Seeking wisdom finding Jesus Part 2

This digital painting was different for me.  I had a different concept in mind but it
just wasn't working out.  So I prayed and the image behind the cross
just happened as it did I finished the painting.
© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

The second part of Proverbs 8, continues on with a description of Jesus, God's wisdom.  It was so close to the description in John chapter 1, I wanted you to be able to see it too.  The first thing to understand is that God has 3 forms.  He is God the Almighty, He is Jesus in human form, He is the Holy Spirit who dwells among believers, He is timeless, He is everywhere at once.  He is the Trinity. This is hard for us to understand as humans.  Because all we see is today, this moment.  There's only one of us, as we live on the earth, we are limited to human bodies.  But God is our Creator, nothing is impossible for Him.

One of the most astounding things about the Bible is that the Book of John was originally written many years after the Book of Proverbs.  John would've been written in ancient Greek, and Proverbs in ancient Hebrew.  But the similarities between these passages are wonderful- like a full picture of creation.  Jesus, the wisdom of God.  In Genesis 1, God created the whole universe with His words.  If you have time, read it too.

... but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 

1 Corinthians 1:24 NIV

John 1
1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
John 1:1-5 NIV

9 The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. 10 He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. 11 He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. 12 Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— 13 children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

John 1:9-14 NIV

Proverbs 8:22-36

God spoke the Word, and took on the form of Jesus.  I don't know why exactly, maybe He wanted to experience the earth the way a human would before He created mankind.  To see through human eyes.  Later Jesus would become the sacrifice for our sin.  God must've known it would happen.  Yet He still loved us enough to create us.  Can you imagine having a dream so big as this?  Creating humans He knew He would need to die for?  He loves us so much.

22 “The Lord brought me forth as the first of his works, 

before his deeds of old;

23 I was formed long ages ago,

at the very beginning, when the world came to be.

24 When there were no watery depths, I was given birth,

when there were no springs overflowing with water;

25 before the mountains were settled in place,

before the hills, I was given birth,

26 before he made the world or its fields

or any of the dust of the earth.

Now this would've been so fun to see : )  The light spills into the universe then galaxies explode with planets and suns. 
27 I was there when he set the heavens in place,

when he marked out the horizon on the face of the deep,

28 when he established the clouds above

and fixed securely the fountains of the deep,

29 when he gave the sea its boundary

so the waters would not overstep his command,

and when he marked out the foundations of the earth.

30 Then I was constantly at his side.I was filled with delight day after day,

rejoicing always in his presence,

This describes God rejoicing in man.  I don't know why we sometimes imagine Him as a stern judge in a black & white movie.  He really wants us to find Him, dwell with Him.  He loves us so much.  If I knew one of my projects would fail, I would toss it out.  But, not our God.  He never saw us as a failure. : )
31 rejoicing in his whole world

and delighting in mankind.

Jesus said:

“So I say to you: Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you.  For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.
Luke 11:9-10 NIV

32 “Now then, my children, listen to me;

blessed are those who keep my ways.

33 Listen to my instruction and be wise;

do not disregard it.

34 Blessed are those who listen to me,

watching daily at my doors,

waiting at my doorway.

35 For those who find me find life

and receive favor from the Lord.

36 But those who fail to find me harm themselves;

all who hate me love death.”

NIV

Seeking wisdom finding Jesus Part 1

I read this at first and thought, "Oy!  Another passage on wisdom. What's different about this as compared to the other Proverbs?"  I prayed.  I kept reading and thinking isn't this reference to wisdom describing Jesus?  So, I looked it up and I'm not the only one who noticed this : )  Always a good feeling...  This part of Proverbs made me smile because years ago when I went to college, I thought about what I really needed in my education.  Back then, the 70's-80's, it was known that what your degree was in wasn't as important as completing college.  Because I wasn't raised in a Christian home, I thought what I really needed most was to learn morals (wisdom).  The door opened and financially I was able to graduate from a Christian university.

