Listen for the Voice of Your Coach

We attended a summer league basketball game in which my nephew, Will, was playing. Twelve teams, consisting of fifth and sixth graders, were playing simultaneously on 6 courts. The close proximity of games caused a lot of noise. Referee’s whistles could be heard from other courts. Parents were cheering their children on. One father, who was sitting near me, was calling out commands to “Dribble the ball.” or “Don’t miss that rebound.” The opposing coach was calling out to his team members, one of which was also named Will. It was a cacophony of sounds and voices all vying for a player’s attention.

Amid this confusion there was only one voice the players should be listening for. That was the voice of their coach. The only directions they are to follow will come from this coach. They will then communicate with their teammates in order to carry out his wishes. All other voices and distractions must be tuned out.

In the busy world that we live in there is much competition for our attention. The voice of the Holy Spirit, our coach and leader, is often difficult to hear because of all the other voices and noise that surround us. As children of God we must be ever diligent to focus on the voice of the Holy Spirit above all others. “For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” (Romans 8:14 AMP) This requires that we know The Lord’s voice by previous experience. “The sheep that are My own hear and are listening to My voice; and I know them, and they follow Me.” (John 10:27 AMP)

Distractions come in many forms. Like the parent who was yelling directions to his son, people that we know may often give us advice that may or may not agree with God’s direction for our lives. Although well-intentioned, this advice does not always line up with God’s plan. When there is a conflict between the advice of friends and the leading of the spirit we must remember the words of the apostle Peter. “…We must obey God rather than men.” (Acts 5:29b AMP)

Activities, commitments and daily concerns can get in the way of paying attention to what the Lord says. Jesus addressed this issue when visiting the home of Mary and Martha.  He kindly spoke to Martha, who had been busy taking care of her guests while her sister Mary listened to Jesus teach,  “But the Lord replied to her by saying, Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things; There is need of only one or but a few things. Mary has chosen the good portion [that which is to her advantage], which shall not be taken away from her.” (Luke 10:41-42 AMP) Listening to the words of Jesus was deemed most important.

Money and possessions can also be a distraction to us. Jesus clearly stated that we can torn between loving God and desiring things. “No one can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will stand by and be devoted to the one and despise and be against the other. You cannot serve God and mammon (deceitful riches, money, possessions, or whatever is trusted in). Therefore I tell you, stop being perpetually uneasy (anxious and worried) about your life, what you shall eat or what you shall drink; or about your body, what you shall put on. Is not life greater [in quality] than food, and the body [far above and more excellent] than clothing?” (Matthew 6:24-25 AMP) We must listen for God’s direction and trust him to provide all that we need.

Messages will be sent your way by the enemy of your soul. From his first appearance in the Garden of Eden (see Genesis 3) to this current day the devil speaks lies and gives wrong direction. Jesus said of the devil, “...He was a murderer from the beginning and does not stand in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaks a falsehood, he speaks what is natural to him, for he is a liar [himself] and the father of lies and of all that is false.” (John 8:44b AMP) We cannot listen to him no matter how loud his voice seems or even if his words seem right. If they are not the words of the Lord we do not pay attention!

 We must always listen to and follow the voice of God. “Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: Today, if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts…” (Hebrews 3:7-8a AMP) Then, together with other believers, we can cooperate to carry out His perfect plan and successfully play this game of life.

Listen to the Holy Spirit, your coach, today. Together with other believers, execute His game plan for your life. 

Warm up, Train and Run the Race

My nephew runs on his high school track team. While at camp I watched Boston warm up and run with another counselor. I was immediately aware that Tucker was also on the same track team. The stretches, bends and turns to loosen muscles before beginning to run were identical. I could see the influence of their coach in this routine.

The amount of time spent warming up appeared to be equal to, if not even greater than, the amount of time spent running. Stretching and loosening up the muscles is critical to reduce injury and prepare the entire body for its role during the actual run. This critical time not only prepares the muscles of the legs and arms, but also prepares the heart for what will soon be expected of it. Omitting or even shortening this would be disasterous.

During the warm up time the two boys casually talked and laughed. When the run itself began this changed. Each boy was completely focused on the path he was running. The two did not even start out at the same moment. Although only a few seconds apart it was now obvious that each young man was running his own course and all attention was devoted to it.

