50 Days of Wisdom
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Wisdom is a skill in living that begins with fearing God, then progresses to guarding your mind, choosing your companions, controlling your body, monitoring your words, pursuing your work, managing your money, and loving your neighbor. Very simple. But that’s it. And when you’ve done that, you’ve learned wisdom. It’s vital to be taught wisdom. For example, as a father, if I fail to teach my son to fear God, the devil will teach him to hate God. If I fail to teach my son to guard his mind, the devil will teach him to have an open mind. If I fail to teach my son to obey his parents, the devil will teach him to rebel and break his parents’ hearts. If I fail to teach my son to select his companions carefully, the devil will choose them for him. If I fail to teach my son to control his body, the devil will gladly teach him to give it completely over to his lusts. If I fail to teach my children to enjoy speech that is honorable to God, the devil will fill their mouths with filth. If I fail to teach my children to pursue their work, the devil will make them lazy. If I fail to teach them to manage their money, the devil will teach them to waste it on riotous living. If I fail to teach them to love their neighbor, the devil will gladly teach them to love only themselves. And the only reason I can pass any of this wisdom on to my children is because God has graciously made it all available in the Bible.
Seek and learn God's wisdom every day!
Day 655
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Proverbs 4:5 - Acquire Wisdom!
A Tremendous Insight
Acts 21 tells us that while Paul was preaching the gospel, he was set upon by a wild mob who accused him of speaking against the Law, the Word of God, and the temple. So the Romans rescued Him, but they were afraid of the political ramifications of having Paul run loose—that it could cause foment in their occupied territory of Israel—so they kept him incarcerated. And for two years he languishes chained to a soldier but unhindered in preaching the gospel. Yes, Paul is a prisoner, but he is a prisoner in a rented house so that people have access to him. That’s his condition. Now, the believers in the Philippian church heard that Paul was in prison and were very compassionate and sympathetic toward him, and they wanted to know his condition, so they sent a man by the name of Epaphroditus to learn two things: “What is his condition, and what is the condition of the gospel? How is Paul doing, and how is the gospel doing?” Those were the two things that burdened their hearts. So Paul writes the book of Philippians in response to that, and it's sent back to the Christians at Philippi to inform them of Paul's condition and the condition of the gospel. And the theme is joy. He wants them to know that in spite of the circumstances, he rejoices. He experiences joy. Why? Because though his conditions are not what they would perhaps want them to be, nor what he would want them to be, the gospel is going forward. The letter, then, is really intended to confirm joy in the ministry, in spite of great affliction. It’s a tremendously helpful theme, and it becomes to us, then, a marvelous testimony of how this man is able in the midst of great trial to deal with his trial in joy. Now the key line is in Philippians 1:18: "I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice." Underline that in your Bible because that's what he wants them to know. He has a heart for them too, and he doesn't want them needlessly worrying about him. In fact, back in verse 4, he says, "My prayers are even filled with joy." Joy is the dominant attitude that he confesses. In Chapter 2:17, "I rejoice and share my joy with you all." Chapter 3:1, "Rejoice in the Lord." Chapter 4:4, "Rejoice in the Lord always; and again I will say, rejoice!" In other words, “Don't be sad. Don't be sorrowful. Don't fret and worry. Rejoice; I am.” That’s the joy of his ministry. Now, please note that the joy of ministry in the life of Paul was unrelated to circumstances. If his joy was related to circumstances, he wouldn't have had any joy. If his joy was related to pleasures on this earth, possessions in this world, freedom in this life, prestige, outward success, or even a good reputation, he wouldn't have any joy. However, his joy was connected to something entirely different. It was all related to the ministry, and the joy in the ministry was, in a sense, absolutely indifferent to all other things. Paul had joy in spite of all his troubles, as long as Christ's cause was furthered. There’s a tremendous insight here that he encourages us to follow: With the exception of our sin, absolutely no circumstance should ever interrupt our joy, because the gospel is moving forward. Repent and believe! GTY.org (50-7) - Joy in Spite of Trouble – 50-7
Today's Wisdom
May 18, 2026
Day: 923
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My name is Mark Paul from Wauchula, Florida, and like the Apostle Peter said in 2 Peter 1:14, “I know that the laying aside of my earthly dwelling is imminent." Consequently, my goal is to leave a legacy that will continue to advance the kingdom of God long after I have departed. In other words, bear fruit for eternity. And by simply reading and sharing my free eBooks, you too become contributors to the advancement of His kingdom. Thank you for partaking in this endeavor, and I look forward to greeting you on heaven's shore.
The Truth in Love,
Mark Paul - Servant of God
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