The purpose of learning truth is so that it can be used. Unused truth expires and becomes stale. When you hear truth and put it into practice, you are wise. When you hear truth and ignore its application, you are foolish. Foolish is the man who acknowledges truth outwardly but never applies it inwardly. His foundation for faithfulness is fragile, so when the winds of adversity swirl and blow, his character collapses under the crushing power.

Someone may show up for the Bible study or attend a soul-stirring retreat and hear truth but never change for the better. How can this be? This happens when people do not follow through with what they know to be right and true. There is a disconnect between their head and their heart. The discipline to stop bad habits and start new ones is rationalized away with convincing excuses. We deceive ourselves by saying, “I don’t have enough time,” “I am not spiritual enough,” “I will get around to this one day,” or “God will understand if I wait.” John described self-deception’s affect on truth: “We deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us” (1 John 1:8b).

Truth and deception can never coexist. So, jettison deception, and apply truth now. If you wait, you will wander from its application. Right now is the wisest time to receive His gift of grace and to engraft it into your life. You are responsible for the truth you have received. Therefore, steward it wisely. Use it before you lose it, and become a practitioner of truth.

Lastly, apply truth in doses that can be ingested into your character. Do not be overwhelmed by multiple things in your life that need to change. Choose one thing, such as loving your spouse with abandonment and sensitivity. Paul said in Ephesians 5:25 that the husband should “give himself up” for his wife. Without saying a word, serve in secret so your spouse can experience your unselfish care and concern. Get into their world by loving them at their point of interest. It may relate to entertainment, cooking, or yard work.  Whatever it may be, serve them in ways that tell them you care. At work, you have the opportunity to put the radical teaching of Jesus into practice by treating others as you want to be treated (Matthew 7:12 NASB).

Think of a colleague who let the team down and is in need of forgiveness. If you were in their shoes, you would appreciate this gift of mercy. You can put into practice the Golden Rule because you are golden now that God has graced your life. God has filled you with His grace so you can live a gracious life. Focus on building the foundation of your life and your character one brick of truth at a time. This architecture designed by the Almighty will endure. Leave a lasting legacy in your children by putting into practice what you know to be truth. The teachings of Jesus are truth. Therefore, believe and apply. Put His principles into practice, and persevere.

Taken from the January 26th reading in the 365-day devotional book, “Seeking Daily the Heart of God… http://bit.ly/bQHNIE

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There could be a large life-changing decision looming. It may relate to the timing in childbearing, the opportunity for a move and a new job, the sale of a business, a spiritual commitment, graduate school or treatment options related to a health issue. The Lord looks down from heaven for wise ones who will seek Him for the best answers. He doesn’t look down with disdain, but with determined love, compassion and insight.

The Lord seeks out those who seek Him. He gazes all over the globe in one grand glance ready to grant grace and truth to trusting souls. He looks for the once zealous Christ follower and entreats him or her to come back to the basics of belief. He watches for the wise that hail from humble circumstances or the learned who want to lean into the Lord. He looks to unleash His love, dispense discernment and convert sinners to saints.

“But the LORD said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The LORD does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

So, do you first seek your heavenly Father for divine direction? Is Christ central in the calculus of your decision-making? If so, you will discover God’s best in God’s time. But you cannot rush the revelation of God’s will for your life. Your understanding will follow once His work of grace has grown your trust and transformed your relationships. Jesus wants you to know Him deeper, before He leads you further. Clarity comes in intimacy.

Perhaps you pray, “Lord what would you have for me in this season of life?” Wisdom prays and then listens to the Lord’s still small voice. His will is a series of small steps in obedience that begin today. Do the next right thing, and then watch Him bring His will together like a beautiful work of art composed of a 1,000 brush strokes. You are wise to seek the Wisest One—Jesus—first in simple salvation and second as a faithful follower.

“But if from there you seek the LORD your God, you will find him if you seek him with all your heart and with all your soul.” Deuteronomy 4:29

What area of my life requires me to patiently seek the Lord for wisdom and clarity?