The apostle Paul compares the Christian life to a race we run. This race, that all believers take part in, requires preparation. We will all go through times of stretching our spiritual muscles and training for the ministry ahead. “Now every athlete who goes into training conducts himself temperately and restricts himself in all things. They do it to win a wreath that will soon wither, but we [do it to receive a crown of eternal blessedness] that cannot wither.” (1 Corinthians 9:25 AMP) There is a definite goal ahead that requires the hard work of preparation, but also makes it all worthwhile.

It may appear at times that the warming up and getting ready to serve God seems to be taking a long time. We study His word and live through the trials of daily life. We may have a sense deep inside of the work He plans for us to do. Yet we wait, study and train, all in preparation for the point we can begin to run. ^“Train yourself toward godliness (piety), [keeping yourself spiritually fit]. For physical training is of some value (useful for a little), but godliness (spiritual training) is useful and of value in everything and in every way, for it holds promise for the present life and also for the life which is to come.” (Timothy 4:7b-8 AMP) There are many opportunities to move forward in the gifts and callings God has placed in our lives. We are faithful in training and God leads us into more. We must be diligent to run our race with every ability and all the energy that we have, giving our best to God. “Do you not know that in a race all the runners compete, but [only] one receives the prize? So run [your race] that you may lay hold [of the prize] and make it yours.” (1 Corinthians 9:24-25 AMP)

Our track runners could catch some extra sleep each morning. They could pursue other interests during the time that they use to train. But neither of these would prepare them for the competitions to come. We have to make the same wise choices even when they are not easy. After Paul had been warned repeatedly of hardships to come, he spoke these words. “But none of these things move me; neither do I esteem my life dear to myself, if only I may finish my course with joy and the ministry which I have obtained from [which was entrusted to me by] the Lord Jesus, faithfully to attest to the good news (Gospel) of God's grace (His unmerited favor, spiritual blessing, and mercy).” (Acts 20:24 AMP) He also stated, “I press on toward the goal to win the [supreme and heavenly] prize to which God in Christ Jesus is calling us upward.” (Philippians 3:14 AMP) And he lived his life accordingly.At the end of his life the apostle Paul, who had diligently followed the plan God had for him, was able to write these words. “I have fought the good (worthy, honorable, and noble) fight, I have finished the race, I have kept (firmly held) the faith. [As to what remains] henceforth there is laid up for me the [victor's] crown of righteousness [for being right with God and doing right], which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me and recompense me on that [great] day—and not to me only, but also to all those who have loved and yearned for and welcomed His appearing (His return).” (2 Timothy 4:7-8 AMP) We will be able to say the same if we are diligent to follow the will of God.

As Paul has encouraged us, we must run with passion, daily following the example of Jesus Christ. “Therefore then, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses [who have borne testimony to the Truth], let us strip off and throw aside every encumbrance (unnecessary weight) and that sin which so readily (deftly and cleverly) clings to and entangles us, and let us run with patient endurance and steady and active persistence the appointed course of the race that is set before us, Looking away [from all that will distract] to Jesus, Who is the Leader and the Source of our faith [giving the first incentive for our belief] and is also its Finisher [bringing it to maturity and perfection]. He, for the joy [of obtaining the prize] that was set before Him, endured the cross, despising and ignoring the shame, and is now seated at the right hand of the throne of God. (Hebrews 12:1-2 AMP)

Warm-up by studying God’s word. Train by obeying Him in the little things. Run the course that God has laid out for you with focused determination.

King’s KupKakes

King’s KupKakes

The theme for the camp that my husband and I cooked for this week was the Lion King. To make the meals more fun, we did a few things to liven up the cafeteria. Over the serving line hung a sign that read, “Sarabi’s Catch of the Day.” The drink station was renamed “Pride Land’s Watering Hole.” “Timon & Pumba’s Sweet Treats,” had unique desserts for each meal. These included “Zebra Bars,” “Grubbs under a Flat Rock,” “Slimy yet Satisfying Jell-O with Worms” and “Lioness Cookies.” The final dessert of camp was creatively decorated cupcakes that were made to look like lions. These were called “King’s KupKakes.”

