Whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall become in him a well of water springing up to eternal life.
(John 4:14)


(LIVING WATER)
ISSUE: #

MEM

(Messianic Email Message)
Psalms 119:97 - 104
Seeking The Truth
MEM Index
Article Index

And he showed me a river of the water of life, clear as crystal, coming from the throne of God and of the Lamb
(Rev 22:1)

For His Glory!

Message

The Need for Wisdom

How has life been treating you? Are you faced with pressures? Is it a struggle to make ends meet? Do people often misunderstand your intentions? Are you making headway in life or do things seem at a standstill? Do your efforts seem fruitless and meaningless? Can you count it a joy when you face various trials? It maybe there is a need for wisdom that can help you make sense out of life’s issues.

In a recent Bible study we were going through the book of James and in my personal study I was reading through Proverbs. At this point I realized how much James had to say about wisdom.

Wisdom (Webster):

The trait of utilizing knowledge and experience with common sense and insight

Accumulated knowledge or erudition or enlightenment

Ability to apply knowledge or experience or understanding or common sense and insight

James helps us identify two kinds of wisdom, one good and one not so good:

Jas 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. 14 But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. 15 This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. 16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing.

Jas 3:17 But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.

As in Luke 21:15 Yeshua says: "for I will give you utterance and wisdom <4678> which none of your opponents will be able to resist or refute." (NAS unless noted)

Strong’s #4678 (sofia) properly wisdom. It denotes mental excellence in the highest and fullest sense, expressing an attitude as well as an act of the mind. It comprehends knowledge and implies goodness, including the striving after the highest ends, as well as the using of the best means for their attainment. It is never ascribed to anyone but God and good men, except in a plainly ironical sense.

James 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

James is showing us that wisdom is something we act upon. To have wisdom means you are doing or using it. It is being exhibited in measurable ways. Of course we want to be exhibiting the wisdom from above. If you will note most of the Scriptures about wisdom and the wise will be expressed in or for some type of action.

This is the introduction to an article "The Need for Wisdom" that gives much more detail about pure, peaceable wisdom.

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In the Epistle of James we see wisdom comes in the form of the earthy and the heavenly; which is mostly to do with motives.

And the not so good wisdom:

1 Corinthians 3:19 For the wisdom of this world is foolishness before God.

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Of course the Proverbs are addressing the call to wisdom or to be wise. Especially chapter 10 gives a contrast between the wise and the wicked. In short the wise are righteous and the wicked are unrighteous. The wicked share the un flattering name of fool, lazy, negligent - in general the Book of Proverbs is a running comparison between these two opposing groups.

Prov 1:7 The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge; Fools despise wisdom and instruction.

So the question is, "Why would you want this wisdom from above?"

2Tim 3:15 and that from childhood you have known the sacred writings which are able to give you the wisdom that leads to salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus.

Prov 8:11 "For wisdom is better than jewels; And all desirable things cannot compare with her.

Eccl 2:13 And I saw that wisdom excels folly as light excels darkness.

Eccl 2:26 For to a person who is good in His sight He has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, while to the sinner He has given the task of gathering and collecting so that he may give to one who is good in God's sight. This too is vanity and striving after wind.

Eccl 7:12 For wisdom is protection just as money is protection. But the advantage of knowledge is that wisdom preserves the lives of its possessors.

Eccl 8:1 Who is like the wise man and who knows the interpretation of a matter? A man's wisdom illumines him and causes his stern face to beam.

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YHVH grant us the wisdom we need to actively apply Your word to our lives and serve others to Your Honor.


Proverbs

Some Proverbs About Wisdom

Proverbs 6:6 Go to the ant, O sluggard, Observe her ways and be wise,

Proverbs 10:14 Wise men store up knowledge, …

Proverbs 12:15 … a wise man is he who listens to counsel.

Proverbs 13:20 He who walks with wise men will be wise

Proverbs 14:16 A wise man is cautious and turns away from evil…

Proverbs 16:23 The heart of the wise instructs his mouth And adds persuasiveness to his lips.

Proverbs 19:20 Listen to counsel and accept discipline, That you may be wise the rest of your days.

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From the Eternal One comes wisdom - we humbly ask for His insight in all of life’s issues.


Saying(s)

"As human beings we are endowed with freedom of choice, and we cannot shuffle off our responsibilities upon the shoulders of God or nature. We must shoulder it ourselves. It is upon us." Arnold J. Toynbee 

This is why Scripture encourages us to be wise in our pursuit of life in the family of our Creator.

Colossians 1:9 For this reason also, since the day we heard of it, we have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding,

James 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.

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Almighty Elohim, we need to be wise to shoulder the responsibilities of life - Thus we need Your wisdom.