If you came from a background like mine, you would have had a tendency to idolize Christians.  I thought a Christian school would be like Heaven.  No sinning, swearing, rude behavior, honesty, discretion... Boy was I in for a shock!  They were just like me.  Only their weaknesses were different.  I didn't have any rules as a kid, so I had no desire to stay out late.  Where some of the kids from Christian homes felt they were "free at last."  And continually pushed curfew.  I had all these cuss words in my mind to control, and they struggled with gossip.  And there were the ones that seemed to walk on water.  They smiled and sparkled always carrying a Bible around- I hung out with them.  We learned from each other.  It was good to know I was normal.  Some would say how horrible the campus was because "sin" happened.  I always told them, "This is the best environment I've ever been in."  I'm glad I got to go to a Christian school.

Reading this confirmed God's wisdom was the right thing to seek.   And quite honestly, I made the most money in computing- there was no such degree back then.  God knew what I needed most.

Proverbs 8:1-21

Jesus was crucified on Golgotha in Jerusalem. (Matthew 27:33)

1 Does not wisdom call out?

Does not understanding raise her voice?

2 At the highest point along the way,

where the paths meet, she takes her stand;

3 beside the gate leading into the city,

at the entrance, she cries aloud:

He came for all of mankind, Jews and Gentiles.

22 Jews demand signs and Greeks look for wisdom, 23 but we preach Christ crucified: a stumbling block to Jews and foolishness to Gentiles, 24 but to those whom God has called, both Jews and Greeks, Christ the power of God and the wisdom of God. 25 For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.
1 Corinthians 1:22-25 NIV

4 “To you, O people, I call out;
I raise my voice to all mankind.

5 You who are simple, gain prudence;

you who are foolish, set your hearts on it.

6 Listen, for I have trustworthy things to say;

I open my lips to speak what is right.

7 My mouth speaks what is true,

for my lips detest wickedness.

8 All the words of my mouth are just;

none of them is crooked or perverse.

It takes discernment, careful thought, to understand His ways are right and just.

11 For no one can lay any foundation other than the one already laid, which is Jesus Christ. 12 If anyone builds on this foundation using gold, silver, costly stones, wood, hay or straw, 13 their work will be shown for what it is, because the Day will bring it to light. It will be revealed with fire, and the fire will test the quality of each person’s work.
1 Corinthians 3:11-13 NIV

9 To the discerning all of them are right;

they are upright to those who have found knowledge.

10 Choose my instruction instead of silver,
knowledge rather than choice gold,
11 for wisdom is more precious than rubies,
and nothing you desire can compare with her.

12 “I, wisdom, dwell together with prudence;

I possess knowledge and discretion.

13 To fear the Lord is to hate evil;

I hate pride and arrogance,

evil behavior and perverse speech.

14 Counsel and sound judgment are mine;

I have insight, I have power.

God created us.  He is greater than any king, prince, president, or noble.  Our only perfection is through Jesus' sacrifice.

14 For by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.
Hebrews 10:14 NIV

13 In the sight of God, who gives life to everything, and of Christ Jesus...
1 Timothy 6:13 NIV

15 By me kings reign

and rulers issue decrees that are just;

16 by me princes govern,

and nobles—all who rule on earth.

It's true.  By seeking God first, He has always provided my needs.  Either with jobs or money.  But, true riches are defined more in measures of contentment, love, faith, joy and peace with Him.  In how we serve others.  Jesus said-

33 But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Matthew 6:33-34 NIV

17 I love those who love me,

and those who seek me find me.

18 With me are riches and honor,

enduring wealth and prosperity.

19 My fruit is better than fine gold;

what I yield surpasses choice silver.

20 I walk in the way of righteousness,

along the paths of justice,

21 bestowing a rich inheritance on those who love me

and making their treasuries full.

