Secret Secrets

Keeping secrets is tough for some people. Sometimes my boys would deliver gifts to my "secret pal" at church. Now, I told them not to tell who the gift was

from, but I never really knew just how "secret" my secret was!

 

There are no secrets kept from God. Psalm 19:12 says, "Who can understand his errors? Cleanse me from my secret faults." I like how another translation says we cannot see our own mistakes. The term "spring cleaning" finds one origin in an ancient Jewish practice of thoroughly cleansing the home in preparation for the Passover, the observance honoring God's delivery of Israel from Egyptian captivity. The night before the holiday, each household participates in the "chametz," searching by candlelight for even the smallest crumbs to complete the cleansing ritual. It is those "crumbs" [of sin] in our lives that often cause the most grief, and is the real culprit to broken fellowship with The Father. Yes, I suppose we all harbor secret secrets. It's way past spring but not past time for spiritual spring cleaning!

Right Answer

Do you remember the first time you saw a tattoo?  For me, it was on my Papa's arm - one he got while serving in the U.S. military.  Yes, it was a common, mostly military, practice ... back in the day!

 

Paul didn't refer to his markings as tattoos, but he wrote, "I bear on my body marks of the Lord Jesus." (Galatians 6:17).  We know from Scripture Paul suffered greatly at the hands of those who opposed the Gospel; his wounds, scars, and outward marks bore witness of the depth of his love and devotion to the Risen Lord.  Even so, Paul said, “But far be it from me to boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ by which the world has been crucified to me, and I to the world.” (Galatians 6:14).  I cringe to think what Paul would say to Christians today when we almost need smelling salts if someone calls us names, rolls their eyes, or shuns us because of our faith.  Each day I pray for my brothers and sisters whose every breath is taken in fear yet they firmly stand with Christ in the face of persecution and even death.  I often ask myself if I possess that kind of faith, and if my passion for Christ and His Gospel resembles that of the Apostle Paul’s.  Would I willingly bear the “marks” of Christ?  “Back in the day” we’d never imagine times such as now; perhaps even in our lifetime the call for Christ may be ours to answer.  Let us genuinely pray we give the … right answer!

Land of Hallelujahs

Pearl Waddell of Anniston, Alabama is credited with this humorous poem: “There’s nothing whatever the matter with me; I’m just as healthy as I can be. I have arthritis in both of my knees; And when I talk, I talk with a wheeze. My pulse is weak, and my blood is thin, But I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in. Arch supports I have for my feet, Or I wouldn’t be able to walk on the street. Sleep is denied me night after night, And every morning I look a sight. My memory is failing; my head is in a spin, But I’m awfully well for the shape I’m in. The moral is, as this tale was to unfold, That for you and me who are growing old, It is better to say, “I’m fine,” with a grin, Than to let them know the shape we’re in.”

 

The Apostle Paul contrasts our earthly and heavenly bodies, “For in this tent we groan, longing to put on our heavenly dwelling … For while we are still in this tent, we groan, being burdened … .” (1 Corinthians 5:2a, 4a).  I recall days when groans weren’t the day's first utterings.  How careful we must be; our longings for the land of new bodies and no-more-groaning rather than the sheer joy of being with Christ!  Paul continues with glorious perspective while still in these earthly bodies: "He Who has prepared us for this very thing is God, Who has given us the Spirit as a Guarantee. So we are always of good courage ..." (5:5-6a).  Even in these oh-so-mortal bodies, we have God's Guarantee -- His Spirit, indwelling, empowering, and encouraging us in these present days for a sweet walk of faith!  Yes, I genuinely anticipate a place of no-more-groans because of aches and pains and where Arthur is homeless, but the greatest thrill in that Land of Hallelujahs will be the – The Lamb of Glory!

Hat-Check

My boys rarely went anywhere without a hat.  Once Dustin used his hat to swat a wasp -- it didn’t end well.  The wasp ended up “captured” inside the hat so when Dustin put his hat back on his head, the wasp made his presence known!  I wasn’t actually there, but I imagined it to be a hoppin’ and hollerin’ good time!

God tells us in Proverbs 12:19 truth continues forever but lies only a moment.  At some point, all of us have felt the sting of deceit.  The biggest shock wave comes when we’ve truly trusted. The pain can be sincerely grievous!  Something worth remembering is just how critical our own trustworthiness is. Dustin had no idea what was under his hat, but he soon learned.  No one should ever have to wonder what God's Children are "up to" or if we can be trusted.  As God is Trustworthy, so must His followers be!  Godly Truth should be apparent in every area of our lives – like light casting no shadows.  Dustin decided [from that point on] he would check his hat before putting it on his head.  It’s a timely spiritual exercise to examine our Christian testimony – an occasional hat-check [if you will] – to keep God’s Truth brightly and purely shining forth in us!

Preserved

Years ago a friend shared some of his homemade pear preserves.  They were so delicious! My guys couldn’t fully comprehend the treasure of them: they mindlessly plopped big gobs of preserves on hot buttered biscuits then gobbled them down.  These precious preserves needed to be eaten slowly and deliberately, savoring every bite.  So I did what needed to be done -- I hid them!

