Thought for the Day: Wise in Heart

 

Proverbs 16:21 The wise in heart are called discerning, and gracious words promote instruction. (NIV)

I often enjoy reading the book of Proverbs from the Old Testament. The wisdom and common sense that it contains may be three thousand years old, but most of it can be applied even now. Take today‘s highlighted verse. It mentions both the gift of discernment and grace. Discernment is not just knowing what to do in any given situation, but it also involves applying it effectively. No wonder then that the Bible calls those who practice discernment ‘the wise in heart.’

But there’s also something attached to discernment that makes it more appealing and acceptable to others: grace. When wisdom is graciously presented, it is more readily received. A know-it-all may understand what needs to be done and then order everyone to do it, but the wise in heart offer solutions to issues for consideration and discussion. They allow others ownership in making the correct choice.

Today, we will all have decisions to make which may involve other people. As we make our choices, let’s apply proverbial wisdom and try to be the wise in heart.

Q: What decisions will I have to make today that will involve others? How can I show both discernment and grace?

Prayer: Lord God, Your holy words are full wisdom and Your counsel is always perfect. Help us to receive Your grace and show us how to be discerning. In Your Sacred Name, we pray. Amen.

Pastor John Stuart

Erin Presbyterian Church,

Knoxville, Tennessee.

www.erinpres.org

 

Encouraging Words - Acts 20:2

Acts 20:2 Paul traveled through that area, speaking many words of encouragement to the people, and finally arrived in Greece. (NIV)

We are living in pretty discouraging times. Our people are divided and our leaders are not working together. Terrible acts of violence have been committed and hatred is on the increase. Good folks everywhere are feeling insecure and most people are looking for real solutions to our problems. All this strife is adding to our stress which fragments our relationships, leaving us isolated and vulnerable. No one seems to know how to fix things and heal our problems. Our souls are damaged and our hearts are crushed. We just need something or someone to say the right things, give the right word, and point us in the right direction.

This is the Great Commission of Christ’s Church in the 21^st century. We still have a pertinent platform where words of encouragement can bring people closer to God and, in the process, bring us together. How we express those words is very important to the folks around us. For encouragement to work, we have to be sensitive and supportive. If we present Christ in compassionate ways, we will help others who are struggling with life. If we share our confidence in God’s love, we will enable others to find refuge in Him. It all depends whether we are willing, like Paul of old, to be vessels of Christ’s mercy and grace. If we choose to channel His Loving Spirit, we will help others to overcome their fears and rediscover the inner strength which faith in Christ empowers.

Wherever you are today, be an encourager. Whatever you do, let it be done in love.

Point to ponder

How does God encourage me? How can I share this with others?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, we can grow weary of the world and fearful of its fallen ways. Enable us to overcome our current concerns by placing our hopes, dreams, and lives into Your hands. In Your Holy Name, we pray. Amen.

John Stuart is the pastor of Erin Presbyterian Church in Knoxville, Tennessee. If you would like to ask questions or make comments about today’s message, please send him an email to Traqair@aol.com.

Today’s image is one of John’s latest winter drawings called ‘Red Cardinal in Snow.’ If you would like to view a larger version, please click this link: Cardinal.