Related Readings: Psalm 33:13; 138:6; Proverbs 18:15; Acts 17:27; Romans 3:11

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It is necessary we hold steady for our Savior during hard times, but we can’t always do it by ourselves. We need “Aarons and Hurs” who hold up our hands of faith to heaven. Spiritual battle is too bruising to go at it alone, as physical and emotional fatigue set in if we are isolated. But even a community of three can lift us to the Lord for strength and encouragement.

I have to often ask myself, “Who am I submitting to for encouragement and accountability?”  “Am I sitting on the rock of Jesus, and am I supported by His servants?” We hold steady when we are focused on the Lord, and engaged in the prayerful presence of His people. No need to panic, but to persevere in prayer and trust God’s control for things out of your control. Hold steady by holding up open hands to heaven, and He will fill you with faith.

“When he arrived and saw what the grace of God had done, he was glad and encouraged them all to remain true to the Lord with all their hearts.” Acts 11:23

Moreover, who can you help to hold steady during changing times? Who in your circle of influence can you seek out to support? Offer them your time to process the problems they are facing, and they will never forget your care in their time of need.  Tough love may be needed to challenge their fearful thinking and passive behavior. Do not give up on frantic friends, but help them forge ahead by faith.

Pray with them and for them to lift their hands to the Lord for help. You are a catalyst for Christ’s comfort and care. Lead them to depend on Him, and they will hold steady in Him. You have been encouraged and held accountable, so you can encourage and hold accountable. Hold steady with the help of others, so you can help others hold steady for their Savior’s sake. Jesus says,  “Freely you have received, freely give.” Matthew 10:8b

“Hear my cry for mercy as I call to you for help, as I lift up my hands toward your Most Holy Place. Psalm 28:2

Who can help me hold steady when I grow weary—who can I hold steady in the Lord?

Related Readings: Job 16:5; Psalm 10:17; Acts 15:32; Colossians 4:8

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God helps those who can’t help themselves. He is a defender of the poor and needy for the disadvantaged are on the heart of Deity. Jesus came for those who recognized their need for God and appropriated His forgiveness and grace. Those who are poor in spirit are candidates for Christ’s true riches. It is only when you recognize your spiritual bankruptcy outside of a Savior that you can receive the right kind of help.

But the Holy Spirit is hovering back and forth over the whole earth. He is looking for those who need and desire Him. Every day millions of people go to bed hungry and die from diseases. Thousands of people each year are being murdered for their faith and their race. Their need is for preemptive measures of food, medicine, justice and Jesus.

There is also the need to minister to those who have been ravished by raw racism and poverty. They are waiting for someone to care. A little bit of health care, a little bit of money, and a little bit of time can provide for the poor in ways most of us take for granted. A few hundred dollars can build an indoor bathroom and kitchen in the slums. It can be seed money to start a micro enterprise.

A wooden cart can be purchased to transport fruits and vegetables to market. God’s heart is to help the helpless. Therefore, pray for the poor and ask God to give you someone who could use your help. Grace is drawn to the needy, love edifies and kindness cares. Faith flushes out fear and humility, hunts down the hurting and hangs out with them. Compassion shows up—in Jesus’ name—with resources that resonate where people live.

Or, you may find yourself on the helpless half of the equation. We are all helpless to some extent. You may feel helpless in your current situation at work, with a family member or your physical condition. Your helpless position is God’s helpful position. Engage your heavenly Father in your helpless circumstance. Lean on His love and request His wisdom. You cannot make it alone. Helpless does not mean hopeless.

Your pride may refuse help, but your humility sees help as God’s provision. Indeed, you receive the help of heaven so you can help others get to heaven. Help is a gift that keeps on giving. Because someone believed in you and helped you, you desire to do the same for another. Therefore, with a grateful heart, first look to heaven for help.

“I lift up my eyes to the hills— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth” (Psalm 121:1-2).

Who is the Lord leading me to help, who find themselves in a helpless situation?

Related Readings: Leviticus 25:35; Psalm 40:17; 70:5; Ezekiel 16:49; Acts 9:36

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