Wisdom from Above

JANUARY

JANUARY 1

WORDS TO LIVE BY

Here are kingdom revelations, words to live by, and words
of wisdom given to empower you to reign in life.

PROVERBS 1:1

The book of Proverbs is full of wonderful revelations of the kingdom of God. There is food for the hungry soul, direction for the longing heart, and healing oil for the hurting. The wisdom of Christ leads us to the abundance of his life within us. Where he dwells, there he moves. Where he moves, there he transforms. We are living vessels, filled with the life-changing power of the Spirit of God.

As our minds are drenched in the living water of God's wisdom, we are filled with all we need to thrive in this life, no matter what circumstances may come our way. As we submit to the waterfall of loving instruction throughout Proverbs, we will find that clarity comes as we walk in obedience to God's wonderful Word.

Wonderful Lord, I submit my heart to you, and I humble myself before you today. Fill me with the wonders of your Word and satisfy my heart as I follow you in obedience. I want to live in your victory here and now. Thank you.

JANUARY 2

ADVICE FOR LIFE

Those who cling to these words will receive discipline to
demonstrate wisdom in every relationship and to choose
what is right and just and fair.

PROVERBS 1:3

Do you sometimes find it difficult to put your ideas into practice? Have you ever heard great advice but failed to follow through on it? Every day is an opportunity to grasp the present grace of God that empowers those who look to him. When we set our hearts, as well as our minds, on the wisdom of the Lord, his Spirit gives us the strength we need to implement discipline in our lives and to choose his loving ways over our own preferences.

As we invite the Prince of Peace to lead us in life, he counsels us with this innate wisdom and gives us discernment to choose what is right, fair, and just. Whatever we are lacking is found in abundance in his kingdom. As we lean into his Spirit, we find that he imparts the treasures of his generous mercy into our very hearts and lives.

Wise One, I take your Word seriously, and I look to you as my teacher. Guide me into your truth and transform my heart, mind, and soul with your incomparable wisdom. Thank you.

JANUARY 3

DESIGNED WITH A DESTINY

These proverbs will give you great skill to teach the
immature and make them wise, to give youth the
understanding of their design and destiny.

PROVERBS 1:4

We were each designed with intention and creativity. The Creator of the Universe is the one who shaped us with flesh and bone, and he molds us still into his loving image as we look to him. He gave us our quirks and our talents, our unique imprints, and our most pronounced features. Why would we disparage what God so thoughtfully created?

If we want to grow in our ability to teach others, then we first need to adopt an avid learner's posture. God is the Master, and we are his apprentices. We will never be greater than our teacher, so let's remember to remain humble and receptive to his wisdom throughout our lives. All that we need is found in him, and we don't have to look anywhere else!

Father, thank you for creating not only me in your image but also every person. Give me your merciful and compassionate perspective as I engage with others, and lead me into deeper and more grounded love as I fellowship with your Spirit. I know that there is purpose in every life.

JANUARY 4

BRILLIANT STRATEGIES

For the wise, these proverbs will make you even wiser,
and for those with discernment, you will be able to
acquire brilliant strategies for leadership.

PROVERBS 1:5

Wherever you find yourself today in spiritual, emotional, or physical health, that is your starting point. You can grow, define, and improve from the place where you begin at this moment-the place of your progress. Don't spend time feeling guilty over lost time or opportunities; you only have this moment to choose what you will do and how you will live. Let the loving arms of God wrap around you, encourage your heart in hope, and guide you into his goodness.

God has brilliant strategies to share with you if you listen. His ways are far better than the ways of humankind. His problem-solving skills are unmatched. Lay down your worries about how you will get from point A to point B (whatever those may be) and ask the Lord for his right-now word for you. You have only to take the step that is directly in front of you, do what is at your fingertips to do, and follow his direction.

Savior, thank you for your wonderful wisdom that simplifies the complex. Speak to my life today, giving me insight into strategies that will help me lead with wisdom and discernment.

JANUARY 5

THE POWER OF DEVOTION

We cross the threshold of true knowledge
when we live in obedient devotion to God.

PROVERBS 1:7

Obedient devotion to God is much more than the idea of fearing him. As we submit, worship him with awe, and revere who God is, we align our hearts and lives with his nature. We trust his faithfulness to follow through on his promises, we cling to his loyal love, and we wait for his power to do what we cannot do on our own.

True knowledge is not something that happens with our minds. We are whole beings, which is so much more than what we think. We are body, spirit, and soul. As we approach the Lord and his leadership with every part of who we are holistically, we break through the barriers of simply admiring God to living for him. His grace becomes our strength. His mercy becomes our passion. His compassion both melts and moves us. What a way to live!

Dearest Lord, there is no one like you. The ways that I have known to survive fall short of what it means to live wholeheartedly in and for you. I want to thrive, to come alive in the power of your wisdom as your presence makes me whole.

JANUARY 6

ADORNED WITH ADVICE

Pay close attention, my child, to your father's wise words
and never forget your mother's instructions. For their
insight will bring you success, adorning you with grace-
filled thoughts and giving you reins to guide your decisions.

PROVERBS 1:8-9

As we seek to live wholeheartedly for the Lord, we should not throw away the wisdom of those who have raised us. The wisdom of God is found in each generation. While our understanding falls short in some ways, we can learn important lessons through experience. Instead of starting fresh, we should allow the insight of others to weigh in on our choices and guide us in decision-making.

The fruit of wisdom can be found anywhere. We simply need to know how to spot its characteristics. Don't let the faults of others overshadow what they get right. Every person is a mixture of mistakes and successes, so let's give grace where it is required and respect where it is due.

Father, I know that you are the only perfect parent. Help me to sift the things that don't guide me to you and to embrace the good that will help me in life as I consider the advice, wisdom, and living example of those around me. Thank you for your guidance.

JANUARY 7

CELEBRATION OF WISDOM

Wisdom's praises are sung in the streets
and celebrated far and wide.

PROVERBS 1:20

Wisdom leads to much more than success in life. It is a steady and firm foundation in every season-through the dark valleys of life as well as the mountaintops. It is a guiding light through storms and a clear beacon in the dark of night. When wisdom is heeded, we find peace, love, and joy along with light, life, and healing.

Let's celebrate how wisdom has set us free. Jesus Christ is wisdom personified. If we struggle to find where true wisdom shines through, we have to look no further than the work of Christ in our lives. His mercy-kindness is full of the clarity of God's heart. May we see the many miracles of God's faithful character reaching through the details of our lives, awakening our hearts in awe of the one who pursues us endlessly with love.

Jesus, your life, ministry, death, and resurrection all speak of the wonders of God's wisdom. It is so unlike the wisdom of this world. The fruit of your loyal and loving nature lasts longer than anything in existence. As you reach out to me, I grab hold of your goodness and celebrate your wonders in my life.

JANUARY 8

WONDERFULLY PRESENT

Wisdom's song is not always heard in the halls of higher learning. But in the hustle and bustle of everyday life its lyrics can always be heard above the din of the crowd.

PROVERBS 1:21

No matter where we are in life or where we find ourselves in this world, we can find wisdom. Just as the Spirit of God is everywhere, more vast and accessible than we can imagine, so is the wisdom of God. We don't have to enter a church or dedicated holy space in order to encounter the King of kings. He is as present in the back alleys as he is in the church pews. Let's never forget how very near he is.

We do not need to go to seminary to learn the wisdom of God. We do not need to obtain higher degrees in...