentally smash your thumb with a hammer, the rest of the body is not unconcerned as though the effected area does not concern the rest. The injured thumb will be pulled away from the place of injury by the arm, perhaps cradled by the other hand, or brought to the mouth for comfort's sake.

Similarly, any member of the body of Christ should have their pain felt, and ministered to, by every other member of the body. The sorrow of one should be a grief for all.

On the other hand, where one member of the body is prospering or enjoying a special time of blessing, the rest of the body should rejoice together with them. This is many times more difficult to do than grieving with each other, because of our self-centered and covetous nature. Too often we grieve when others are blessed rather than rejoicing with them.

But the church that is functioning as it ought to will see each member in its midst being comforted, cleansed, encouraged, and enjoyed by every other member of the body. Therefore, look for someone today in your church to grieve, or rejoice, with; bear their burden, or share their happiness, with them.
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Serving Others

Whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all
- Mark 10:44

Do you want to make a difference in the kingdom of God? Do you desire to be used in a mighty way to the glory of Jesus Christ? Do you have high ambitions for yourself in Christ's body?

Then don't settle for holding a significant position or for being especially prominent. Raise your sights even higher -- make it your goal to be the chief person in the kingdom of God...and start serving everyone around you.

Jesus told his ambitious, contentious disciples on several occasions the only way to be great in His kingdom. The person that wishes to be great must take on the lowest, self-emptying, others-oriented, servant-spirited position in the church. he or she must become the servant of all.

Is there anyone in the church that you would disdain to serve? Do you still see yourself above certain individuals because of their background, or social status, or financial situation, or educational level, or personal hygiene? Then you are not yet chief in the kingdom of God. You have not yet risen high enough in the service of the Lord. Because you are not yet the servant of all.

Look today for opportunities for promotion in the church of Jesus Christ. Search out the lowliest and become lower still by serving them. There is no person too small, or smelly, or ugly, or sick, or handicapped for you to serve in Christ's kingdom, if you are spiritually ambitious enough.
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Marriage & Family

These words, which I command thee this day, shall be in thine heart: and thou shalt teach them diligently unto thy children
- Deuteronomy 6:6-7

It is not enough to pass on God's Word to our children. We must first receive and embrace it in our own hearts, as parents. There is no way to share a love for God and his Word with your children that you do not daily and vitally experience yourself.

Many parents feel an obligation to their children to raise them up in a good environment. So they cart them off to Sunday school or send them to a Christian school, assuming that they have fulfilled their obligation. However, if they are not themselves actively engaged in the Christian faith, they can not expect their children to fall in love with it just because they have been exposed to it externally.

The Word must first be in your heart. But even more than that -- you must teach God's Word to your children diligently. Another mistake that parents sometimes make is the assumption that if they have ever explained a biblical principal or told their children a Bible story, then they understand the Christian faith. But it takes much more dedication and careful application than that.

We must make a daily, overriding, unrelenting determination as parents to teach our children the Christian faith. Not only by making it the subject of conversations, but by displaying Christ as the great goal and treasure of our family.

The overflowing, personal pleasure that we experience in God's Word must continually and carefully be emanating from our heart, and be diligently communicated to the hearts of our children.
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Decision Making

David enquired of the Lord yet again
- 1 Samuel 23:4

Nine times in the Scripture we find this statement -- "David enquired" of the Lord, or of God. Every one of these instances was after David had become a great leader. And yet David shows us that great leadership results from being a great follower of God. Even in the most practical or mundane of matters.

Many times, when we are faced with challenging situations, our first inclination, especially if there are others waiting upon or relying on our answer, is to make a hasty decision based on the best understanding we have at the moment. But we should develop the habit, like David, of asking the Lord for direction first.

Perhaps you have already sought the Lord's guidance, though, in a particular situation -- a relationship, or a promotion, or a relocation, or another life-changing decision. Or maybe you received clear direction for your last decision, but a fresh challenge has presented itself.

Then inquire of the Lord yet again. There is no such thing as being too dependent upon God. He never wearies of our questions, and we never out-grow our inadequacy without him.

The great encouragement is that when David went to the Lord yet again, then "the Lord answered him" (23:4). He always answers those who inquire of him, and so he will answer you when you call upon him and inquire of him, dear believer.
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Gratitude

All things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God
- 2 Corinthians 4:15

Every person, every situation, every thing is allowed through the wise and omnipotent hand of God for your sakes. He is, like the potter, shaping this world for his own purposes, and he purposes your good, if you are one of his.

As Paul wrote in his first letter to Corinth, "the world, or life, or death, or things present, or things to come; all are yours" (1 Corinthians 3:22). God has subdued even your greatest enemies, so they now work for your good.

But the good of those who love God is not God's only motivation. His primary motivation, because he is God, is always and rightly his own glory. And so, we are reminded, God has purposed our good for his glory.

It is the great purpose of God that his abundant and conquering grace should redound to his own glory. It is only right that it would be so, like an author or a painter or a sculptor being credited for his masterpieces. But how does abundant grace resonate to his glory? Through the thanksgiving of many.

God will be glorified by us, no matter what -- either in forgiving us or in condemning us. But our goal should be that he is glorified in us. When we grab from the gracious hand of God and run away thoughtlessly to enjoy his benefits, his abundant grace does not receive the glory it deserves.

So, dear pardoned sinner and beneficiary of divine goodness: make yourself today a soundboard for the glory of God. May each blessing sent your way reverberate to the glory of his name, through your conscious and joyful thanksgiving.
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Call to Worship

Grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever
- 2 Peter 3:18

Here is a call to here-and-now worship. Yes, heaven will be wonderful and, yes, we who are redeemed by Christ will praise Him forever there. But are you praising Him now? We are called to worship Him now and for ever.