NIV

If you think of other verses, please share them.  I enjoy hearing what you think as well.  Also, my apologies for no cartoon today.  I got a job designing a deli menu and I need to work on that today.

Word-filled Wednesday

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

Sometimes I sit and wonder why everything has to go wrong.  I feel sorry for myself, and wonder why God allows this. When I was doing the heart tests, I confess I wasn't very joyful during the process sometimes.  But when I stopped and praised God for these tests, I realized, they can learn so much from today's technology.   I thought about how good it will be to know everything is ok.  All the worry, fear and anger disappeared.  I thanked God.  My test results came back just fine.  My heart is working perfectly, it's just that it tends to beat in a different direction than most people, part of the time.  : )  I march to the beat of a different drummer, what can I say?  I've heard that about me my whole life. : )    I told my friend and she said, "It's not weird, just unusual."  I'm praising God, and think the results are kinda cool.  As a Christian, my heart does beat to a different drummer!

Habakkuk was a prophet that learned from God that the enemy was going to invade Judah.  Here's his initial reaction:

16 I heard and my heart pounded,

my lips quivered at the sound;

decay crept into my bones,

and my legs trembled.

Yet I will wait patiently for the day of calamity

to come on the nation invading us.

Habakkuk 3:16 NIV

The verses on the photo are his sacrifice of praise to God.  A sacrifice of praise, is when everything seems to be going wrong.  It's when we praise God out of our distress.  It means a lot to Him, He understands how hard it is for us, and He renews our strength and courage.  I think it's ok to have a meltdown once in awhile, as long as we turn back to God.  I love these verses.  Habakkuk's story always puts mine in perspective.

I took this photo after a New Jersey ice storm.  It had rained and then froze.  The roads and trees were covered with an inch of ice.  But it sure was beautiful.  I chose this photo because winter symbolizes a season of death and cold to me (we really don't have deserts here).  To me, it's the perfect season to celebrate Jesus' birth.  During a very dark time, He was born in a manger.  For Christmas we put up lights that glow in the night.  Jesus is our light.




Challenge sponsored by Katie Lloyd Photography.

Challenge sponsored by Internet Cafe Devotions.

Ants and the economy

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

This definitely applies to today. The more I read Proverbs, the more I realize I can either learn things the hard way, by experience.  Or the easy way, by trusting God's Word.  Honestly, I tend to learn both ways- but I want to do things like God says instead.  And the economy is like the weather, when we look at the whole world there are troubles everywhere.  One of my neighbors wisely said, "It wasn't just the government that got greedy.  We ALL did."

Proverbs 6

You see, God never intended for us to take out loans.  He intended for us to work, and earn our way.  He gave Adam and Eve jobs in the Garden of Eden.  

God took the Man and set him down in the Garden of Eden to work the ground and keep it in order. (Genesis 2:15)

God said, "It's not good for the Man to be alone; I'll make him a helper, a companion." (Genesis 2:18)

THE MESSAGE

It was just man and woman taking care of the ground, enjoying the fruit from the trees, and the animals.  It was paradise. 

After the fall, things changed dramatically.  When my generation came along, we were enticed by loans.  You could save up and buy a used car, but if you took out a loan you got a new car and the payments were so small!  Who would want to save money and walk until you saved enough to get a new car?  Then you could go to college if you got a student loan.  Some parents preferred the idea of getting a loan as to saving up.  Then we got credit cards.  I remember my first one from Penney's.  I was so excited, I got a little studio apartment and quickly maxed it out on furniture.  I went to buy one more thing and I was told, "I'm sorry you have to pay off what you spent before you can use the credit card again."

Next, the car loan people called, "So why haven't you made a payment?"  Yikes!  I didn't know they watched that!  It stopped me in my tracks.  I was so embarrassed, I prayed for wisdom.  So, I started paying extra money on top of the minimum payments, and tithed.  Soon I was completely out of debt- paid things off early.  I didn't have to worry about grocery money anymore.  Were these financial problems God's punishment?  No.  It was my fault.  I got greedy.  With loans and women working, the cost of cars went up.  The cost of everything went up!  Everyone got greedy, the government raised taxes, insurance rates went up.  And now, we are facing the consequences of our actions.

