{"id":407,"date":"2010-03-01T12:29:35","date_gmt":"2010-03-01T19:29:35","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/?p=407"},"modified":"2011-06-29T06:44:14","modified_gmt":"2011-06-29T13:44:14","slug":"the-truth-about-wisdom","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/?p=407","title":{"rendered":"“The Truth about Wisdom”"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n[Translate]<\/a>\"\"\n
\n<\/div>\n
\n

\"\"<\/a>The Lord has blessed us with another beautiful day! Take a look around \u2013 notice
\nanything special as you awoke this morning? Of Course! You were able to open your
\neyes and SEE!!!<\/p>\n

We take \u201clittle things\u201d like our sight for granted \u2013 don\u2019t we? That is, until we no longer
\nhave our sight! What would you do if you could no longer see \u2013 if you were blind?
\nUnfortunately, this is a physical reality for many in this world, and a very scary prospect
\nfor most of us to consider. By God\u2019s grace, we are blessed with all kinds of abilities
\n(including our sight) which allow us to see and enjoy the intricate splendor of God\u2019s
\ncreation around us. Praise the LORD for His mercy and grace!<\/p>\n

Early in the morning, I enjoy looking outside and seeing the activity at our bird feeder.
\nEach day brings a new flutter of feathered friends, coming and going \u2013 displaying their
\nin-flight antics as they approach and land at the bird feeder. There\u2019s no Air Traffic
\nController on duty, but nonetheless a highly orchestrated event. It\u2019s truly amazing how
\nthese slight creatures are able to move about with such speed, precision, and perfection \u2013
\nGod\u2019s miracle of flight on display \u2013 the best air show in town!<\/p>\n

During this organized \u201cfeeding frenzy\u201d that takes place each day, I\u2019ll sometimes hear the
\ndistant and mysterious \u201choot\u201d of an owl (probably up on the roof, looking at the feeder —
\nlicking his chops). There has always been a mystique surrounding the owl\u2026 I wonder\u2026
\nIs it \u201ctrue\u201d what they say about owls\u2026 Are they are full of \u201cwisdom\u201d?<\/p>\n

I\u2019m not sure about \u201cowlish wisdom\u201d, but I can show you a \u201cheavenly owl\u201d that might
\n\u201cgive a hoot\u201d about your day! You see\u2026 Perched in the night sky, shedding its light
\ntoward earth, is a heavenly body that boasts big eyes and a round face. It\u2019s located in the
\nnight sky near the bottom of the Big Dipper. This \u201ccosmic fowl\u201d is shown in the image
\nbelow, which was recently taken from our JMSM Observatory.<\/p>\n

This object resides in our own Milky Way Galaxy, and is commonly called \u201cThe Owl
\nNebula\u201d, and technically named M97 — a Planetary Nebula. It is some 2,600 light years
\ndistant from our earth. This glowing gaseous shell is the result of a dying sun-like star
\nthat is now compressed to a very dense hot star condition, which now illuminates the gas
\ncloud that surrounds it. Note the bluish color of the central star\u2026
\nCan you see the owl-like-face within this planetary nebula?<\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

Our Cosmic Owl may be hard to make out at such great distance, as shown in the widefield
\nimage above. Let\u2019s move in for a \u201ccloser\u201d look in the magnified image below.
\nNote the surrounding background galaxies in both field of views\u2026 Each of these \u201ctiny\u201d
\ngalaxies contain upward to billions of stars!<\/p>\n

<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n

Well\u2026 It might take the wisdom of an owl to figure out how astronomers use their
\nimagination to come up with all the earthly names for these heavenly objects! But then,
\nwe are all witness to His Creation\u2026 Perhaps God is touching their hearts?<\/p>\n

Here\u2019s a question for you\u2026 Where did the owl get its wisdom? It\u2019s interesting that
\nmost of this \u201cperceived wisdom\u201d comes from worldly perceptions and cultural roots that
\nrange from the owl having supernatural knowledge in some Indian cultures, to the owl
\nsymbolizing messengers of the gods, as in some parts of Japanese culture. Such is the
\nworldly perception of wisdom. \u2013 at least concerning the owl.<\/p>\n

\n

\"\"<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

But what is the truth about wisdom? Let\u2019s take a brief look at these two terms \u2013 \u201ctruth\u201d
\nand \u201cwisdom\u201d. It might be worthwhile to consider what Webster\u2019s says: It states that
\n\u201ctruth\u201d is a fact or reality that has been verified; and that \u201cwisdom\u201d is accumulated
\nknowledge or enlightenment. Sounds reasonable… But what does the Bible say about
\ntruth and wisdom? Let\u2019s take a brief look at how God\u2019s Word enlightens us on the reality
\nof these multifaceted terms, and as Christians, how they relate and may apply to our daily
\nlives.<\/p>\n

It seems good that in order to understand wisdom, that from a Godly perspective, we
\nmust first understand the Truth.<\/p>\n

Do you remember how in John 18:38, Pilate asked Jesus, \u201cWhat is the truth?\u201d Clearly,
\nPilate was stuck on worldly truth. Isn\u2019t it amazing that Pilate was looking directly into
\nthe face of Truth, yet he was still perplexed! This may help us to understand that there is
\na worldly truth and a Godly truth. As with Pilate, it can be difficult for we Christians to
\nsometimes distinguish between the two in our daily lives. To be clear however, we know
\nthat this Truth we speak of is Jesus for as it says in John 14:6, \u201cJesus said to him, \u2018I am
\nthe way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.\u201d<\/p>\n