Do you, by your life and priorities and calendar and checkbook, lift up Christ as the one great satisfaction to be found in the universe? Do you continually sell all that you have in order to purchase more of this treasure? Or is Christ simply a trinket among other baubles, a good-luck charm to hang around your neck, a joy among many joys?

If we have not yet seen Christ as being worth all that we have, then Peter says we have a knowledge deficiency. He prays that we will grow in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior. For when we see him properly -- when our eyelids of ignorance are lifted to behold the beauty of his person -- then we will not be able to take our eyes off him.

To Jesus Christ be all our glory today. May he be the great grounds of all our rejoicing, our decision-making, our ambitions, our pleasure, our peace, our security, our love, our lifestyle.
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Cross of Christ

The preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God
- 1 Corinthians 1:18

In this concise account we find two responses to cross-preaching and two descriptions of those who thus respond.

First, there are those to whom the cross of Christ is foolishness. They see no need for anyone to die on their behalf or to take away their sins; the idea of a savior is to them folly. The suggestion of a Lord is repulsive.

This response can take the form of outright derision for Christ and his claims, or it can be (and most often is) displayed by an utter indifference to the person and work of Jesus Christ. Personal goals are pursued, pleasure is sought after, family and friends are delighted in - all without any regard to the claims of Christ upon their lives. These people, Paul tells us, are perishing.

On the other hand, there are those to whom the preaching of the cross comes with the decimating, life-altering, Christ-exalting power of God. The cross is suddenly seen to be the only hope for ruined and reckless sinners. Rather than being despicable, the cross is the source of their glorying and rejoicing.

To whom does the cross come with such irresistible force? To those who are saved. Not only will they be saved, but they are saved now.

Which response describes you?
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FIND REST IN CHRIST JESUS

Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Matthew 11:28 KJV

Jesus knew what it was like to labor and carry burdens more than anyone else. He is the Word made flesh, and He dwelt among us (John 1:14). He is our High Priest; our Intercessor Who sympathizes with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:14-16).

Beloved, you can always come to Jesus anytime and anywhere. Whenever you feel heavy, down, burdened, pressured, or stressed, come to Him and He shall give you rest. There is rest in Christ Jesus 24/7! God is good!

Prayer point: Lord Jesus, thank You, for I can come to You anytime. Thank You for giving me rest as I surrender every burden in my mind and heart. Your presence gives me peace and soothes my weary soul, and I give You all the praise for Who You are in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Names of God

Moses built an altar, and called the name of it Jehovah nissi
- Exodus 17:15

Jehovah nissi is Hebrew for "the Lord my banner." Moses publicly claimed the Lord as his banner. There are at least three things that we should consider about this banner.

First, a banner (or flag) is a sign of unified purpose; it is a rallying point, a standard to which all people of like mind and cause are drawn. As the psalmist writes, "We will rejoice in thy salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners" (20:5). All those who trust in God and rejoice in his salvation have a common interest, a bond that links them inseparably together.

Second, a banner is a sign of courageous defiance. It says, "We are here, and we are here to fight." Even when this world is given over to wickedness, God will not be left without a witness; his banner will not fall. Isaiah proclaimed, "When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord shall lift up a standard against him" (59:19).

Finally, a banner can be a sign of glorious triumph. The flag is planted at the top of the hill; the victorious conqueror flies his colors. This was the occasion of Moses' declaring the Lord as his banner; and notice that he claims the triumph is God's alone. Joshua and Israel fought hard against Amalek, but God was the one who gave the victory.

May we today fight hard for the victory, but may the banner over our life be the Lord; it is through his strength and in his cause that we battle successfully.
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God's Word

The weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds
- 2 Corinthians 10:4

Our weapons are not carnal, or physical, weapons. This is a great comfort to know since Paul tells us in Ephesians that we are not wrestling or fighting against flesh and blood enemies.

Rather, Paul says, we are engaged in mortal combat with evil and powerful, but spiritual, enemies. So our weapons are well-fashioned for the war in which we fight. We are not given infrared scopes for a daylight combat mission; we are given spiritual weapons for a spiritual warfare.

But here is the most encouraging news, fresh from the battlefront -- these weapons are powerful and effective. In fact, Paul the apostle testifies that he has seen these spiritual weapons pull down entire strong holds of the enemy. Unlike Saul's armor which David wisely rejected (it being untried), these are tools of war that have been well tested. And through God they have irresistible force.

Perhaps you think we have been speaking in metaphor thus far. We have not. This is a real battle and these are real weapons. So pick up your Bible, dear believer, and become acquainted with its contents.

God's Word, when accompanied by God's Spirit, has the power to win the most important conflicts that are raging in your life right now.
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BE SPIRIT-LED

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God. Romans 8:14 KJV

It takes practice, dedication, and quality time to get to know the voice and leadership of the Holy Spirit. Many times, God uses our missed opportunities and even disobedience so we can realize it was His Spirit talking to us and guiding us. And in a world where there are many voices, externally and internally, we must pursue the most important voice to be heard above our own—the Holy Spirit’s!

Beloved, may God empower you and give you clarity and sensitivity to the presence and voice of the Holy Spirit as you seek Him each day! The more you read and meditate on God’s Word, the more you’ll be able to hear and distinguish His voice (2 Timothy 3:16-17). And once you hear Him, may you obey and trust His lead! Amen.

Prayer point: Abba Father, as I seek Your Word and spend quality time in Your presence, thank You for increasing my sensitivity to the voice and leading of the Holy Spirit. I’d rather obey You than other men or my own will. I desire to trust in You more than to rely on my own understanding in Jesus’ name. Amen.
KJV Devotional