SEPTEMBER EDITION- 2019 WONDERFUL WORDS OF LIFE
by Dr. Keith J. Wise
I. Introduction: We enter the month of September with an air of expectancy. Most schools are now in session and the regular schedules of most families begin again. This reminds me of measured insights on education. What does it mean to be educated? Does education enhance our lives? Is it more than an accumulation of facts or answers on a "smart phone?" These and other questions can be magnified and simplified in ways that are understandable and enlightening. If we have a biblical perspective we see the enhancement of information coupled with the correlation of wisdom. The category of "Wisdom Literature" in the Old Testament (Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, Song of Solomon,), magnify the important qualities of education and practical application into our daily lives.
In the early 1960's a concern of the parents of the "baby boomers" were the application of educational principles. Here are some of those items they emphasized then and are still relevant today if we are to raise a generation of truly educated individuals.
- Mastery of the fundamentals in writing, speech, mathematics. These explore the varieties of human thinking of the brain. They open the windows of mental perception. Situational awareness is not new concept.
- Goal setting is eventually looking toward selecting a vocation. In other words, how does this education I receive improve me, my life, my community and mankind as a whole? Great buildings are built one stone upon another. An old quote is applicable at this point to say "...to fail to plan is to plan to fail..."
- This may sound like a simple principle, but personal hygiene helps us to interact with others around us. People still matter in our education process, and how we present ourselves can make a difference. Bathing, Dental Care and proper nutrition are always emphasized in relation to others. Another generation is re-discovering this today.
- Good citizenship is vital if the nation is to prosper. Our nation has been bless by God and informed people are interested in the next generation while improving their own. To remedy flaws we must have educated people at all levels to vote and see the value of the United States of America. Her achievements far exceed her flaws. "One nation under God..."
- Historically, the one agency that has built a moral fiber in the community of society has been the Church. We hear the cry today for "Ethics" at every level of business, education, science and even the church itself. This is only accomplished when morally driven individuals considers that higher power that takes account of our actions, thoughts and motives.
- Although vocation and education is vital, how we use our "leisure time" can also speak of the "fruits" of our labor. We are not made to work 24/7. We need time to reflect, create, and refresh ourselves in a meaningful fashion so that we might enhance the overall lifestyle of the culture of our society. Our forefathers called this "finding a hobby." What do you do "away" from the job? There will be a life beyond what you did for your livelihood.
These obviously are not all the principles we could mention. We might say they are a good guidepost to make us all more aware and educated in ourselves and others around us. Consciously treating one another with kindness as we function in our day to day activities will reap benefits. I believe such "self awareness" energizes a true satisfaction in life.
II. DIGGING DEEPER... Beyond Samuel and Saul to David...
A. David as King: We have been looking at the drama of the Prophet and Judge Samuel. In the clearest sense, Saul is no longer God's choice for king, Samuel immediately anoints David (I Sam.16:1-13). (see August study) Not only that, the Spirit of the LORD who empowers Saul, now comes upon David and leaves Saul (16:13-14). In a very real sense, David is a "King without a throne": (I Samuel 16-18). David, though unknown publicly as king, begins to carry out his anointed task. We insert a little note here because the story of David and Goliath is a highlight to underline the actions of a Judge, (one who provides a great delivery), and the actions of a king. Yes, David and Goliath is about faith-but faith about Israel's new and unknown king, rather than a little boy who has enough faith to go around killing giants like and Old Testament Jack-in-the-Beanstalk.
David wins this initial victory as a "hidden king" figure, but no one recognizes its full significance. David's continuing success, however, alerts Saul to his true purpose (18:5-8). When David does not die in battle against great odds, Saul tries to directly kill David. Optics are very important here, in that while David is facing a giant, Saul is huddling in his tent. The rest of I Samuel finds Saul chasing David around the wilderness of Judah trying to kill him. It is a time for David to learn security in the midst of vulnerability (Psalm 4:8). Saul becomes increasingly unstable as he tries to fight against the word of judgment through Samuel. Another insight here is that we find David administrating through example, the"dignity of the office" of king with-outright saying so. He does this by not killing or assassinating Saul, although he could have done so on at least two occasions. Assassination would not be introduced by David in his kingship, but would be used by later kings in their conformity to the blindness of power similar to their pagan royalty.