 

God preserves, and aren’t we glad!  What must we be spared from?  Why, ourselves, of course.  Anything allowed into our hearts contrary to what God wills, however insignificant it may seem, produces bad roots.  Dr. Luke wrote, "Now the ones that fell among thorns are those who, when they have heard, go out and are choked with cares, riches, and pleasures of life, and bring no fruit to maturity." (Luke 8:14)  Do you wonder about those twinges and pangs of conscience within?  Perhaps it's God's Spirit covertly helping us to discover the things which cause us to rot from within.  God is The Preserver and will stop at nothing to save us and ... preserve us. Oh, He loves us so!

Sweet Life

Have you ever gone in search of treasure?  Some do using a metal detector, some like panning for gold, and others find antiquing a way to find treasures.  Me, I'm usually content with a quick scan of "Today's Deals" on Amazon.

 

Being overtaken by something isn’t usually good.  I’ve been overtaken by ocean waves – that was a salt-spitting event; I was overtaken by a state patrol once who seemed certain I was exceeding the speed limit – that was a costly experience.  My pastor challenged us to read Deuteronomy 28, and here’s how it begins: “And if you faithfully obey the Voice of the LORD your God, being careful to do all His commandments that I command you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the Voice of the LORD your God." (V.1-2). Verses 3-14 detail the blessings that will overtake the one who walks in obedience.  When I was overtaken by the ocean waves, they swept me off my feet, washed and rolled over me [what seemed] relentlessly.  These blessings of God are reserved for those who obey God’s commands, and the treasures just keep coming - and coming - and coming - and coming ... no end to His Goodness!  It is careless, however, if we fail to acknowledge the curses of God described (in detail) in Verses 15-68 on those who are disobedient to God's commands. For those of us not mathematically-inclined, that's 14 verses of blessings and 54 verses of curses! An obedient life doesn't kinda-sorta-maybe produce unexpected treasures, rather "The Lord shall open to you His good treasury" (V.12).  That's a guarantee of a treasured life – a sweet life of promise from the Supreme Treasurer of the Ultimate Treasury! Let us walk wisely -- obediently … and enjoy the Sweet Life!

With Us

A few years ago, I rode along with Mr. Bill as he checked his trail cameras and feeders at the hunting club.  I was impressed how well he navigated the four-wheeler between trees and through swampy areas. Before I could ask "are we going through that," we were in or through it.  At times, I couldn't bear to look!

 

Life -- sometimes I can’t bear to look!  When my eyes first open and feet touch the floor, each day's a wonder -- a journey into the unknown.  Sure, I look at my calendar and have it mostly planned out but … well, we know how that goes!  God said, "I will go before you and will level the mountains; I will break down gates of bronze and cut through bars of iron." (Isaiah 45:2).  I didn't know this till later but since Mr. Bill was on the seat in front of me, he was clearing away spiders and their webs!  What a comfort the presence and preservation of God is in the Christian’s life.  His faithfulness is unparalleled and mighty are His judgments against all that seeks to devour us.  When we feel we can't bear one more heartache, disappointment, or sorrow, His promise of "lo, I am with you always" gives us Grace to look and move ahead in courage and hope.  Even with Mr. Bill blazing the trail in front of me, I'll probably think twice before riding through the woods again!  Not a second thought, however, about God Who goes before and with us!

Evermore

Life is full of beginnings, and it’s nice to remember them occasionally.  I recall the small mobile home where Mr. Bill and I lived the first five years of our marriage -- the simplicity and coziness of the place.  On the other hand, all Mr. Bill seems to recall is a furnace that wouldn’t stay lit making winters cold, and the tiny black-and-white television with rabbit ears that got only a few local channels.  Miss Romance meets Mr. Grump!

 

How do we trace the beginning of God?  Well, we don’t!  That’s because He has no beginning and no end.  “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God. The same was in the beginning with God. All things were made by Him; and without Him was not any thing made that was made.” (John 1:1-3).  With finite minds, we can’t comprehend an absence of beginning or end.  By faith, rather, we embrace faith’s Substance – He Who ever was and evermore will be (Hebrews 11:1).  Oh, but don’t we long to command our days; to this, God left Job speechless: “Where were you when I laid the earth’s foundations? Who laid the measures, stretched the line, set the cornerstone? Who made the sun know its place, commanded the day’s end? Do you know where light and darkness dwell? Who scatters the wind, causes plants to bud, makes dew drops fall? What about the frost – where does it come from?” (Job 38).  Once a year, on our birthdays, we trace ourselves to a particular beginning but God said, “Before I formed you in the womb I knew you, before you were born …” (Jeremiah 1:5a).  To live faintly in knowledge of The Holy, we will falter in our numbered days.  Recalling God’s infinity is good exercise in evil days when troubles linger.  Let us stand as the Levites and declare God’s Goodness, “Thou, even Thou, art LORD alone.” (Nehemiah 9:6a).  Would you stop right now and speak words of praise to “I AM” – He Who Was, He Who Is, He Who Ever Will Be!   Almighty God … Evermore!