A group of older girls helped decorate the cupcakes. An assembly line was formed for the five girls who were assisting in the process. The first frosted the cupcake. The second girl rotated the frosted cupcake while her partner added an orange lion’s mane. Next, a thin line of dark chocolate added the face. The last girl placed the finished products on the trays for serving. Every 10 cupcakes the girls switched spots and the process continued until plenty of “King’s KupKakes,” were ready to feed a room full of hungry campers.

The girls had a great deal of fun while working to harmoniously complete the project. They sang and chatted while working together. Each had an opportunity to try the various tasks of putting this cupcake together. They each excelled at and enjoyed different tasks. All were proud of the finished product and happy to serve up an image of the King to their hungry friends.

As Christians our life is very much like this. We each have different roles to play in presenting King Jesus to a hungry world. “So we, numerous as we are, are one body in Christ (the Messiah) and individually we are parts one of another [mutually dependent on one another].” (Romans 12:5 AMP) Not one of us contains the full glory of our Lord. As we work together in love we can present the image of our Lord to those who are hurting and hungry for the love of God.

Jesus is the bread of life. “Jesus replied, I am the Bread of Life. He who comes to Me will never be hungry, and he who believes in and cleaves to and trusts in and relies on Me will never thirst any more (at any time).” (John 6:35 AMP)  He has promised food to anyone who would receive it. He has sent us to make him known to the world.  “And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach and publish openly the good news (the Gospel) to every creature [of the whole human race].” (Mark 16:15 AMP) We are to present this bread to the hungry around us. Those who do not have a relationship with Jesus are hungry to know him even if they are unaware. Those who do have a relationship are hungry to make that relationship even stronger. Our lives and words are the means of presenting the gospel to all.

As we work together in harmony, each fulfilling their own role with joy, the task becomes easy and fun. Singing and sharing God’s love makes every task a joy. “Let the word [spoken by] Christ (the Messiah) have its home [in your hearts and minds] and dwell in you in [all its] richness, as you teach and admonish and train one another in all insight and intelligence and wisdom [in spiritual things, and as you sing] psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, making melody to God with [His] grace in your hearts.” (Colossians 3:16 AMP)  Our love for each other grows and our shared joy and blessing others is greater than we could have imagined. The image our King Jesus is apparent when the children of God show their love for each other. “By this shall all [men] know that you are My disciples, if you love one another [if you keep on showing love among yourselves].” (John 13:35 AMP)

We received numerous compliments on the “King’s KupKakes.” They were both delicious and beautiful. (Even with the decorating flaws) it was a great, treat for the final dinner of this camp. There will also be great appreciation in the hearts of people who grow closer to the Lord by our words and actions. Jesus is who everybody needs. Our work and attitudes will bring the same joy that we have to others.

Work together with fellow believers to present the image of King Jesus to everyone you meet. Allow them to,
“O taste and see that the Lord [our God] is good! Blessed (happy, fortunate, to be envied) is the man who trusts and takes refuge in Him.” (Psalm 34:8 AMP)

Follow the Correct Guideline

Preparing for another summer camp includes putting together the preprinted devotional booklets that each camper will work through during the week. Covers need folding and pages need cutting so that all can be stapled together to meet each day’s book. The prep work is time-consuming but the finished product facilitates a time for reflecting on the lessons heard and growing closer to the Lord.

As we folded and cut the pages for each booklet, we did not use the page’s graphics as our guideline. Lining up the corners is the best way to accurately fold the cover page. When using the paper cutter, one does not look at the image they are cutting or even the center of the sheet of paper. The paper is lined up with the proper lines on the cutter. In this particular case a heavy line was marked at the correct spot so it could not be missed. Following this line resulted in each page being perfectly cut in half. These half sheets of paper fit nicely together in the cover creating a perfect sized booklet. All few staples and each were complete.