B. David as the Model King: II Samuel 1-10. With the death of Saul, David is quickly anointed king over Judah. Saul's surviving son reigns over the rest of the tribes, but the real power behind his throne is his general, Abner. David conducts this struggle without animosity. He laments the deaths of Saul and Johnathan (II Samuel 1). He congratulates the men of Jabesh Gilead who rescued Saul's body from further dishonor (2:4-7). He punishes the "news bearers" of Saul who thought David would reward them (II Sam. 4:9-10). The one blot on his record is the death of Abner who was visiting to arrange terms of peace (3:12-37). He was killed by Joab. This was not by David's order. The writer of II Samuel clearly explains that a "Bethlehem Mafia" if you will, surrounds David. Most readers miss it, however, because they don't recognized the names. This material deserves some attention in our story as we put the pieces together.
For instance, who is Zeruiah 2:18? This is the name of David's sister (I Chronicles 2:13-16). The three "sons of Zeruiah" are David's nephews. Joab is one of these. Joab with his brother are a continuing challenge for King David throughout the book. The king often sees them as thorns in his royal side (3:39,16:10,19:22). Joab's murder of Abner incenses David. He calls down a curse on Joab's house and personally mourns the death of Abner. Somehow David is able to avoid major crisis as the rest of Israel recognizes that Abner's death was Joab's personal vendetta that did not involve the king.
After being anointed king over all Israel, (all twelve tribes), David succeeds in various areas against Israel's enemies. He conquers the seemingly secures the Jebusites at Jerusalem and defeats the Philistines, who take their best shot at nipping this rising monarch before he blooms(5:6-25).
David establishes Jerusalem as his capital and moves the ark of the covenant there. His desire to build a permanent temple for the Lord is refused, but he receives a promise that more than compensates for the immediate disappointment. (chapter 7 of II Sam.) Yahweh gives David more military successes(8:1-14,10:1-19), and David does what is "just and right for all his people" (8:15). This includes even the house of Saul and Jonathan, as David seeks to show kindness to their remaining heir(chap. 9).
As David and many other leaders learn in the future, success must be handled with wisdom as does adversity. Next month we will see a side of David that makes him wither because of poor choices and sin before a living and just God.
III. DID YOU KNOW... Surprises and Points of Interest...
1. F.W. Woolworth founder of the five-and-dime chain, was once hired as a janitor for fifty cents a day by a retail store owner who didn't think Woolworth had enough business sense to wait on customers.
2. The first time George Gershwin ever played the piano on the stage, he was laughed out of the theater by both the audience and his fellow actors.
3. Albert Einstein's teachers classified him as a dunce, and even his parents thought him backward.
4. When Thomas A. Edison was in school, he was always at the end of his class because he could not remember his lessons in the three R's. His teachers called him stupid, and doctors predicted that he would have serious brain trouble.
IV. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT... A Sermon Outline of Faith
Title: Abraham: When God's Promises Seem Impossible
Text: Genesis 12:1-9
Introduction: Years ago, Isaiah Moore, a professor of the College of the Scriptures in Louisville, Kentucky decided he would remarry when he was widowed for the fifth time at the age of eighty-nine. Wayne Smith, one of our well known preachers in Lexington, Kentucky asked him why he was marrying again at that age. Professor Moore quipped, "I've always wanted a son." Moore and his new bride even bought a new house near an elementary school. Wayne Smith with his intense sense of humor said to Moore, "Brother Moore, you ought to be the president of the Optimist Club."
God made a bold promise to Abraham in our text: "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you..." (Gen.12:2). That promise seemed impossible to believe because Abraham's wife Sarah, never had children and she was approximately sixty-five years of age. There were some great principles of faith Abraham had to learn as we do, since we all travel on this spiritual journey. Lets consider today the lessons of Abraham and instructions for our faith.
