Wisdom Is Justified by Her Children - Proverbs 9:1-6
Wisdom is justified by her children... wisdom is independent of you, but asks everything of you.
1 Corinthians 1... the wisdom of God is foolishness to those who don't follow Christ. Wisdom demands patience, trust, hope and faith. God's wisdom holds everything together. And he separates us from the rest; we are his!
Our soul belongs to God, not to ourselves. After the grave, we start to live! At the resurrection, we are released from this life and are knit together with the very nature of God.
Psalm 78:19... he sets a table for us in the presence of our enemies. Should we be overcome by the spirit of the world, or by the Spirit of God? If he's glorified in the midst of our trouble, imagine how he does when all is well!
We are the recipients of God's wisdom in the middle of the action. When the going gets tough for us, can he handle it? Of course.
Ezekiel 16:8: the time of love has come... that's not our love for him, but his love for us! It's unconditional, regardless of our flaws. Peter was imperfect, and failed. Samson failed. David failed. They received mercy! God didn't strike them down.
Matthew 7:12... treat others as you'd want them to treat you. Have mercy! It's freely given to us, and we should give it freely as well.
Until our time comes, God will let us live.
God sees the mature Christian when he's still a boy, and gives him the wisdom he needs to get there.
There's a call on our lives to walk with Jesus. We fail him, but he has mercy and tells us to continue on! Our humility is holiness in action. Part of Christ's nature becomes part of ours. We'll never be perfect; in his perfection, he extends mercy to us.
He doesn't look for perfect people, but obedient people. God knows all the worst things we've endured and all the worst things we've done... and he doesn't mind. He extends mercy; the time of love has come!
We are not the sum total of our mistakes; we are the dearly beloved of Christ! Proverbs 3:3... write steadfast love and faithfulness on the tablet of your heart. Talk to God, acknowledge him in all your ways an he'll direct your steps!
He never forgets about us, and isn't looking to condemn us; he's close to us always, and wants to forgive! Don't focus on your sins; let your days be filled with the blessing of being forgiven! All your failures are no longer important!
God dwells with the contrite and humble in spirit. When you feel crushed, he's at work in you. Bind mercy and truth around your neck!
God's not looking for your ideal image of a believer. He's looking for you! He knows you, and he calls you by name. We can't hide, so we may as well enjoy his presence! Come to the mercy seat and meet the lover of your soul!