Wisdom
-
Today’s World is Just One Big Data Center
Where is the wisdom we have lost in knowledge? Where is the knowledge we have lost in information? – T. S. Elliot Think about it. We have more data than ever, more education than ever, and more technical understanding than ever. And yet we aren’t really any wiser, or more grounded, or any better at… Continue reading
-
Sent to Speak, Called to Obey
The man of God said, “I cannot turn back and go with you, nor can I eat bread or drink water with you in this place. I have been told by the word of the Lord: ‘You must not eat bread or drink water there or return by the way you came.’” The old prophet… Continue reading
-
Sometimes the Most Spiritual Thing We Can Do is Pause
In 1 Samuel 24, David shows self-control in sparing King Saul’s life. Two chapters later, he spares Saul’s life once again. It’s evident that he understood the gravity of those two moments; David knew that it wasn’t God’s will for him to take the life of His anointed. So instead of acting in a place… Continue reading
-
Did They Think They Were Going to a Picnic?
When they went across the lake, the disciples forgot to take bread. “Be careful,” Jesus said to them. “Be on your guard against the yeast of the Pharisees and Sadducees.” They discussed this among themselves and said, “It is because we didn’t bring any bread.” – Matthew 26:5-7 There’s something almost winsome about this moment… Continue reading
-
Trusting The Gardener
Roses are some of the most beautiful flowers in a garden, but they require careful attention if they’re going to flourish. If a rosebush is left entirely on its own, the branches will eventually begin to grow inward and crowd one another. The stems then start competing for sunlight, space, and nutrients. As they grow… Continue reading
-
Gifts From Above
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.– James 1:17 Years ago I received a check in the mail from the federal government. The letter explained that I had overpaid my taxes for a previous fiscal year, and this… Continue reading
-
Comfort? Or Truth?
Then the prophet Jeremiah said to Hananiah the prophet, “Listen, Hananiah! The Lord has not sent you, yet you have persuaded this nation to trust in lies. Therefore this is what the Lord says: ‘I am about to remove you from the face of the earth. This very year you are going to die, because… Continue reading
-
The Wisdom to Say Nothing
I’ve noticed over the years that one of the hardest things is stay quiet when we feel misunderstood. Or when someone questions our motives, or we’re criticized unfairly. When part of the story gets told, but not the whole thing. Something in us rises up and says, I need to fix this. I need to… Continue reading
-
If Fig Trees Could Talk
Some thoughts on fruit, faith, and what God is really looking for. If trees could preach sermons, the fig tree would be one of Israel’s best pastors. It grows where life seems unlikely – rocky ground and thin soil. Not exactly prime real estate! And yet the fig tree thrives there. That alone should catch… Continue reading
-
One Plow, Two Paths
Two friends decided to go into business together. One loved the Lord. The other did not. They shook hands, pooled their money, and signed a contract. At first, the business prospered. But then decisions became challenging. The unbelieving friend wanted the store open on Sundays.“Foot traffic is highest,” he said. “We can’t afford to close.”… Continue reading
-
Delightful Obedience
[Saul said] “Tell David that all I want for the bride price is 100 Philistine foreskins! Vengeance on my enemies is all I really want.” But what Saul had in mind was that David would be killed in the fight. David was delighted to accept the offer. – 1 Samuel 18:25-26a (NLT) This account in… Continue reading
-
For Such a Time as This
When Esther’s words were reported to Mordecai, he sent back this answer: “Do not think that because you are in the king’s house you alone of all the Jews will escape. For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s… Continue reading
-
If You’re Not Reading Your Bible, How Do You Know What’s True?
Sanctify them in the truth; Your word is truth. – John 17:17 Truth is under attack. Always has been. Satan’s not subtle about it – well, he is subtle, actually. He doesn’t just come out and lie; he twists the truth, mixes in half-truths with lies, and makes it all sound reasonable. Jesus called him… Continue reading
-
Mercy and Justice: Was Shimei’s Death Justified?
“And remember, you have with you Shimei son of Gera, the Benjamite from Bahurim, who called down bitter curses on me the day I went to Mahanaim. When he came down to meet me at the Jordan, I swore to him by the LORD: ‘I will not put you to death by the sword.’ But… Continue reading
-
In These Times, Being Wise Means Being Radical
Be very careful, then, how you live – not as unwise but wise. – Ephesians 5:15 You don’t have to look very hard to see that we’re living in evil times. It’s as though the world has gone upside down and decided to stay that way! The things that once seemed sacred – faith, family,… Continue reading
-
At What Point Does “No Big Deal” Become One?