As we prepare to face each day, we must line up our actions by the guidelines of God’s word. Regardless of what we see ahead of us, the proper course of action will only be pursued if we look to the principles laid out for us in the Scriptures. King David understood the value of guiding His life by God’s law. “The precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure and bright, enlightening the eyes.” (Psalm 19:8 AMP) David desired to learn and follow God’s law in the midst of trials. “Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain and even path because of my enemies [those who lie in wait for me].” (Psalm 27:11 AMP) This law was David’s joy. “I delight to do Your will, O my God; yes, Your law is within my heart.” (Psalm 40:8 AMP)

All of us can benefit by David’s example. Loving and following God’s law is the key to a secure future. Of the righteous man it is said, “The law of his God is in his heart; none of his steps shall slide.” (Psalm 37:31 AMP) Decisions made by lining up our will to His law keep us walking steadily in the right direction. We also can call out, “O send out Your light and Your truth, let them lead me; let them bring me to Your holy hill and to Your dwelling.”  (Psalm 43:3 AMP)

Each day’s activities will be a little different, but the word of God and its driving principles do not change. The principles do not change because God does not change. “For I am the Lord, I do not change; that is why you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.” (Malachi 3:6 AMP) This same unchanging nature is attributed to Jesus. “Jesus Christ (the Messiah) is [always] the same, yesterday, today, [yes] and forever (to the ages).” (Hebrews 13:8 AMP) We serve an unchanging God who speaks unchangeable truth. His word is eternally constant. “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.” (Isaiah 40:8 AMP) It will remain beyond the earth itself. “Sky and earth will pass away, but My words will not pass away.” (Matthew 24:35 AMP)

 We must not attempt to line up our life to other standards. Wealth may be appealing but after acquiring everything his hearts desired Solomon said, “Then I looked on all that my hands had done and the labor I had spent in doing it, and behold, all was vanity and a striving after the wind and a feeding on it, and there was no profit under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 2:11 AMP) The opinions of others can also seem to be a worthy guideline, but human wisdom can vary and lead us into dangerous choices. “There is a way which seems right to a man and appears straight before him, but at the end of it is the way of death.” (Proverbs 14:12 AMP) Also the easy way is not always the best way. Hard times can often be the most valuable in molding our character. “We are assured and know that [God being a partner in their labor] all things work together and are [fitting into a plan] for good to and for those who love God and are called according to [His] design and purpose.” (Romans 8:28 AMP) Every other standard we encounter may change, but only God’s word will remain sure.

God is love. “God is love, and he who dwells and continues in love dwells and continues in God, and God dwells and continues in him.” (1 John 4:16b AMP) If we guide our life by the principle of that love we will not fail. Times may be hard but love will never fail. “Love never fails [never fades out or becomes obsolete or comes to an end].” (1 Corinthians 13:8a AMP)

The time we spent preparing these booklets properly was so worth it when we saw the finished product in the hands of eager campers. Time spent learning and lining our lives up to the standard of God’s law will also be worth every bit of effort.

Study and put into practice the principles of the Word of God every day. Your life will be truly benefited by it.

Enjoy Through the Finale

A customary part of the traditional Fourth of July celebration is a grand fireworks display. Most cities will put together a show full color, design and quite a bit of noise. In the area where my brother-in-law and his family live, there are numerous firework displays to enjoy. In addition to the shows put on by cities, many neighborhood associations and even individual families will set off some spectacular light shows. There is an annual display done by an association at a lake near their home. Because of the nearness of this display we need travel no farther than the back deck of their home to enjoy a spectacular scene.

As the sky darkens on the fourth, other activities wrap up and everyone heads outside. Comfortable chairs are chosen as the beautiful lights begin to grace the sky. This year fireworks could be seen in several directions. Excited citizens of the country that won its freedom to govern, live and worship as each sees fit, were expressing their joy through light shows. My neck actually began to hurt from jerking in all directions trying to take in all the beauty. I didn’t want to miss a thing but found more beautiful displays than I could possibly watch at one time.

At one point the air became a little chilly. I considered going into the house to get my sweater, but I knew that the finale was coming and I didn’t want to risk missing it by running inside. The best is always last and I could not allow a little discomfort to cause me to miss out on the greatest part.

There is a beauty in the sky that far surpasses anything seen in a fireworks display. God has shown His character and love in His creation. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament shows and proclaims His handiwork.” (Psalm 19:1 AMP) King David knew this well. “When I view and consider Your heavens, the work of Your fingers, the moon and the stars, which You have ordained and established,” (Psalm 8:3 AMP) The apostle Paul refers to this display of glory as evidence of God’s presence in the earth. ^“For ever since the creation of the world His invisible nature and attributes, that is, His eternal power and divinity, have been made intelligible and clearly discernible in and through the things that have been made (His handiworks). So [men] are without excuse [altogether without any defense or justification],” (Romans 1:20 AMP)

Jesus spoke many times of His glorious return. It will be spectacular! “… and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory [in brilliancy and splendor]. And He will send out His angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather His elect (His chosen ones) from the four winds, [even] from one end of the universe to the other.” (Matthew 24:30b-31 AMP) In another passage He describes it this way. “For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory (majesty, splendor) of His Father with His angels, and then He will render account and reward every man in accordance with what he has done.” (Matthew 16:27 AMP) Brilliance, majesty and splendor are words that attempt to describe the glory that is yet to come. What a sight that will be!

