Word to the Wise

Dec 17, 2014 Word to the Wise by Rick Warren “Where is the baby who was born to be the king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2a NCV) Look at any nativity scene, and you’ll likely see one set of characters that doesn’t seem to fit in the barn: the Wise Men. We’ve become used to them, but if you look at the scene closely, they appear out of place with their fancy clothes and special gifts. But to me, they’re the most fascinating people in the Christmas story. We don’t know much about them. We don’t know who they are or where they are from. The Bible calls them “magi.” Magi were a combination of philosophers, scientists, and astronomers. They were quite wealthy and well educated. But that’s really all we know about them. But we know they were wise. In fact, we can learn a lot from the wisdom they display in the Christmas story. Among other lessons from the Wise Men, we learn to be seekers of the truth. Wise people aren’t happy with guesses or speculation. They want to know the truth about God, their past, and their future. The Wise Men asked, “Where is the baby who was born to be the king of the Jews?” (Matthew 2:2a NCV)  The Wise Men were seeking Jesus. Wise men and women still seek him today. There are two kinds of people in life when it comes to truth: speculators and seekers. Speculators make guesses about the truth. Speculators think they know what God is like. Speculators love to argue and discuss God, but they’re just guessing — because they don’t really want to know the truth. They only want to talk about him. On the other hand, God loves those who take the time to find the truth. Seekers do four things: They ask questions. They study. They watch what is happening around them. They do whatever it takes to find answers. They seek after Jesus with all they have. God loves seekers. The Bible tells us, “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 NIV). If you are genuinely serious about discovering the truth, you can’t miss it. God won’t let you. Talk It Over Why is it wise to seek after Jesus? Looking back at your life, have you been more of a speculator or a seeker of truth? Why? Name a spiritual seeker in your life whom you can tell more about Jesus and invite to church. Pray for that person. He is Not Limited by Your Limitations TODAY’S SCRIPTURE “Is anything too hard for the LORD? ...” (Genesis 18:14, NIV) TODAY’S WORD from Joel and Victoria If you could see what God has stored up for you, the people you’re going to meet, the places you’re going to go, the good breaks that are going to find you, you would be amazed. It’s going to be the surpassing greatness of God’s favor. But too often, we make excuses. We come up with reasons why this is not going to happen for us. “Well, that sounds good, but I don’t have the training, the talent, the connections.” Or, “I come from the wrong family. I’m the wrong nationality. I’m too short. I’ll never come into my garden.” No, God is not limited by your circumstances, your family or who is against you. When God breathed His life into you, He put a blessing on you that overrides anything that comes against you! The blessings God has stored up for you cannot be stopped by people, bad breaks or injustice. God has the final say. Be encouraged today because God is taking you to a place of blessing. Don’t focus on your circumstances; focus on your God because He is not limited by your limitations! A PRAYER FOR TODAY Father, thank You for blessing me beyond what I can see. Thank You for empowering me to rise above my circumstances and any limitations to boldly embrace the blessing You have for me in Jesus’ name. Amen! PS...https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7njx-UH73w