Bible Quiz
  1. What did Yeshua (Jesus) do to the men sitting at the tables exchanging money in the temple courts?
  2. Who wrote more books of the bible than any other man?
  3. In which city did the jailer ask, "Sirs, what must I do to be saved?"
  4. Through what do we have redemption?
  5. How old was Joseph when he was sold into Egypt?
  6. Who killed himself after the battle of Mount Gilboa?
  7. Who said, "Four days ago I was in my house praying at this hour, at three in the afternoon. Suddenly a man in shining clothes stood before me"?

Humility

In our pursuit of humility:

(Lessons from humility and happiness)

"The danger of pride is greater and nearer than we think, and especially at the time of our greatest experiences. The preacher of spiritual truth with an admiring congregation hanging on his every word, the gifted speaker of a holiness convention expounding the secrets of the heavenly life, the Christian giving testimony to a blessed experience-no man knows the hidden, unconscious danger to which these are exposed. Paul was in danger without knowing it? What Jesus did for him is written for our admonition, that we may know our danger and know our only safety. If ever it has been said of the teacher or professor of holiness: he is so full of self; or he does not practice what he preaches; or his blessing has not made him humbler or gentler-let it be said no more. Jesus, in whom we trust, can make us humble." Andrew Murray

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The lessons of life should teach us that humility is the path to wisdom:

"Humility is the first chapter in the book of wisdom." Thomas Jefferson

James 1:21 Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.

James 4:6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE."

James 4:10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.

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Father, let us not be haughty, or high minded for You have shown us a better way (Micah 6:8).


Prayer

Understanding the precepts of prayer.

Coming to Elohim in humility and seeking His help acknowledges our need for His direction and His wisdom.

Ps 86:1 Incline Your ear, O LORD, and answer me; For I am afflicted and needy.

Ps 86:6 Give ear, O LORD, to my prayer; And give heed to the voice of my supplications!

Ps 88:2 Let my prayer come before You; Incline Your ear to my cry!

Ps 88:13 But I, O LORD, have cried out to You for help, And in the morning my prayer comes before You.

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YHVH, when we acknowledge our needs and humbly seek, You will hear and respond - Blessed be Your name.


Heart of God

How does God feel about issues we face today?

Source of Wisdom

Have you ever heard someone who just solved a problem say that the answer just came to them? Have you ever had the same experience yourself? The concept of an idea coming to you is true, and everything that comes to you must come from somewhere. Are you aware of how many ideas you get from God? Just as He sends the sun and the rain on the just and on the unjust, so He also give hints and direction to everyone, even those who are far from Him, for they need His assistance to survive. How much more should God’s own sheep seek His counsel directly, and recognize the good ideas He gives them, for they know His voice. Ideas are visions of potential reality. If they are from God they will be expressions of Godly wisdom. If any man lack wisdom, let him ask God, and He will give it to him freely. Though His voice to you may come to you as a gentle prompting, if you follow it you will be obeying Him and walking in His will. Do you need good ideas? Ask God for them and you shall have them. Acknowledge what He gives you and follow where He leads. Do this consistently and you will be led by the Spirit. (Adopted from a blog post by Dale Cresap)

I will get my knowledge from afar, and will ascribe righteousness to my Maker. (Job 36:3)

But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach; and it will be given to him. (Jas 1:5)

Material in this section is based on various prayer diaries.


Did you know?

Did you know there was a female G.I. Joe nurse in 1967? Sales were so poor that Hasbro retired her after a year.

Did you know Arthur Murray quit his job at an architect’s office to take lessons with famed ballroom dancers Vernon and Irene Castle? By 1965, Murray owned 350 franchised dance studios. He was immortalized in the song "Arthur Murray Taught Me Dancing in a Hurry."

Did you know that 1907 was the year Hershey’s kisses debuted? To the delight of chocolate lovers everywhere?

Did you know that though they were beloved in Britain in 1963, the Beatles couldn’t get a record deal in the United States? All that changed when Ed Sullivan experienced the insanity surrounding the Band’s arrival at Heathrow Airport that fall. He returned to the states determined to book the band for his show.

Did you know in 1973 OPEC’s embargo raised the cost of oil shipments to the U.S. from $3 per barrel to $12, sparking an energy crisis. Fuel prices spiked, and politicians encouraged gas stations to close on Sundays.


Simple Bible Quiz
J. Vernon Jacobs

A lovely maiden chosen queen.

And all her people blessed her;

She saved their lives by risking hers.

They called her good Queen _________.

(If need be see end of MEM for answer)


Lighter Side

A Senior Moment

Sitting on the side of the road waiting to catch speeding drivers, a Massachusetts state trooper sees a car puttering along at 24 mph. He thinks to himself, "This driver is as dangerous as a speeder!" So he turns on his lights and pulls the driver over.

