Repetitively, we see in Proverbs, Solomon warning his sons and all the young against sexual sin.  The wisdom given him from God proclaimed this with passion, declaring the devastating effects of giving in to lustful desires of the flesh.  In no other area did Solomon linger so as that of being lured by the temptress to follow one’s sexual desires, putting the flesh above God.  Yet, it is that very area which was his own downfall as he grew older.  Having begun with such favor and blessing, how was it he fell to this temptation himself.  His failure did not go unpunished.  It effected many generations within the Jewish nation.  But there is a stark lesson for us to learn.  That is: how does one finish well with a legacy of faith amid a world of innumerable temptations.

For many sexual desires draws them away.  But for others it is pride, a desire for power, gossip, anger, doubt, or selfishness of heart.  So, what is your Achille’s heel?

What do I mean by that?  In Greek mythology, when Achilles was a baby, it was foretold that he would die young.  To prevent his death, his mother Thetis took Achilles to the River Styx, which was supposed to offer powers of invulnerability, and dipped his body into the water; however, as Thetis held Achilles by the heel, his heel was not washed over by the water of the magical river.  He grew up to be a mighty man of war who survived many battles; yet, died as the result of a wound to his heel.  Hence why the Achilles tendon bares his name.

So, what is your area of weakness?  Just as Solomon urged his sons, we must learn how to hold fast to finish well.

True History Can Guide Us

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Yesterday at work, I found it hard to focus upon the task.  Certainly, having just lost Mom could be the reason.  But I had noticed times before when this would happen.  Everything would come tumbling in upon me.  It would be hard to organize, set priorities and get the task done.  It would seem hopeless as my mind would try to establish a plan.  I recognize part of it is my own brain which is constantly thinking and not always organized.  Although I try very hard to be mentally focused and organized, it seems foreign to my thought process as random thoughts jump in constantly. Indeed, there are times when I look at the task before me and see it as hopeless. In truth, I do not trust myself or God with the task at hand.  Then, I find it necessary to Stop, Rewind, Refocus and thus Restore Hope.

It happens in relationships too.  Old tapes of misunderstandings or harsh words play in our thoughts.  Then we unwittingly lash out harshly to those whom we love.  Desperately we want to change; yet, suddenly the next time we open our mouths—there are those words again spewing out.  And this after pleading with God to change our hearts and shut our mouths before the harsh words are spoken.  In those moments, I again need to Stop, Rewind, Refocus and Restore Hope.  Because by then, my heart is broken, believing it hopeless I will ever look like Christ.

Yet, none of the above can be fixed unless my relationship with God is right.  When doubts, fears, or sin is in my heart, everything seems off focus in every aspect of my life.  So, I find it necessary to stop, rewind, refocus and restore hope in my heart before I can move forward.

STOP

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Chronicles 6 is a fervent prayer offered by Solomon as he dedicated the temple.  Very passionately, the prayer recognized every pitfall human hearts seek after.  Then Solomon asks God to forgive and restore His people—as He had so many times.  So, wisely he spoke of times when other nations would overtake them because of their sin.  At times famine or drought might come to chasten the people.  Or rebellion from within would rise to destroy them because they forsook God.  Whatever plague or judgment came, Solomon trusted that God would be using it to restore His people to Himself and to teach them to follow God alone.  Because humanity can only find joy, hope, and peace in a relationship to God.  Everything else leads to bitterness, pain, and despair.  The prayer was a humble prayer, recognizing the majesty of God and the desperate wickedness of the human heart.

That is what a fervent prayer is!  It is one that comes from deep sorrow blended with reverence, recognizing God as Holy, Righteous, and Just. It does not seek self-gain nor is it fretfully impatient.  A fervent prayer recognizes that God is Sovereign, Abounding in love, and Gracious.  Afterall, look at how wondrous a redemption plan He devised despite our constant destruction of all He so graciously has given.  We want it our way, never recognizing that all we do is tainted with evil thoughts and desires were it not for His gracious hand of love intervening.

God’s Response to Solomon’s Fervent Prayer

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The rod of God has come down upon this our nation!  Do you not feel it?  Why have we not fallen upon our knees in repentance? Are we to sit in silence as we watch all that is happening?  Should not we who proclaim the truth of the Gospel message not be the voice crying forth in the wilderness to make the way for Jesus?  Oh, I do hear a few voices; but will anyone heed their voices.   I watch as Franklin Graham proclaims truth on his twitter account, only to be attacked.  Michael Youssef unashamedly proclaims truth. While John McArthur reminds us of God’s holiness and our call to be Holy with Him as Lord over our life.  But how many are listening to their pleas?

Or are their words falling on death ears?  God is a merciful, gracious, and loving—yes; but that is why God must enact judgement as well.  The rod of God must destroy the harlot of idolatry and lascivious living, so that we might be brought into the light.  Only in His righteousness and truth can true joy be found.  All this other “stuff” which draws our hearts away from Him is wood, hay, and stubble that must be burned from our lives that we might find Him as the precious treasure He is.  So, who should truly fear the rod of God?

All who do not call upon Him as Lord, Master, and Savior.  All who have not humbly come before Him acknowledging their unworthiness, accepting the gift of salvation paid for with the blood of Jesus Christ. To then arise clothed in His righteousness.  Equipped with His Armor to proclaim the gospel message to all of whom we meet without fear or compromise.

The Rod of God-Who should fear?

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Look around and you might say, “What we least desire to know in this world is truth and integrity.” Oh, that wasn’t always the case, nor is it my desire. In fact, I have heard so much noise, differing ideologies lately that I only wish to cry. I desire to weep over our nation, our world, our cities, and our families. All to often, truth and integrity are cast aside for “how do you feel?” What is your reality? As if reality can change. Or truth be relative to one’s feelings and interpretation of it. It is no wonder we see such bitterness and strife in the world around us. Sorrow surrounds my heart from my mother’s lonely isolation into confusion to young children who do not know how to even explain what they feel.

Our nation may truly be on the verge of collapse, if we don’t awaken from our slumber. Even then, what can we do to avoid the devastation of all that we love? More importantly, I must ask, what can I do? Well in part, we must become like the prophetess in Proverbs calling into the streets, awaken and heed the call to wisdom. But to do so, we must also remember that the harvest is not ours; but Gods. Nations may come and go; but ultimately God’s plan for His redeemed is unwavering. That was true in Daniel’s day and it is true for us.

Daniel—a patriarch of truth and integrity

Continue reading 4 Benefits of Seeking Wisdom’s Truth and Integrity →