Blogging the Apocrypha - Wisdom of Solomon 9

Wow, been a long time, eh?

(Not that anyone's noticed...)

Finally moved and somewhat organized, have a night off, so I'm here with ya.

Spending some QT with the Lord tonight. May He bless my reading of His Word, and that which is not, so that His light and gospel message may be clearly spread.

Quick update, I drew a picture at sketchfu.com - an animation of John 1:1-14. (Link here: http://sketchfu.com/drawing/30341-john-1-1-14-finished-) Now it's been viewed 14,631 times. Call it a mustard seed. (Enjoy!)

Okay, on to the business at hand.

Wisdom of Solomon

Chapter 9 is a great and beautiful and true piece of literature. (I guess a surprising departure from previous chapters.) The Word of God? No, pretty obvious stuff, but well written, as usual. If only all leaders would rely on the Wisdom of God to rule...how much the earth could be rid of evil. We must have godly leadership!

"For the reasoning of mortals is worthless."

I love this line, "We can hardly guess at what is on earth, and what is at hand we find with labor;" we are only ignorant pioneers, sojourners, innocent, until we are taught what is Truth.

Ah, to be taught what pleases God! This is my favorite line, as nothing makes me more happy than to think I have brought glory to God. I have many shortcomings, vices, and bad habits. But, I should not judge myself, nor fear His judgment to paralysis, else I should nothing learn nor mend in my life.

What pleases God?

1 Chronicles 29:17
"I know, my God, that you test the heart and are pleased with integrity."
Romans 8:8
"Those controlled by the sinful nature cannot please God."
1 Timothy 2:1-4
"I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone—for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth."
Hebrews 11:6
"And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to him must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who earnestly seek him."
Hebrews 13:16
"And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

So, integrity, holiness, prayers, thanksgiving, living a peaceful and quiet life, having faith, doing good, and sharing with others please God. This seems so hard for people to do.

Without God...it is not possible.

Lord of love, mercy, honor, holiness, peace, and grace, please continue your work in me to increase my integrity, help me to pay my bills on time, and to be a woman of my word. Help me to guard my heart, mind, and spirit so it may be pleasing unto you. Please send your Holy Spirit that I may not rely on my own strength to bring this about.

Lord of cleanliness, purity, and righteousness, cleanse me and make me new in your vision once again, Lord. Every day, may your sanctification process take place unhindered in me.

Thank you Lord for putting your words in my heart and mind so I may pray them aloud and for putting holy thoughts in my mind that I may use them for intercession. Thank you for the ministry with International Christian concern, for those I am praying for salvation, for the ministry for commuters and at work. Lord, increase my prayers. Thank you for answering them and being faithful in hearing me.

Lord, please increase my gratitude. Please let me not be lax in giving proper thanks to you for all things. Thank you for my health, family, wonderful home and roommate. Thank you for my job which allows me to excel and to support myself and others. Thank you for the heart to tithe and to help care for your Kingdom. Help me to be more generous.

Thank you for this quiet and peaceful life. Thank you for the freedom to have it.

Thank you for revealing so much of yourself that I can not help but believe and know that you are my good Lord, sweet Savior, and precious Holy Spirit. Please forgive me that I have taken you for granted nearly every day of my life. I love you Lord, I love you Jesus, I love you Holy Spirit.

Lord, do I do "good" and "share with others" in a manner that pleases you? I have always struggled with "enough" of these things. I can never outgive you, Lord. Thank you knowledge and wisdom as to these things.

Good and faithful Father, I adore and worship you! You are so beautiful!