Approaching the car, he notices that there are five elderly ladies - two in the front seat and three in the back, wide-eyed and white as ghosts.

The driver, obviously confused, says to him, "Officer, I don't understand. I was going the exact speed limit. What seems to be the problem?"

The trooper trying to contain a chuckle, explains to her that 24 was the route number, not the speed limit. A bit embarrassed, the woman grinned and thanked the officer for pointing out her error.

"But before you go, Ma'am, I have to ask, is everyone in this car OK? These women seem awfully shaken."

"Oh, they'll be all right in a minute, officer. We just got off Route 108."


An Interesting E-Mail

A PREAMBLE TO THE CONSTITUTION - A bill of NON-RIGHTS

The following has been attributed to Lewis Napper, Jackson, Mississippi, a computer programmer. He didn't expect his essay -- a tart 11-point list of "rights" that Americans don't have -- to become an Internet legend.

"We, the sensible people of the United States, in an attempt to help everyone get along, restore some semblance of justice, avoid more riots, keep our nation safe, promote positive behavior, and secure the blessings of debt-free liberty to ourselves and our great-great-great-grandchildren, hereby try one more time to ordain and establish some common-sense guidelines for the terminally whiny, guilt ridden, delusional. We hold these truths to be self-evident: that a whole lot of people are confused by the Bill of Rights and are so dim they require a Bill of NON-Rights.

ARTICLE I:
You do not have the right to a new car, big screen TV, or any other form of wealth. More power to you if you can legally acquire them, but no one is guaranteeing you anything.

ARTICLE II:
You do not have the right to never be offended. This country is based on freedom, and that means freedom for everyone -- not just you! You may leave the room, turn the channel, express a different opinion, etc.; but the world is full of dummies and probably always will be.

ARTICLE III:
You do not have the right to be free from harm. If you stick a screwdriver in your eye, learn to be more careful. Do not expect the tool manufacturer to make you and all your relatives independently wealthy.

ARTICLE IV:
You do not have the right to free food and housing. Americans are the most charitable people to be found, and will gladly help anyone in need, but we are quickly growing weary of subsidizing generation after generation of professional couch potatoes who achieve nothing more than the creation of another generation of professional couch potatoes.

ARTICLE V:
You do not have the right to free health care. That would be nice, but from the looks of public housing, we're just not interested in public health care.

ARTICLE VI:
You do not have the right to physically harm other people. If you kidnap, rape, intentionally maim, or kill someone, don't be surprised if the rest of us want to see you get the blue juice.

ARTICLE VII:
You do not have the right to the possessions of others. If you rob, cheat, or coerce away the goods or services of other citizens, don't be surprised if the rest of us get together and lock you away in a place where you still won't have the right to a big-screen color TV, or a life of leisure.

ARTICLE VIII:
You do not have the right to a job. All of us sure want you to have a job, and will gladly help you along in hard times, but we expect you to take advantage of the opportunities of education and vocational training laid before you to make yourself useful.

ARTICLE IX:
You do not have the right to happiness. Being an American means that you have the right to PURSUE happiness, which by the way, is a lot easier if you are unencumbered by an over abundance of idiotic laws created by those of you who were confused by the Bill of Rights.

ARTICLE X:
This is an English-speaking country. We don't care where you came from, English is our language. Learn it!

ARTICLE XI:
You do not have the right to change our country's history or heritage. This country was founded on the belief in one true God. And, yet, you are given the freedom to believe in any religion, any faith, or no faith at all ... with no fear of persecution. The phrase IN GOD WE TRUST is part of our heritage and history; sorry if you are uncomfortable with it."

If you agree, share this with a friend. No, you don't have to, and nothing tragic will befall you if you don't. I just think it's about time common sense is allowed to flourish. Sensible people of the United States must speak out because if you do not, who will?


Cause and Effect

Scribbles

Michael Boldea Jr. (edited)

"The church is dying. For far too long it has been on life support but even with the artificial devices pumping air into its lungs, it is beginning to look and smell like the ambulatory corpse it has become.

We talked ourselves into believing compromise was a viable option and that is where we stepped off the path. The more compromises we allowed in our lives, in our families, in our churches and in our pulpits, the more the world seemed to love us and embrace us and fawn over us. We reveled in the world’s fawning. We reveled in the world’s acceptance, disinterested and indifferent as to whether or not God was likewise accepting of us.

We preferred the world over the God we purported to serve, and that was mistake number two.

The third mistake we made, a mistake which came on the heels of the first and second, is believing that once compromise with sin and the world began, it could somehow be stopped.

The thought that we can dictate terms to God and have Him bend His will to suit our own seems to have enveloped young and old alike, from every denomination, and every corner of the earth. We think that if we throw a big enough tantrum, if we throw a big enough hissy fit, then God will go back on His word and no longer call sin what it is.

