Being A Wiseman

What's the best advice you were given this past year? Often the most effective advice is by example. Mike is giving his son Cody advice while they tackle a painting job together. Wisdom is advice from God. Wisdom has little to do with age or experience.

What risks did you take in 2023? There are risks in business and making a living. There are risks in relationships. There are risks in serving the Lord. Most risks require us to get out of our comfort zone. Most risks pay off. 10 year old Jackson is taking a risk and learning to sand on his cousin Cody's car. Thanks for the picture.

What was the nicest or most memorable thing someone said to or did for you last year? Making someone's day often involves time, sacrifice, and surrender. Our past week was filled with planning for 2024, trucking, hog work, seed selling, tiling, and shop work. However this morning we're going to share some bits of wisdom that I've either received from others or learned from experience.

Elijah and Ezra are working on a 10 hp electric motor. 

We all have value and were created by God for a purpose. However remember we are not to be the hero in every situation. It's easy to get weary of folks who are "legends in their own mind" as Big Steve used to say.

The future will always be to those who see the possibilities before they become obvious. That often means zigging when everyone else is zagging. You can't fly a kite running with the wind.

When we build our lives all above or in front, what people can see. And have done nothing behind the scenes, or served without recognition, our lives will not withstand the storms.

When things aren't always neat or organized, do you worry about a mess? Or are you thankful for the company? Surrender brings blessings we never expect. Sometimes the greater surrender, the greater the surprise.

While in a conversation, are you a good listener, or are you just waiting to talk? Don't talk so much that you say things you haven't thought of yet. God whispers to us in our pleasures and good times. He speaks to us in our conscious and in nature. He shouts to us in our pain and struggles. In most cases God does not bless one greatly until He has tested them deeply.

Lane, Malaki, Harris, Anton, and Jayden helped me take down our reused Christmas tree Tuesday.

If you look where your significance and security are, there you will find your God. Often folks are willing to go through any religious rituals to stay right with God. They just don't want that to interfere with their lifestyle.

Sometime between 2 weeks and 2 years after Christmas, Wisemen came to the house (not manger) to visit the child (not babe). They were observing and perceptive, they noticed the star. They took a risk. Distance did not stop them from being generous. They worshiped out of faith, and not just facts. They were willing to change when God told them to take a different route home. They weren't wise because of their age or experiences. It was God-given.  Thanks for the picture.

Living in the culture during the time Jesus was born wasn't easy. Just ask Joseph as he had to take his new family and flee to Egypt. Ask the Bethlehem families as their young male children were killed because of a power corrupt leader.

I've broken a couple of my own rules. Too many can't, don't, won't, (negative). Last week in telling our story there were too many I's and me (self). 

Corrupt culturewise 2023 was a noisy year, a lot of talk. It's going to be a more bumpy year in 2024. However remember, just like the year the Wisemen visited Christ, God had a plan and was in control. Refuse to live in fear. Ask God for wisdom. Then figure out what's going to be good and make an impact. Happy New Year.