1 Dear friend, if you've gone into hock with your neighbor

or locked yourself into a deal with a stranger,

2 If you've impulsively promised the shirt off your back

and now find yourself shivering out in the cold,

3 Friend, don't waste a minute, get yourself out of that mess.

You're in that man's clutches!

I love this.  

Go, put on a long face; act desperate.

4 Don't procrastinate —

there's no time to lose.

5 Run like a deer from the hunter,

fly like a bird from the trapper!

Here's another example of God's design for humans.  His original intent.  He's not saying look at the wealthy or Financial Advisers (who also make a profit from us asking), to learn how to manage money.  He's saying be wise, look at the ant.  Gotta love God.

6 You lazy fool, look at an ant.

Watch it closely; let it teach you a thing or two.

7 Nobody has to tell it what to do.

8 All summer it stores up food;

at harvest it stockpiles provisions.

9 So how long are you going to laze around doing nothing?

How long before you get out of bed?

10 A nap here, a nap there, a day off here, a day off there,

sit back, take it easy — do you know what comes next?

11 Just this: You can look forward to a dirt-poor life,

poverty your permanent house guest!

Now acquiring more debt to help the economy is being talked about in our United States Capitol.   The problem is there never should've been debt in the first place.  We all believed taking out loans was the best thing to do, so we did it.  And, now jobs are disappearing- the well's running dry.  Only God can fix this mess...  Somewhere along the line we ignored the fact that people offer loans, to make a profit for themselves more than to help us.  They can get greedy too.  Maybe we just didn't want to notice, we got caught up in things.  As I shared before, God helped me out of my mess.  I know He can help us too.  But we do need to humbly ask Him and not attack others.

12 Riffraff and rascals talk out of both sides of their mouths.

13 They wink at each other, they shuffle their feet,

they cross their fingers behind their backs.

14 Their perverse minds are always cooking up something nasty,

always stirring up trouble.

15 Catastrophe is just around the corner for them,

a total smash-up, their lives ruined beyond repair.

Seven things God hates...

16 Here are six things God hates,

and one more that he loathes with a passion:

 17 eyes that are arrogant,

a tongue that lies,

hands that murder the innocent,

18 a heart that hatches evil plots,

feet that race down a wicked track,

19 a mouth that lies under oath,

a troublemaker in the family.

THE MESSAGE

I believe what God is wanting us to do, is look at the ants.  Work, save, give, serve, avoid debt if you can, pay it off quickly if you do.  Be wise.   I've heard people say, that our American economy is cursed. That's why we can't get out of this recession.  I know what I'd like to hear from the government is, "We're going to reduce our debt in a manageable way; quit spending money we don't have.  Bring jobs back to our country, so we can help other countries again."  Is this His punishment?  Nope, I personally think we did this to ourselves.  There would be no question or doubt if He got really mad.

One of the Biblical prophecies in Revelation actually describes inflation:
Revelation 6:6
“Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”
NIV

We're not there yet in the USA. It's a good time to pray for our world leaders, for wisdom.  That they will hear God's voice.

And again, we don't know when Jesus is coming.
Matthew 24:36 "But of that day and hour no one knows, not even the angels of heaven, but My Father only.

Almost forgot my prayer, feel free to join me if you like:
Dear Heavenly Father forgive us for our greed.  You said it, we've all sinned and fallen short of Your glory.  I lift up our leaders to You, I pray You will grant them wisdom.  Help them to understand these simple truths written thousands of years ago today.  I pray You will bless our nation again, help us elect wise leaders who will help us change our direction.  Father I lift up Greece to You.  I pray You will restore this nation.  Please pour out Your blessings on them, bring encouragement and hope to those in despair.  There's so much I don't understand.  But You see all and know all.  I don't know what to do.  But my eyes are on You.  Let Your mercy fall on our world.