“I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything”—but I will not be mastered by anything. – 1 Cor. 6:12 I read this verse over the weekend and for some reason I keep thinking about it. It’s not like Paul was saying “don’t do… Continue reading
-
Why “Just Follow Your Heart” is Horrible Advice
“I the LORD search the heart and examine the mind, to reward each person according to their conduct, according to what their deeds deserve.” – Jer. 17:10 In Jeremiah chapter 17, the Lord’s prophet draws a sharp line between those who trust in human strength and those who trust in the Lord. Judah’s sin was… Continue reading
-
Thankful For The Pain
It was good for me to be afflicted so that I might learn your decrees. – Psalm 119:71 Life has a way of knocking us down sometimes, doesn’t it? When things get tough, it’s easy to feel like we’re stuck in a mess we can’t get out of. But Psalm 119:71 tells us something powerful:… Continue reading
-
Riding the Storm with God’s Faithful
“Men, I can see that our voyage is going to be disastrous and bring great loss to ship and cargo, and to our own lives also.” – Acts 27:10 In Acts 27, Paul, a prisoner on his way to Rome, is aboard a ship facing a perilous journey. As an experienced traveler, he senses an… Continue reading
-
Have You Prayed About It?
One day soon afterward Jesus went up on a mountain to pray, and he prayed to God all night. At daybreak he called together all of his disciples and chose twelve of them to be apostles… ~ Luke 6:12-13 (NLT) The weight of the world rested on Jesus’ decision. From a group of followers, He… Continue reading
-
Just Because Something Isn’t Bad Doesn’t Always Mean That It’s Helpful.
“Be careful, however, that the exercise of your rights does not become a stumbling block to the weak.” – 1 Corinthians 8:9 Robert throws a big Super Bowl party every year. Wings, nachos, loud friends, and a cooler full of beer – it’s tradition. People look forward to it. It’s one of the things he’s… Continue reading
-
Tread Carefully
But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh. For the desires of the flesh are against the Spirit, and the desires of the Spirit are against the flesh, for these are opposed to each other, to keep you from doing the things you want to do.… Continue reading
-
The Power of Small Choices
“Good and evil both increase at compounding interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance.” – C.S. Lewis We often think of life’s biggest moments as the ones that define us. But more often, it’s the small, daily choices that shape who we become. A… Continue reading
-
Are You In or Out?
The teacher of religious law replied, “Well said, Teacher. You have spoken the truth by saying that there is only one God and no other. And I know it is important to love him with all my heart and all my understanding and all my strength, and to love my neighbor as myself. This is… Continue reading
-
Knowledge Alone Ain’t Enough
You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life. – John 5:39-40 Have you ever been so close to something that you couldn’t actually see it? Back in the early… Continue reading
-
Created For His Purpose
Don’t act thoughtlessly, but understand what the Lord wants you to do. – Ephesians 5:17 God placed each of us on this earth for a purpose. Yet many people drift through life unsure of what God’s will is for them. Instead of seeking His direction, they remain caught up in their own plans, wasting valuable… Continue reading
-
They Couldn’t Find Fault
Then the other administrators and high officers began searching for some fault in the way Daniel was handling government affairs, but they couldn’t find anything to criticize or condemn. He was faithful, always responsible, and completely trustworthy. – Daniel 6:4-5 (NLT) As I was reading this passage yesterday evening, I couldn’t help but think of… Continue reading
-
The Strength to Let it Go
A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.– Proverbs 19:11 When we’re hurt or offended, our natural response is to often lash out or stew in bitterness. But Proverbs 19:11 reminds us that patience, rooted in wisdom, leads us to something greater: the ability to let go. Overlooking an… Continue reading
-
An Awesome, Humbling Business, Indeed…
I can hide my heart, and my past, and my future plans, from those around me, but I cannot hide anything from God. I can talk in a way that deceives my fellow creatures as to what I really am, but nothing I say or do can deceive God. He sees through all my reserve… Continue reading
-
Is The Lord With You?
