Wisdom.
Not Every Door Is Our Door
Paul discovered that an open door did not automatically mean it was the door God wanted him to walk through. Although an opportunity for ministry was available in Troas, Paul recognized that something was not right within him and chose to move on. This reminds us that opportunities and circumstances must be discerned rather than automatically interpreted as God's direction. Not every open door is our door, and not every closed door means God has said no forever; we need Scripture, prayer, the Holy Spirit, and wise counsel to understand what God is doing.
Learning to Discern
Not everything that appears spiritual comes from the Holy Spirit, which means followers of Jesus need to develop biblical discernment. In Acts 16, Paul recognized that the source behind the slave girl’s words was not the Holy Spirit, even though what she said about Paul and his companions was technically accurate. Discernment is not the same as suspicion, judgment, or second-guessing everyone around us; it is learning to recognize what is producing something and where it is leading. As we grow in Scripture, wisdom, maturity, experience, and attention to spiritual fruit, we become better equipped to recognize what is truly from God.
Wisdom and Knowledge
No eye has seen and no ear has heard what God has prepared — but Paul says God has revealed these things to us through the Spirit, who searches even the depths of God. That's the supernatural source behind wisdom, the Spirit showing you what to do, and knowledge, the Spirit showing you something you couldn't otherwise know. Paul says plainly that we have the mind of Christ, which means the Spirit isn't handing out occasional hints — He's giving you access to real spiritual insight for real situations. This isn't reserved for dramatic moments only. It shows up in the daily decision you can't quite reason your way to, or the sudden sense that something is off before you have any proof. The question isn't whether the Spirit is willing to give wisdom and knowledge — it's whether you're asking and paying attention.
The God Beyond Our Understanding
We often construct a version of God that fits comfortably within our expectations—a deity who operates according to our logic and timing. But the Creator who spoke galaxies into existence transcends our finite understanding. His ways are not our ways; His thoughts tower above ours like the heavens above the earth. This isn't a limitation on our faith—it's an invitation to trust Someone infinitely wiser than ourselves. When life doesn't make sense, remember: the God who orchestrated the intricate dance of planets, seasons, and ecosystems is orchestrating your story too. You don't need to understand everything; you need to trust the One who does. Surrender your need for comprehension and embrace the mystery of His wisdom.
Wisdom in All Things
This passage beautifully connects divine wisdom with the physical world:
Wrestling with Hard Passages
The Bible doesn't hide humanity's ugliness. Many troubling passages are descriptive, not prescriptive—they show us the consequences of sin, not God's endorsement of evil. Israel's history serves as a warning and instruction for us. When we encounter difficult texts, we must distinguish between what Scripture records and what it celebrates. God allows us to see the chaos that results when
Living with Wise Awareness
Wisdom isn’t just knowledge—it’s discernment shaped by reflection. Psalm 107 ends by inviting us to consider all that God has done. The wise person sees patterns of grace in both discipline and deliverance. When we pause to reflect, we recognize that every season—hard or joyful—has been guided by steadfast love. Wisdom grows when we respond to God’s work with obedience, humility, and trust. Don’t rush past what God is teaching. Consider His love, and let it shape how you live moving forward.
Surrender Gains
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: James 1:5–8; Proverbs 3:5–6Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive ...
The Transformative Power of Truth
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: John 8:31–32, Romans 12:1–2Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive ...
God's Ways Are Not Our Ways
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Isaiah 55:8–9, Romans 11:33–36Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attenti...
Greater Than Our Greatest
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: 1 Kings 10 & Jonah 3Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both...
Seeking to Understand
Take 2-3 minutes to quiet yourself and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Reading: Proverbs 2Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you ...
Choosing the Better Portion
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read Luke 10. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentive to both what you h...
The Power of Influence
Open by taking 2-3 minutes to pray and ask God to speak to you today through your devotional time. Read Proverbs 13:20 and 1 Kings 12. Be sure to highlight or note anything that stands out to you while you read. After reading the passage, take the next 5-10 minutes and spend time reflecting on what you read. You can write these things down in a journal or record them in your phone. Be attentiv...
Praying for Discernment
We are faced with so many decisions each day. Most decisions are small, but some are big and tough decisions we must make. But how do we know the decision we make is the right one? This is where we will dive into today’s topic of discernment, but before we do, would you join me in prayer?Lord, each day I am faced with so many decisions to make. There are times I doubt the decision I am making is c...
Given as a Tool
We can trust the Bible because it is the inspired word of God. He uses it to teach us right from wrong and so much more. Knowing the scriptures prepares and equips us for anything we face. Let’s pray.Heavenly Father, I thank You for the gift of Your word, which is full of guidance that I can always trust is true. I pray that You help me seek out and obey the direction it provides in my life. Amen....
Growing in Wisdom
Today we are looking at the topic of wisdom. Culture says that wisdom is knowing a bunch of information, but as we have been learning, Jesus and His life counters that thought. Let’s pray as we get started today.God, I am grateful for Your love. I pray that You give me an open heart and an open mind to listen to Your word and what You are trying to tell me. I pray that You help me to grow deeper i...
Girded with Truth
This week, we are exploring what it truly means to die to ourselves and live a life immersed in God’s truth. Take a moment to reflect and begin with a simple prayer.Heavenly Father, thank You for all that You have done for me. I thank You for the inexplicable sense of peace You have given me. Help me don the armor of Your truth and model the radical life of Jesus. Guide me as I gird myself in Your...