In Jesus Name, Amen.

The adulterous woman

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

This Proverb applies so very much to us today.  I was just thinking how I miss the Psalms, the challenging words, and emotion.  But, this is a Proverb that's hard for me to write about. : )  I'll do my best with it.  We have more ways to get into trouble today than ever before don't we?  Now we have temptation on the internet...  There's some great stuff too, like inspirational writing.  And there's a whole library of medical information so I can understand what in the world the doctor was talking about.  Even with that I always check and make sure the site is from a reliable  source.  But, the worst is the porn.  This Proverb is written for men, but I think women can gain from it too. 

When I was participating on a Prayer Forum, it was always so sad to see requests from women who'd been in this industry.  It leaves an ugly scar, a scar that's socially unacceptable.  Forcing them to live with a horrible secret.  But God forgives and restores.  And we can use tools on our computers to block internet porn.  In Windows, it's under the Control Panel > Internet Properties > Content > Parental Controls.  There's other tools available too by searching the web.
 
Proverbs 5

1 My son, pay attention to my wisdom,
turn your ear to my words of insight,
2 that you may maintain discretion
and your lips may preserve knowledge.
3 For the lips of the adulterous woman drip honey,
and her speech is smoother than oil;
4 but in the end she is bitter as gall,
sharp as a double-edged sword.
5 Her feet go down to death;
her steps lead straight to the grave.
6 She gives no thought to the way of life;
her paths wander aimlessly, but she does not know it.

Even associating with adultery can bring tragic results for people.  I think of people who posed for a nude photo years ago, only to have it re-surface and be condemned later.  One of the leaders at New York Institute of Photography wrote that he tries to warn kids that what they do with their cell phone cameras and the internet may come back to haunt them later in life.
7 Now then, my sons, listen to me;
do not turn aside from what I say.
8 Keep to a path far from her,
do not go near the door of her house,
9 lest you lose your honor to others
and your dignity to one who is cruel,
10 lest strangers feast on your wealth
and your toil enrich the house of another.
11 At the end of your life you will groan,
when your flesh and body are spent.
12 You will say, “How I hated discipline!
How my heart spurned correction!
13 I would not obey my teachers
or turn my ear to my instructors.
14 And I was soon in serious trouble
in the assembly of God’s people.”

God has given us all we need in our homes.  If you haven't found your husband or wife yet, don't give up.  Focus on your life, friends, hobbies, the Bible, Church.  We are most attractive to others when we're happy.
15 Drink water from your own cistern,
running water from your own well.
16 Should your springs overflow in the streets,
your streams of water in the public squares?
17 Let them be yours alone,
never to be shared with strangers.
18 May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
19 A loving doe, a graceful deer—
may her breasts satisfy you always,may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
20 Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife?
Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?

God sees and knows everything about us.  And is angry when we sin.   But He will forgive us when we confess and repent.
21 For your ways are in full view of the Lord,
and he examines all your paths.
22 The evil deeds of the wicked ensnare them;
the cords of their sins hold them fast.
23 For lack of discipline they will die,
led astray by their own great folly.
NIV

It's interesting, in the Old Testament women were to blame for adultery.  It wasn't until Jesus came that men were included.  Here's what Jesus said:
27 "You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  28 But I tell you that anyone who looks at a woman lustfully has already committed adultery with her in his heart."
Matthew 5:27-28 NIV

Word-filled Wednesday

© Karen Kyle Ericson, all rights reserved.

The One who is in us created the universe.  He created our bodies.  He knows more about us and satan than anyone on earth.  He's the great Physician.  The first time this really sunk in was in college.  I was studying for an exam, and not getting very far.  I prayed, "Father You know more about this than anyone on earth.  You created the earth.  Please help me understand."  And I did, got an A : )   My professor was so pleased he said, "I don't know what you've been doing but keep it up." 