A. Abraham Trusted God's Provision When He Was Called to Move.
B. Abraham Trusted God's Power When He Was Called to Sacrifice Isaac.
Note: There was an unreasonable command. (Gen.22)
1. Abraham's unconditional obedience- (Hebrews 11:17-19) His mindset.
2. An unexpected provision-(Genesis 22:11-13) Ram in the Thicket...
3. An unequivocal blessing- (Genesis 22:15-18)
C. Have Faith! God Keeps His Word... Consider the following...
1. God will meet all your needs. (Phil. 4:9)
2. God will help you overcome temptation. (I Cor.10:13)
3. The peace of God will guard you heart and mind. (Phil. 4:6-7)
4. God will reward faithful financial giving. (Malachi 3:10)
5. The earth will endure until Christ returns. (Genesis 8:22)
6. The Christian will be resurrected into a new body. (John 6:4)
Conclusion: An old quote says, "...if we remain in the "present" and stay in His "presences" our faith will be real and our reward will be great.
IV. QUOTES OF NOTE... Some random quotes of truth...
1. Something is wrong in the life of any individual who constantly sees wrong in others. (from Daily Thoughts)
2. So long as you hesitate to undertake the big tasks, you are likely to remain near the bottom of the ladder. (from Above the Crowd)
3. Quality is not accidental-- it is the result of intelligent effort... (Sunshine Magazine)
4. A wholesome philosophy: Make the most of all that comes, and the least of all that goes. (Sunshine Magazine)
A. David as King: We have been looking at the drama of the Prophet and Judge Samuel. In the clearest sense, Saul is no longer God's choice for king, Samuel immediately anoints David (I Sam.16:1-13). (see August study) Not only that, the Spirit of the LORD who empowers Saul, now comes upon David and leaves Saul (16:13-14). In a very real sense, David is a "King without a throne": (I Samuel 16-18). David, though unknown publicly as king, begins to carry out his anointed task. We insert a little note here because the story of David and Goliath is a highlight to underline the actions of a Judge, (one who provides a great delivery), and the actions of a king. Yes, David and Goliath is about faith-but faith about Israel's new and unknown king, rather than a little boy who has enough faith to go around killing giants like and Old Testament Jack-in-the-Beanstalk.
David wins this initial victory as a "hidden king" figure, but no one recognizes its full significance. David's continuing success, however, alerts Saul to his true purpose (18:5-8). When David does not die in battle against great odds, Saul tries to directly kill David. Optics are very important here, in that while David is facing a giant, Saul is huddling in his tent. The rest of I Samuel finds Saul chasing David around the wilderness of Judah trying to kill him. It is a time for David to learn security in the midst of vulnerability (Psalm 4:8). Saul becomes increasingly unstable as he tries to fight against the word of judgment through Samuel. Another insight here is that we find David administrating through example, the"dignity of the office" of king with-outright saying so. He does this by not killing or assassinating Saul, although he could have done so on at least two occasions. Assassination would not be introduced by David in his kingship, but would be used by later kings in their conformity to the blindness of power similar to their pagan royalty.
B. David as the Model King: II Samuel 1-10. With the death of Saul, David is quickly anointed king over Judah. Saul's surviving son reigns over the rest of the tribes, but the real power behind his throne is his general, Abner. David conducts this struggle without animosity. He laments the deaths of Saul and Johnathan (II Samuel 1). He congratulates the men of Jabesh Gilead who rescued Saul's body from further dishonor (2:4-7). He punishes the "news bearers" of Saul who thought David would reward them (II Sam. 4:9-10). The one blot on his record is the death of Abner who was visiting to arrange terms of peace (3:12-37). He was killed by Joab. This was not by David's order. The writer of II Samuel clearly explains that a "Bethlehem Mafia" if you will, surrounds David. Most readers miss it, however, because they don't recognized the names. This material deserves some attention in our story as we put the pieces together.
For instance, who is Zeruiah 2:18? This is the name of David's sister (I Chronicles 2:13-16). The three "sons of Zeruiah" are David's nephews. Joab is one of these. Joab with his brother are a continuing challenge for King David throughout the book. The king often sees them as thorns in his royal side (3:39,16:10,19:22). Joab's murder of Abner incenses David. He calls down a curse on Joab's house and personally mourns the death of Abner. Somehow David is able to avoid major crisis as the rest of Israel recognizes that Abner's death was Joab's personal vendetta that did not involve the king.
