Author Archives: lrbartel

Aug 26 2017
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Devos

“Ranked best life-pursuit…”

google-searchI like to purchase items of the highest quality if possible. Thankfully there are organizations out there that do quality market research and customer analysis regarding various products. So I will often use “Google” or perhaps another search engine on my computer and type in the words, “ranked best [and then key in the kind of product I’m seeking to purchase]. For example: “Ranked best microwave,” or “ranked best smartphone,” or “ranked best tablet computer,” etc. Then based upon market research I’m able to make an informed purchase based upon what has been found to be the “best” – what has been shown to be of the highest quality.
During “coffee with the Lord” this morning I found a report, based upon Divine market research, regarding what is “ranked best” to pursue in life! Here’s what the “Proverbs report” says about that issue…
“Blessed [enviably happy and fulfilled] is the one who finds wisdom, and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her profit better than gold! She is more precious than jewels! Nothing you desire can compare with her! Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are ways of pleasantness, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who lay hold of her; those who hold her fast are called blessed.” (Proverbs 3:13–18 ESV)
Where can you get this “wisdom” and “understanding” … Well, the outlet – the source where it is always available is “The fear [or reverence] of the Lord!” (Proverbs 1:7; 9:10; 15:33)
In fact, there is even a worship song that even addresses this…
“Lord, You are more precious than silver;
Lord, You are more costly than gold;
Lord, You are more beautiful than diamonds;
And nothing I desire compares with You!”
I don’t know about you, but based on Divine research and revelation, that’s where I want to put my money, my efforts, and my life-pursuit!
Aug 24 2017
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Devos

Wisdom and understanding: A grand lifelong quest… worth the pursuit!

It had been on my “bucket list” of things I wanted to do for awhile – climb Columbia Mountain with my brother, Wes. It would be quite a climb – a full day of challenging physical activity. The report, however, was the effort would be worth the climb – the view of the entire Flathead Valley would be absolutely awesome!

Wes and I tackled the climb (it was challenging!) and the hike was worth it (the view of the Flathead Valley was spectacular!).

During “coffee with the Lord” this morning I read of another “grand quest” – the search for “wisdom” and “understanding” – a lifelong pursuit, promising incredible blessing and benefit! Definitely worth the effort according to the report of the inspired writer-compiler of Proverbs (Solomon, the “wisest man that ever lived”).

Here’s the quest:

“My son, if you receive my words and treasure up my commandments with you, making your ear attentive to wisdom and inclining your heart to understanding; yes, if you call out for insight and raise your voice for understanding, if you seek it like silver and search for it as for hidden treasures… (Proverbs 2:1-4 ESV)

The anticipated goal – the promised destination and outcome…

…Then you will understand the fear of the Lord and find the knowledge of God. For the Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth come knowledge and understanding; He stores up sound wisdom for the upright; He is a shield to those who walk in integrity, guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints. Then you will understand righteousness and justice and equity, every good path; for wisdom will come into your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul; discretion will watch over you, understanding will guard you! 12 delivering you from the way of evil, from men of perverted speech… So you will walk in the way of the good and keep to the paths of the righteous.” (Proverbs 2:5–12, 20 ESV)

I just have to tell you… “Wisdom” and “understanding” – the God-given kind – are on my “bucket list” – they are a life-long quest with promised results that are wonderful and fulfilling! I want those qualities in ever increasing measure in my life! I’ll pursue God-given “wisdom” and “understanding” until the day I die! I’m convinced each day will bring fresh, fulfilling vistas of truth, insight and fruitfulness! Why not join me in the quest!

Aug 21 2017
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Devos

Without the “fear of the Lord” you “can’t even get to first base!”

Teaching a boy to bat

There’s an old saying… “Unless you [do something very basic and fundamental – whatever it is] you can’t even get to 1st base!”

Think about that saying for a minute and what it communicates… think about the imagery behind it!

I see a young, inexperienced child, who has never played the game of baseball. He’s at his first day of “Pee-wee baseball” and the coach is trying to help him understand what he needs to do in order to play the game. He doesn’t know how to hold the bat, he doesn’t know the rules of the game, he has no idea how fast the ball will come toward him… when it comes, he swings wildly, ducking out of the way, and misses the ball completely. The coach tries to give him some instruction, but he won’t receive it. The tragedy is he thinks he knows what to do, but he really doesn’t have a clue! The coach tries to show him how to stand, how to hold the bat, what the object of the game is all about; but he won’t listen… Finally in desperation, the coach says, “Son, if you won’t listen to me and do what I tell you do, you won’t even get to 1st base!”

Now, consider what the Bible says… “The fear [or reverence] of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge [or wisdom]! Fools despise wisdom and instruction!” (Proverbs 1:7)

It all begins there in the “game of life!” If a person doesn’t do that, “they can’t even get to 1st base!” And yet all around us, we see individuals who tragically reject that basic beginning to successful living! They refuse to acknowledge God, to honor God, or reverence God. They strike out on their own – they try to do it their way – they refuse to accept Divine instruction. They are like the inexperienced child in “Pee-wee baseball” who refuses to listen to the coach! Proverbs 1:7 says, it is “fools who despise wisdom and instruction!”

I don’t want to be like that – I want to listen to God… I want to honor Him… I want to reverence and trust Him! Hey, a successful, fruitful life all begins (and continues with) that! Without “the fear of the Lord,” I can’t even get to 1st base!

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