In addition to describing His glorious return, Jesus also warned of the possibility of missing it. “Watch therefore [give strict attention and be cautious and active], for you know neither the day nor the hour when the Son of Man will come.” (Matthew 25:13 AMP) and “You also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour and a moment when you do not anticipate it.” (Luke 12:40 AMP) We must not become distracted by anything and miss the glory that is soon coming. Daily life continues on with its joys, trials and routine activities. Although we must be diligent in all that we do, we cannot allow any of these things to distract from the presence of God around us. We acknowledge His presence as we continually enjoy His creation and look with great expectation at the glory that is yet to come when we see Him face-to-face.

Open your eyes to the glory of God that surrounds you every day. When things are difficult remember that the finale of His glorious return is coming. Look up!

Illustrated Instructions Available

Recently an ink cartridge in my printer ran out of ink. I had asked my husband to replace it because he and my son had replaced the prior ones and I was unsure how the process worked. Other commitments that day had prevented him from changing the cartridge. When I attempted to use the printer the following day, I found that the “change cartridge soon” had now become “change cartridge now” and the printer would not work until action was taken.
 Changing the cartridge itself did not appear to be extremely difficult. The problem I encountered was that I was totally unable to comprehend how to open the printer to reach the cartridge holder. I felt around the sides, front, top and everywhere I could think of to no avail. I found no apparent way to open it. It is a newer printer. I was perfectly capable of exchanging the cartridges in the old printer. It was simply the unfamiliarity of this machine that had me at a loss. I began pushing buttons on the help screen and still had not found directions for changing the cartridge. Becoming frustrated, I tried one more arrow. This arrow took me not only to directions to change the cartridge but also to a video that illustrated the entire process in. It showed how to open the door on the machine, release the used cartridge, and install the new one. It could not have been simpler once I looked in the right place.
We often find ourselves in similar situations in life. Seasons change and like my new printer, things are now different. They can be unfamiliar and difficult to understand. At times like this it is not inappropriate to turn to a trusted friend for help. Rather than allowing this friend to do things for us, it is better to learn from his/her expertise. A mature believer can lead us to spiritual principles and God’s wisdom, but we must learn to follow God on our own.
Sometimes assistance is not available from people. We need to know where to go to get the knowledge we require. God's Word is an instruction manual for everything we need in this life. He provides not only the instructions, but also illustrates the steps we are to take. Jesus told parables to give pictures of spiritual principles. Throughout the Old and New Testament, prophets and teachers have also used pictures to relate God’s plan. The Scriptures are an illustrated guide book intended to make God’s will understandable to man.

In a new season of life we must know exactly where to go to find the instructions for the next step. God's Word is always where we need to look. If we continue to pursue His wisdom, the Holy Spirit will direct us to the exact picture that we need. “I [the Lord] will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you.” (Psalm 32:8 AMP) God reveals Himself to us through His Word and by the Holy Spirit. “But when He, the Spirit of Truth (the Truth-giving Spirit) comes, He will guide you into all the Truth (the whole, full Truth). For He will not speak His own message [on His own authority]; but He will tell whatever He hears [from the Father; He will give the message that has been given to Him], and He will announce and declare to you the things that are to come [that will happen in the future].” (John 16:13 AMP)

When things appear to be dark, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” (Psalm 119:105 AMP) Scripture provides direction to those who search for it. “Then you will seek Me, inquire for, and require Me [as a vital necessity] and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart.” (Jeremiah 29:13 AMP) Scripture will lead us to Jesus who is the door. “So Jesus said again, I assure you, most solemnly I tell you, that I Myself am the Door for the sheep.” (John 10:7 AMP) We can release the old. “Do not [earnestly] remember the former things; neither consider the things of old.” (Isaiah 43:18 AMP) And learn to walk in a new plan of God. “Behold, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs forth; do you not perceive and know it and will you not give heed to it? I will even make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” (Isaiah 43:19 AMP)

When life becomes confusing look for your direction in God’s Word. You will find the way to proceed in all of your decisions.