After being anointed king over all Israel, (all twelve tribes), David succeeds in various areas against Israel's enemies. He conquers the seemingly secures the Jebusites at Jerusalem and defeats the Philistines, who take their best shot at nipping this rising monarch before he blooms(5:6-25).
David establishes Jerusalem as his capital and moves the ark of the covenant there. His desire to build a permanent temple for the Lord is refused, but he receives a promise that more than compensates for the immediate disappointment. (chapter 7 of II Sam.) Yahweh gives David more military successes(8:1-14,10:1-19), and David does what is "just and right for all his people" (8:15). This includes even the house of Saul and Jonathan, as David seeks to show kindness to their remaining heir(chap. 9).
As David and many other leaders learn in the future, success must be handled with wisdom as does adversity. Next month we will see a side of David that makes him wither because of poor choices and sin before a living and just God.
III. DID YOU KNOW... Surprises and Points of Interest...
1. F.W. Woolworth founder of the five-and-dime chain, was once hired as a janitor for fifty cents a day by a retail store owner who didn't think Woolworth had enough business sense to wait on customers.
2. The first time George Gershwin ever played the piano on the stage, he was laughed out of the theater by both the audience and his fellow actors.
3. Albert Einstein's teachers classified him as a dunce, and even his parents thought him backward.
4. When Thomas A. Edison was in school, he was always at the end of his class because he could not remember his lessons in the three R's. His teachers called him stupid, and doctors predicted that he would have serious brain trouble.
IV. NUGGETS OF NOURISHMENT... A Sermon Outline of Faith
Title: Abraham: When God's Promises Seem Impossible
Text: Genesis 12:1-9
Introduction: Years ago, Isaiah Moore, a professor of the College of the Scriptures in Louisville, Kentucky decided he would remarry when he was widowed for the fifth time at the age of eighty-nine. Wayne Smith, one of our well known preachers in Lexington, Kentucky asked him why he was marrying again at that age. Professor Moore quipped, "I've always wanted a son." Moore and his new bride even bought a new house near an elementary school. Wayne Smith with his intense sense of humor said to Moore, "Brother Moore, you ought to be the president of the Optimist Club."
God made a bold promise to Abraham in our text: "I will make you into a great nation and I will bless you..." (Gen.12:2). That promise seemed impossible to believe because Abraham's wife Sarah, never had children and she was approximately sixty-five years of age. There were some great principles of faith Abraham had to learn as we do, since we all travel on this spiritual journey. Lets consider today the lessons of Abraham and instructions for our faith.
A. Abraham Trusted God's Provision When He Was Called to Move.
B. Abraham Trusted God's Power When He Was Called to Sacrifice Isaac.
Note: There was an unreasonable command. (Gen.22)
1. Abraham's unconditional obedience- (Hebrews 11:17-19) His mindset.
2. An unexpected provision-(Genesis 22:11-13) Ram in the Thicket...
3. An unequivocal blessing- (Genesis 22:15-18)
C. Have Faith! God Keeps His Word... Consider the following...
1. God will meet all your needs. (Phil. 4:9)
2. God will help you overcome temptation. (I Cor.10:13)
3. The peace of God will guard you heart and mind. (Phil. 4:6-7)
4. God will reward faithful financial giving. (Malachi 3:10)
5. The earth will endure until Christ returns. (Genesis 8:22)
6. The Christian will be resurrected into a new body. (John 6:4)
Conclusion: An old quote says, "...if we remain in the "present" and stay in His "presences" our faith will be real and our reward will be great.
IV. QUOTES OF NOTE... Some random quotes of truth...
1. Something is wrong in the life of any individual who constantly sees wrong in others. (from Daily Thoughts)
2. So long as you hesitate to undertake the big tasks, you are likely to remain near the bottom of the ladder. (from Above the Crowd)
3. Quality is not accidental-- it is the result of intelligent effort... (Sunshine Magazine)
4. A wholesome philosophy: Make the most of all that comes, and the least of all that goes. (Sunshine Magazine)
