SMART MOVE: RECEIVE

We hope you had a wonderful Independence Day!  We continue our series Smart Move: Finding Wisdom for Your Life.  We pray constantly that you will be inspired and transformed by the power of God’s wisdom through the book of Proverbs.  Fear is an ever-present reality for our lives.  It seems we are bombarded with fear on a daily basis.  There are many things that prompt us to be afraid.   It doesn’t help that news reports or bulletins are often framed with dramatic, attention-seeking language.  Fear has a lot of negative effect upon our lives.  We are programed for self-survival and this causes us to either flee or fight in face of fear.  Are there other options beside running away or exploding in anger?  What will give us courage to face our future with hope and confidence?  The sermon this week is Receive and it is based upon Proverbs 8:5-17.  In this chapter wisdom raises her voice calling to anyone who will listen.  She is literally a “street preacher” encouraging everyone to find God’s counsel, insight, knowledge, intelligence, and ultimately an amazing strength for their lives.  God’s wisdom always builds a confidence for our lives, even when facing the most difficult times.  We realize that courage is never the absence of fear but it is an enduring, powerful faith that helps us to overcome rather than be overwhelmed! This passage gives us discernment and guidance to find the strength that God wants to share with us.   As you read these words it is our most earnest prayer that you will sense the power of God’s wisdom filling you with the confidence of his goodness and presence.  Proverbs 8:5-17:

⁵ You simple people, use good judgment. You foolish people, show some understanding.  ⁶ Listen to me! For I have important things to tell you. Everything I say is right, ⁷ for I speak the truth and detest every kind of deception. ⁸ My advice is wholesome. There is nothing devious or crooked in it. ⁹ My words are plain to anyone with understanding, clear to those with knowledge. ¹⁰ Choose my instruction rather than silver, and knowledge rather than pure gold. ¹¹ For wisdom is far more valuable than rubies. Nothing you desire can compare with it. ¹² “I, Wisdom, live together with good judgment. I know where to discover knowledge and discernment. ¹³ All who fear the LORD will hate evil. Therefore, I hate pride and arrogance, corruption and perverse speech. ¹⁴ Common sense and success belong to me. Insight and strength are mine. ¹⁵ Because of me, kings reign, and rulers make just decrees. ¹⁶ Rulers lead with my help, and nobles make righteous judgments. ¹⁷ “I love all who love me. Those who search will surely find me.   (NLT)