Ring the School Bell

Long ago, when children attended one-room school houses, the teacher would stand at the door ringing a hand bell beckoning the students to class. Children who had been playing in the schoolyard and others were hurrying to cover that last distance between home and school would line up at the front door of the schoolhouse. They would exchange greetings with the teacher, enter the room, find their desk or bench and begin getting ready for a day of learning.

When the sound of the bell ringing is heard, everyone is aware that it is now time to learn. However fun the playtime has been, it is time to seek after knowledge and wisdom. Obedient children come quickly and the instruction begins. Gaining that knowledge and wisdom was the day’s goal.

Fast forward to the current time. The school is no longer surrounded by a dirt playground and the bell is no longer being rung by a lone teacher standing at the door. Vehicles are pulling off of busy streets and into parking spaces to drop the children off. There is an abundance of noise as young ones shout goodbyes over the traffic noise to their parents and race to the building doors as a loud bell rings over the intercom. It is time to hurry inside, down the hall, past the lockers and into the classroom. There is a great urgency to the once quiet, inviting school bell. The bell is louder and the pace is quicker.

A picture similar to this chaotic morning schoolyard is found in the book of Proverbs. The noise of life has attempted to drown out wisdom’s voice. Like truant students refusing to attend school, many wander the streets avoiding the voice of wisdom. Still, “Wisdom cries aloud in the street, she raises her voice in the markets; She cries at the head of the noisy intersections [in the chief gathering places]; at the entrance of the city gates she speaks: How long, O simple ones [open to evil], will you love being simple? And the scoffers delight in scoffing and [self-confident] fools hate knowledge? If you will turn (repent) and give heed to my reproof, behold, I [Wisdom] will pour out my spirit upon you, I will make my words known to you.” (Proverbs 1:20-23 AMP)

 Our response to the call of wisdom is critical. Like David do we greet wisdom from God’s Word every day? “O GOD, You are my God, earnestly will I seek You; my inner self thirsts for You, my flesh longs and is faint for You, in a dry and weary land where no water is.” (Psalm 63:1 AMP) Or do we follow our own ideas and in doing so become worse than foolish? “Do you see a man wise in his own eyes and conceit? There is more hope for a [self-confident] fool than for him.” (Proverbs 26:12 AMP) Do we have hearts to learn and correct our erroneous thoughts and actions?

 We must value wisdom above other activities and interests. King Solomon stated, “Receive my instruction in preference to [striving for] silver, and knowledge rather than choice gold, For skillful and godly Wisdom is better than rubies or pearls, and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.” (Proverbs 8:10-11 AMP) We cannot seek the Lord as just one of many passions. Our hearts must be undivided. “With my whole heart have I sought You, inquiring for and of You and yearning for You; Oh, let me not wander or step aside [either in ignorance or willfully] from Your commandments.” (Psalm 119:10 AMP)

Our lives are busy and many things pull us in different directions. There is the noise of media via televisions, computers and cell phones. There is an excess of job commitments, hobbies and other activities to fill our minds and take up our time. Knowledge has increased exponentially in recent decades, but we still lack wisdom. We must not let anything prevent us from seeking and listening to wisdom from God’s Word. She cries as loudly today for our attention as she did in the days when Solomon wrote Proverbs.

  “Get skillful and godly Wisdom, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation); do not forget and do not turn back from the words of my mouth. Forsake not [Wisdom], and she will keep, defend, and protect you; love her, and she will guard you. The beginning of Wisdom is: get Wisdom (skillful and godly Wisdom)! [For skillful and godly Wisdom is the principal thing.] And with all you have gotten, get understanding (discernment, comprehension, and interpretation). Prize Wisdom highly and exalt her, and she will exalt and promote you; she will bring you to honor when you embrace her. She shall give to your head a wreath of gracefulness; a crown of beauty and glory will she deliver to you.” (Proverbs 4:5-9 AMP) Will you listen to her call? Will you receive her benefits?