Author Archives: lrbartel

The quest or search for “wisdom!” Where can it be found? How can it be gotten?

ContemplationTimeless truth encountered today, during my time of “coffee with the Lord”

Here’s the effect of a human search for wisdom without it being driven by “fear of (or reverence) for the Lord or His revelation… Hey, you do it that way and you’re on your own!!!

Here’s what Agur, son of Jakeh, had to say about a godless, self-driven quest for wisdom!

“The words of Agur son of Jakeh. An oracle… ‘The man declares, I am weary, O God; I am weary! O God, I am worn out! Surely I am too stupid to be a man! I have not the understanding of a man. I have not learned wisdom, nor have I knowledge of the Holy One!’” (Proverbs 30:1-3 ESV)

Solomon’s approach was much better it seems to me…

“In that night God appeared to Solomon, and said to him, ‘Ask what I shall give you.’ And Solomon said to God… ‘Give me now wisdom and knowledge to go out and come in before this people, for who can govern this people of yours, which is so great?’ God answered Solomon, ‘Because this was in your heart, and you have not asked for possessions, wealth, honor, or the life of those who hate you, and have not even asked for long life, but have asked for wisdom and knowledge for yourself that you may govern my people over whom I have made you king, wisdom and knowledge are granted to you. I will also give you riches, possessions, and honor, such as none of the kings had who were before you, and none after you shall have the like.’” (2 Chronicles 1:7–12 ESV)

Methinks Solomon’s approach was much better! Think I’ll use it!

Yield NOT to temptation!

yield not to temptation

During my time of “coffee with the Lord” this morning I believe God gave me a word for someone today… Distance yourself from temptation quickly! Don’t delay, dally, or entertain it or you may be drawn in by it, be deceived by it, yield to it, and be defiled! (Check out James 1:13-15)

He is able!

Ephesians 3[20-21 He is ableThis is from my Bible reading this morning during “coffee with the Lord”… (No commentary needed…)

Need healing?

Need a miracle?

Need forgiveness?

Know someone who does?

Read the following passages… and let faith arise!

Acts 9:32–35

“Now as Peter went here and there among them all… he found a man named Aeneas, bedridden for eight years, who was paralyzed.  And Peter said to him, ‘Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed.’ And immediately he rose.  And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord.”

Acts 9:36–42

“Now there was in Joppa a disciple named Tabitha (or Dorcas). She was full of good works and acts of charity.  In those days she became ill and died, and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room.  Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him, urging him, ‘Please come to us without delay.  So Peter rose and went with them. And when he arrived, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping and showing tunics and other garments that Dorcas made while she was with them.  But Peter put them all outside, and knelt down and prayed; and turning to the body he said, ‘Tabitha, arise!’ And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. 4 And he gave her his hand and raised her up. Then, calling the saints and widows, he presented her alive.  And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.”

James 5:13–16

“Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord.  And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven.  Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working!”