It is our compromises that have weakened us. It is our compromises that have brought us to the edge of the abyss, because with every compromise we made we took yet another step farther from truth and the will of God.

Because of our fallen state, because of the compromise coursing through our veins, because it has been so long since we’ve contemplated the very notion of obedience and submission that we’ve forgotten what they mean, we comfort each other with the illusion that if enough of us deem something as lawful and just, God will have no choice but to acquiesce.

God will not be bullied, pressured, or harassed into changing His will, especially when that which is asked of Him contradicts His very nature, a nature rooted in holiness and righteousness.

It isn’t one large wound that has become the death of us, it is a thousand little ones. A thousand little compromises causing us to bleed out and grow anemic, and wandering about in a daze asking ourselves where it all went wrong.

The sifting is upon us. Soon, sooner than some would like to believe, brother will turn against brother, mother against daughter, and father against son, because the Word of God has a way of coming to pass when we least expect it.

The shaking must come, the separation must take place, because the tares are choking out the wheat, and soon there will be no life left to speak of. One thing few realize is that the wheat and the tares were growing in the same field, side by side, in the same soil.

It’s not the world that’s choking off the church, it is the pretend Christians within the church, the compromised, duplicitous, hypocritical, self-serving souls paying God lip service who are choking off the true believers at the great glee and merriment of the world and the devil alike.

1Peter 4:17 For it is time for judgment to begin with the household of God; and if it begins with us first, what will be the outcome for those who do not obey the gospel of God?

With love in Christ

Michael Boldea Jr.

www handofhelp.com


Consider

No duty is more urgent than that of returning thanks

From the weeds of our mistakes grow the fruits of wisdom and good judgment

The values we leave in our children are more important than the valuables we leave to them

We don’t quit playing because we grow old-we grow old because we quit playing

Friendship is the only cement that will hold the world together


Bytes

Where Does God Live?
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: "I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite." (Isaiah 57:15; ESV)

According to the verse quoted, humility is an essential ingredient in experiencing a right relationship with God.
 
According to this verse God has two places where he lives. The first is completely beyond human comprehension and experience. According to Isaiah he is "
high and lifted up", signifying his distinction from the human earthly sphere of life and his authority over the universe. He also "inhabits eternity", meaning that his existence reaches from the infinite past to the infinite future, and he is not confined to time restraint as we are. "His name is Holy" signifies that his character is absolutely morally pure and perfect. He is distinctly himself and cannot be affected by anything outside himself.
 
But God doesn't only live beyond our reach; he says through Isaiah that he also lives "
with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit." … God's dwelling with us is not based on a one-day performance, but rather on an ongoing attitude of heart and life.
 
What does it mean to be "
of a contrite and lowly spirit"? The Hebrew word for "contrite" is "da-ka'", meaning "to be crushed." "Lowly" in Hebrew is "shefal'", refers to something being lower than something else. "Spirit" in Hebrew is "ru'-ach", and can mean "spirit," "wind," or "breath" and refers to our life source. To be "of a contrite and lowly spirit" therefore means to accept that we are not self-sustaining beings, but rather needy creatures in the sight of God. Only God alone is self-sustaining, high and lofty, perfect and pure. We are dependent on him and accountable to him. Those who are of a contrite and lowly spirit are those who recognize their continual need for God and for his direction. Having no confidence in themselves, their humility is evident in their ongoing openness to God and his word.
 
This doesn't mean that the contrite and lowly in spirit are pushovers, passive, or depressed, because, as we read, God
revives them. The Hebrew word for "revive" is "cha-yah'", meaning to give life. Without God's presence, we are lifeless. But when he lives in us, we can really live. But for him to live in us we need to stop pursuing life on our own terms and instead allow God to direct us however he wishes.

By Alan Gilman
TorahBytes Communications

*(This document may be edited for length)


Psalm Promise

Psalm 91:9-11

For you have made the LORD, my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place. No evil will befall you, Nor will any plague come near your tent. For He will give His angels charge concerning you, To guard you in all your ways.

Be wise - Make YHVH your refuge - Your dwelling place - then you may be confident in these promises.

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Blessed be YHVH (Genesis 14:20 And blessed be God Most High…)


Essence of the Message

Hosea 14:9 Whoever is wise, let him understand these things; Whoever is discerning, let him know them. For the ways of the LORD are right, And the righteous will walk in them…

James 3:13 Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.


Quiz Answers

1. He drove them from the temple with a whip - John 2:14-15

2. Paul

3. Philippi - Acts 16:12, 29-30

4. Through the blood of Yeshua (Jesus) - Ephesians 1:7

5. Seventeen - Genesis 37:2, 28

6. King Saul - 1 Chronicles 10:1-5

7. Cornelius - Acts 10:30


Simple Quiz answer - "Esther"



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