As Christians, the reality of the worldly truth that we perceive, is that which is
\ntranscended by the Godly truth we find in the Bible. It is the Godly truth that affirms the
\nworldly truth \u2013 not the other way around. Listen to what Paul says in 1 Thessalonians
\n2:13, “When you received from us the word of God\u2019s message, you accepted it not as
\nthe word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its
\nwork in you who believe.”<\/p>\n

Therefore, in a Christian context, we need to follow Godly truth with discernment as
\napplied to what we know as worldly truth. In this regard, our priorities need to be
\nfocused on God and the Truth that is found in His Word, as it can be applied in our daily
\nlives. Jesus knew the importance of focusing on the truth \u2013 for Jesus is the Truth. Recall
\nhow many times Jesus stated, \u201cI tell you the truth,\u201c Note how Jesus calls our
\nattention to the truth in John 8:31, \u201cTo the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said,
\n“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the
\ntruth, and the truth will set you free.”<\/p>\n

We could go on about how the Bible talks about truth. In fact, truth is referenced over
\n200 times in the Bible! Something you may wish to explore in your spare time\u2026<\/p>\n

The key point here is that understanding God\u2019s truth helps to yield Godly wisdom. This
\nis more than just accumulating knowledge. For Godly wisdom is the result of trusting in
\nGod\u2019s truth. Not only trusting it, but applying it! When we do this, we gain in both
\nknowledge and in wisdom. This serves to enhance every aspect of our life.<\/p>\n

Having a form of Godly wisdom is indeed a plus, for it allows us to avoid many of the
\nsnares encountered in the world. With Godly wisdom comes discernment, and the
\nwillingness to allow the Holy Spirit to work in our lives. I like what it says in Luke
\n12:12, \u201cFor the Holy Spirit will teach you in that very hour what you ought to say.\u201d<\/p>\n

When we exercise our Godly wisdom, combined with other gifts we have received, we
\ndiscover that our lives are built on a solid foundation of the Truth, where the forces of
\nevil find it difficult to prevail against us.<\/p>\n

Godly wisdom also encourages us to seek God\u2019s truth, which further strengthens our
\nability to persevere and endure. Listen to what it says in James 1:12, \u201cBlessed is the man
\nwho preserves under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the
\ncrown of life that God has promised to those who live him.\u201d<\/p>\n

Godly wisdom also carries significant responsibility, for we have accepted a calling.
\nThat calling requires us to be faithful to the One that has shown us the Truth. For we
\nhave been baptized by one Spirit into one body (1 Corinthians 12) \u2013 the Body of Christ.
\nThis more than implies that we should flee from our sinful nature. For having accepted
\nChrist, although we are in the world, we are no longer of the world.<\/p>\n

This Godly wisdom also allows us to exhibit our eternal qualities of unity in Christ Jesus
\nby loving one another, fulfilling our call to service, worshiping and giving praise to the
\nLord, and sharing the Good News of Jesus. In all this, we commit to be obedient to God.<\/p>\n

If you have some time\u2026 reflect on how God\u2019s truth has impacted your life, and how it
\nhas helped to develop your Godly wisdom. Remember, it is not enough to simply add
\nthese understandings of truth and wisdom to your \u201cChristianity\u201d — it\u2019s important to apply
\nthem, and continually assess how God is working in your life. In your sanctifying
\nprocess of gaining Godly wisdom, know that you are a new creation in Christ.<\/p>\n

\u201cTherefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away;
\nbehold, all things have become new.\u201d (2 Corinthians 5:17)<\/p>\n

In all this, get connected with the fact that Jesus will come again \u2013 soon! So be active in
\nwhat He commanded for us to do — just as He commanded His disciples:<\/p>\n

\u201cTherefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the
\nFather and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I
\nhave commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
\n(Matthew 28:19-20)<\/p>\n

As you prepare for the busy week ahead, take time to \u201csee\u201d what God has placed before
\nyou, and regardless the hardships, recognize the many blessings in your life. In all that
\nyou do, be \u201cwise as an owl\u201d by exercising your Godly wisdom. Allow the Holy Spirit to
\nenergize your soul as you seek God\u2019s Truth, and always be obedient to God as He reveals
\nto you His perfect loving will.<\/p>\n

May the Lord place someone in your path this week to share the Good News of Jesus
\nChrist \u2013 our Lord and Savior. Amen!<\/p>\n

Have a great week!<\/p>\n

Your brother in Christ,
\nMike Sherick<\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

[Translate] <\/p>\n

The Lord has blessed us with another beautiful day! Take a look around \u2013 notice anything special as you awoke this morning? Of Course! You were able to open your eyes and SEE!!!<\/p>\n

We take \u201clittle things\u201d like our sight for granted \u2013 don\u2019t we? That is, until we no longer […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[1],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/407"}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=407"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/407\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1328,"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/407\/revisions\/1328"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=407"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=407"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.imagingtheheavens.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=407"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}