“Let us find a good musician to play the harp whenever the tormenting spirit troubles you. He will play soothing music, and you will soon be well again.” “All right,” Saul said. “Find me someone who plays well, and bring him here.” One of the servants said to Saul, “One of Jesse’s sons from Bethlehem… Continue reading
-
Hard Conversations Taste Better When Seasoned with Salt
“Speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15 To speak the truth without love can wound deeply, but love without truth lacks substance and direction. When we blend the two – truth and love –… Continue reading
-
The Danger of Criticism
Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law. But your job is to obey the law, not to judge whether it applies to you. God alone, who gave the law, is the Judge. He alone has the power… Continue reading
-
Great Knowledge Comes With Greater Responsibility
Then he turned to his disciples and said privately, “Blessed are the eyes that see what you see. For I tell you that many prophets and kings wanted to see what you see but did not see it, and to hear what you hear but did not hear it.” – Luke 10:23-24 Old Testament men… Continue reading
-
The Ultimate GPS: God’s Positioning System
There is a way that appears to be right,but in the end it leads to death. – Proverbs 14:12 Have you ever made a decision that seemed perfectly reasonable at the time, only to later discover it led you down the wrong path? Proverbs 14:12 warns us about this very thing – a way that… Continue reading
-
A Sojourner’s Uncompromising Resolve
But Daniel resolved not to defile himself with the royal food and wine, and he asked the chief official for permission not to defile himself this way. – Daniel 1:8 Daniel could have easily compromised. He was in a foreign land, living under the rule of King Nebuchadnezzar, and had been chosen to undergo training… Continue reading
-
Have You Been With Jesus?
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and they took note that these men had been with Jesus. – Acts 4:13 When we make time to be in the presence of Jesus, it leaves a mark. Not just on our hearts, but… Continue reading
-
What Matters Most
“You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” – John 5: 39-40 Imagine someone who reads a cookbook every day, memorizes the recipes, and understands all of the culinary… Continue reading
-
When All is Not Good in The Neighborhood
So Saul summoned the men and mustered them at Telaim—two hundred thousand foot soldiers and ten thousand from Judah. Saul went to the city of Amalek and set an ambush in the ravine. Then he said to the Kenites, “Go away, leave the Amalekites so that I do not destroy you along with them; for… Continue reading
-
Making the Most of Our Days
“Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.” Psalm 90:12 It’s easy to lose track of time. We get caught up in work, chores, the needs of our families, and our routines, often forgetting how quickly the days pass. Psalm 90:12, which is attributed to Moses, encourages us to… Continue reading
-
Only God Knows
The astrologers answered the king, “There is no one on earth who can do what the king asks! No king, however great and mighty, has ever asked such a thing of any magician or enchanter or astrologer. What the king asks is too difficult. No one can reveal it to the king except the gods,… Continue reading
-
Get Them Back
Few things are more awkward to me than bumping into someone I know who was once a professing believer but has since given up on “religion” altogether. But what is even more awkward to me is ignoring that person in hopes of avoiding an awkward conversation. People who walk away from their faith will offer… Continue reading
-
The Fruit of Goodness
A certain ruler asked him, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” “Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.“– Luke 18:18-19 Today’s meditation is on the fruit of Goodness. And I think it’s important for us to look at this fruit from two different perspectives:… Continue reading
-
The Income of Dependence Produces the Outcome of Trust
The Lord gave David victory wherever he went. – 1st Chronicles 18:13 David’s life was marked by an unwavering trust in God; a trust not born in the palaces or battlefields, but in the quiet pastures as a young shepherd tending his father’s sheep. It was there, in his early encounters with God, that David… Continue reading
-
Like a Star in the Sky
“Now Daniel so distinguished himself among the administrators and the satraps by his exceptional qualities that the king planned to set him over the whole kingdom. At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They… Continue reading
-
Two Kinds of Wisdom
“If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying. For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s… Continue reading
-
Wisdom Without Action is Wasted
“Now, Lord my God, you have made me king instead of my father, David, but I am like a little child who doesn’t know his way around. And here I am in the midst of your own chosen people, a nation so great and numerous they cannot be counted! Give me an understanding heart so… Continue reading
-
Reruns and Breadcrumbs
As he was approaching Damascus on this mission, a light from heaven suddenly shone down around him. He fell to the ground and heard a voice saying to him, “Saul! Saul! Why are you persecuting me?” “Who are you, lord?” Saul asked. And the voice replied, “I am Jesus, the one you are persecuting! Now… Continue reading
-
There Will Be Opposition
When Satan sees the advancement of God’s plans, he responds by immediately going on the offensive. He actively searches for willing instruments to discourage, distract, and disrupt God’s will from being carried out. If we’re not careful, we can fall right into the enemy’s trap. After the Exile, Nehemiah had tasked the remaining Jews in… Continue reading
-
Isaac’s Example
Devotional for August 15th, 2023 Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening. And he lifted up his eyes and saw, and behold, there were camels coming. And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from the camel and said to the servant, “Who is that man, walking… Continue reading
-
When Hope Comes in the Form of Cheese Sandwiches
“One day Jesse said to David, ‘Take this basket of roasted grain and these ten loaves of bread, and carry them quickly to your brothers. And give these ten cuts of cheese to their captain. See how your brothers are getting along, and bring back a report on how they are doing.’ David’s brothers were… Continue reading
-
When you realize that what you desired and received isn’t what you needed
“Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel, “Why do you come out and line up for battle? Am I not a Philistine, and are you not the servants of Saul? Choose a man and have him come down to me.” – 1 Samuel 17:8 The Israelites were often referred to as “stiff-necked” people… Continue reading
-
Thinking Our Way Out of Temptation
“No test or temptation that comes your way is beyond the course of what others have had to face. All you need to remember is that God will never let you down; he’ll never let you be pushed past your limit; he’ll always be there to help you come through it.” – 1 Corinthians 10:13… Continue reading
-
Who is Your Nathan?
“Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy.” – Proverbs 27:6 When David had Uriah killed, he thought very little of it. After all, he gave Uriah a chance to live. Had he only gone home to spend some time away from battle with his wife, like David had suggested…… Continue reading
-
“Don’t swallow all of your pride at once, for you may very well choke to death.”
“Do you see a man who is wise in his own eyes? There is more hope for a fool than for him.” – Proverbs 26:12 He was widely known for his many accomplishments as an inventor, a statesman, and a writer. However, as he grew older, he became increasingly proud of himself and his abilities.… Continue reading
-
God-Grown is Better Than Home-Grown
“So that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.” Philippians 1:10-11 (ESV) Paul knew that wisdom and discernment can only come from a deep reverence and love… Continue reading
-
Praying for Discernment
“And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless for the day of Christ.” Philippians 1:9-10 Although teaching and encouragement helps, one of the most practical ways we… Continue reading
-
The Argument for Term Limits Found in the Old Testament
But Rehoboam rejected the advice of the older men and instead asked the opinion of the young men who had grown up with him and were his advisers. “What is your advice?” he asked them. “How should I answer these people who want me to lighten the burdens imposed by my father?” 1Kings 12:8-9 Although… Continue reading
-
David Learns Hard Lesson
“Then David was angry because the Lord’s wrath had broken out against Uzzah, and to this day that place is called Perez Uzzah.” – 2 Samuel 6:8 As a former soldier in the United States military, the importance of following instructions and paying attention to detail is something that has always stuck with me. So… Continue reading
-
When Your Family Thinks You’re Crazy
“For even his own brothers did not believe in him.” – John 7:5 “I had an uncle who one time…” We all have that crazy uncle. But we often forget that the crazy uncle is the brother to either our mother or father. So before he became a crazy uncle, indeed he was a crazy… Continue reading
-
Remaining Faithful in the Midst of Hostility
“The world would love you as one of its own if you belonged to it, but you are no longer part of the world. I chose you to come out of the world, so it hates you.” – John 15:19 In John 15, Jesus reminds us that we are called to live in a world… Continue reading
-
Nine out of Ten Lions Prefer Satrap Succotash Over Jewish Jambalaya
“At this, the administrators and the satraps tried to find grounds for charges against Daniel in his conduct of government affairs, but they were unable to do so. They could find no corruption in him, because he was trustworthy and neither corrupt nor negligent.” – Daniel 6:4 King Darius liked Daniel. And for good reason.… Continue reading
-
Following and Sometimes Failing > Failing to Follow
“If you listen to constructive criticism, you will be at home among the wise.” – Proverbs 15:31 He was often impulsive, brash, and overly confident. Sometimes he spoke without thinking. And during three key moments in his life when his faith would be put to the strongest test, he was overcome with fear and stumbled… Continue reading
-
God Lets us Fail Sometimes
When the soldiers returned to camp, the elders of Israel asked, “Why did the Lord bring defeat on us today before the Philistines? Let us bring the ark of the Lord’s covenant from Shiloh, so that he may go with us and save us from the hands of our enemies.” ~ 1 Samuel 4:3 “Whose… Continue reading
-
A Limitless Attitude
“Then Daniel (Belteshazzar) was greatly perplexed for a time, and his thoughts terrified him. So the king said, “Belteshazzar, do not let the dream or its meaning alarm you.” Daniel answered, “My lord, if only the dream applied to your adversaries!” ~ Daniel 4:19 As I read this passage in the book of Daniel, I… Continue reading
-
Faith Comes Before the Solution
“He asked the king’s officer, “Why did the king issue such a harsh decree?” Arioch then explained the matter to Daniel. At this, Daniel went in to see the king and asked for time, so that he might interpret the dream for him.” ~Daniel 2:15-16 The temperature of the atmosphere was well over 200 degrees,… Continue reading
About Me
Welcome! I’m Scott (aka Former Blackout Artist), and I’m so happy you decided to drop in! I hope you find the content here spiritually enlightening and uplifting. Most of all, I hope that my love of Christ is revealed through my writing and that it encourages you in some way today. Thanks for stopping by!
Former Blackout Artist 