So I told him, "Actually, I've been praying."  His jaw dropped.

When I was writing computer code and got stuck, I'd pray that He would help me. He created everything that makes up a computer.  He knows more about them than man does.   And He always helped me.  When life seems overwhelming, God is greater.  We don't need to be afraid.   I've seen all sorts of terrible things, but my biggest fear is spiders!  Maybe it's time to take the leap of faith and believe He's bigger than spiders too.

I took this photo day before yesterday.  Still determined to do my daily 20 minute walk, I headed for a trail.  I realized I enjoy walking most with a camera, so I prayed, "Father show me where the good shots are."  Soon I looked up and saw the moon in daylight.  Had to get the shot.  Something about seeing the moon makes me feel stability.  God has everything under control.  Even the universe.  The moon's still up there, even when we can't see it.  God is too, only He's in our hearts when we let Him in.  He isn't pushy, He only comes if we ask Him to.








Challenge sponsored by Katie Lloyd Photography.

Challenge sponsored by Internet Cafe Devotions.

Guard your heart

It's another one of those days when I open the Bible and see it applies to today.  Love it when that happens.  The medical tests I need to take are for my heart.  I'm fine, really!  It's just when they did the EKG, my heart did a little dooley-whop.  I sing soprano, and it decided to do base... go figure.  First time it's ever done that for my doctor.  I don't have any other symptoms, except high cholesterol.  Just between you and me, while I was having the EKG, I started talking to the technician and we were having all sorts of fun...  Not so sure I shoulda done that at that particular time.  But no one is too alarmed, my doctor thinks it's just the stress of this year. 

I've been working out so I can "wow" the doctors when I do the treadmill stress test next week.  I made the mistake of believing it was more important for me to work than get up and walk for 20 minutes a day, or stretch.  I have had a lot of stress this year- and it wears on you.  Especially if you sit on your bum instead of letting it out with exercise!

Proverbs 4:20-27

Through my blog I've shared many of my favorite verses.  I would encourage anyone to memorize verses that stand out to you.  It's so great when they come to mind at just the right moment, the Holy Spirit brings them to memory.  They are a definite stress reducer.

20 Dear friend, listen well to my words;

tune your ears to my voice.

21 Keep my message in plain view at all times.

Concentrate! Learn it by heart!

22 Those who discover these words live, really live;

body and soul, they're bursting with health.

It's interesting that this is another of my favorite verses.  Only today, it has a new meaning.  Today it means take care of my body, my health.   Our physical hearts are so important to our health.  When I found there was a question, I zoomed in on that, without it we can't live.  It's the same for us spiritually too.  My heart is where my feelings are stored, my soul, what makes me love, hate, care.  It's where Jesus dwells. 

23 Keep vigilant watch over your heart;

that's where life starts.

Ephesians 3:16-17
16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith.
NIV

Of course, you hear about health and hearts these days and the first thing that comes to mind is to lower your stress.  It's interesting, but a lot of the stuff we're not supposed to do, does cause stress.  Like lieing, if I tell a lie then I have to remember it, and if I forget...  Gossip, who wants to wonder if what you said got back to the person you said it about.  Sin is stressful.  I think God is fine with harmless laughter and fun.  That's how He created us.  Except maybe during an EKG when you are supposed to be resting...

24 Don't talk out of both sides of your mouth;

avoid careless banter, white lies, and gossip.

Oy!  Another confession.  I don't always pay attention to what I'm doing.  I've mentioned that before, I'm clumsy.  But, this goes even further to help me consider what distracts my mind, is it healthy? or not so much? 
25 Keep your eyes straight ahead;

ignore all sideshow distractions.

26 Watch your step,

and the road will stretch out smooth before you.

27 Look neither right nor left;

leave evil in the dust.

THE MESSAGE

Ok so there you have it.  I'm no Super-Saint, just me : )  And, of course prayers would be appreciated.