One

What is one?  Not two or three or four, etc.  Single, singular.  Mr. Bill and I know well what one is not – it is multiple babies at a time; a double amount of formula, diapers, laundry, noise … and, oh yes – definitely joy!

 

God clarifies “one” in Scripture: One woman created for one man as a companion, becoming “one flesh” (Genesis 2:24, Matthew 19:25); One God to be exclusively honored and feared (Exodus 20:3); One Gospel preached according to Christ Jesus, the one supreme atonement for sin (Galatians 1:6-7).  When we brought the twins home, we quickly learned the sound of each baby, and to say there were times of anxiety would be quite the understatement.  The tragedies of social, moral, racial, ethnic, and religious tensions across America are widespread, consequences of man's rejection of The One God. The Garden disobedience severely separated (divided) the Oneness man knew with His Creator, hence our constant struggle between good and evil, holy and unholy.  There is reconciliation (reunion with The One), its spiritual Antidote costly yet free: “There is neither Jew or Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus." (Galatians 3:28).  This is where we say hallelujah! woohoo! amen!  Paul's message to Galatian Believers (and to us) is a challenge to unite, join hands, be one with The Father through Christ Jesus.  Mr. Bill and I adjusted to two, and cannot imagine the one child without the other!  Christians can live joyfully in an otherwise divided world -- one in and with Christ, empowered as One in Him.  One is good!

Serving Refreshments

My guys always liked it when I hosted something at the house.  They knew after everyone left, they’d get to enjoy leftover refreshments.  It was pretty tough keeping them out of the goodies before guests arrived!

 

Those in-Christ are always in the business of serving refreshments.  Many of us don’t remember lemonade stands, but the idea of a cool glass of lemonade on a hot summer day … well, it just sounds lovely!  What about a generous sprinkling of joy to a lonely, heavy, or weary heart!  We may not have what it takes to serve up lemonade but every follower of Jesus Christ is adequately equipped to refresh others.  Paul said to his Christian friend, “Yes, brother, I want some benefit from you in the Lord. Refresh my heart in Christ.” (Philemon 20)  Don’t ever forget we have Godly benefits to offer others especially brother and sister Christians!  Amazingly, when we refresh others, we become refreshed ourselves: “… he that watereth shall be watered also himself.” (Proverbs 11:25)  You know, the guys didn’t really care WHAT I served as refreshments – it didn’t matter at all.  Refreshments were refreshments!  So, what are you serving today, Christian friend?  Whatever it is, make it refreshing!

Aim to Honor

Mr. Bill usually hits what he’s aiming at!  With the help of a trusted and well-sighted scope, he’s a sure shot!  I’ve learned, of course, to never bump the scope, which can cause him to miss his target!

 

How I would just love to have a conversation with the Apostle Paul! His words are profoundly inspiring but sometimes leave me wanting to know more!  As he wrote to the Church at Corinth about a particular act of grace, he said, “For we aim at what is honorable not only in the Lord’s sight but also in the sight of men.” (2 Corinthians 8:21). For certain, in all things, we are devoted to God first and foremost but [interestingly] Paul takes Christianity a step further -- "but also in the sight of men." There are numerous moral and social issues today about which Christians are divided. Every day, America sees the economic and personal decay of moral and social issues; how different would this country be if rather than being so divided, Christians stood united against them?  Early in our marriage, God led Mr. Bill and I to make some personal choices to be different than what was culturally acceptable.  Sure, at times, those choices made us feel as if we were swimming upstream and even a bit out-of-place. Because they were rooted in the call to be "set apart" and not works-based, God honored our choices.  A life-verse became, "Let no one seek his own good, but the good of his neighbor." (1 Corinthians 10:24).  The Lord has shown me on [many] more than one occasion how my personal interests have been self-seeking; quite simply, they lacked honor! Paul's aim is clearly an honorable one -- one pressing for Christ illuminated in and through us!  As Paul, let us take aim and "whatever you do, do all for the Glory of God." (1 Corinthians 10:31b). Always aim to honor!

Graceful

Isabelle Grace will be here soon – our third grandchild.  I’ve always loved the name Grace although [I admit] I’ve used the word casually and sarcastically at times to describe one who is anything but graceful!

 

The Apostle Paul uses the word “grace” a lot, and never casually!  As girls-becoming-ladies, our mothers worked to help us become graceful in our mannerisms, movements, and conversation.  What a goal for every Christian!  In 2 Corinthians, Paul writes, "But as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in all earnestness, and in our love for you – see that you excel in this act of grace also. (8:7, ESV).  This Greek word for grace, charis, refers to that which offers joy, pleasure, delight, sweetness, charm, loveliness.  What wonderful attributes – joy-pleasure-delight-sweetness!  As vessels of God's Grace, Paul challenges us to give-furnish-apply these lovelies in everything we do -- what we think, do, and say.  Why would we do this?  "For you know the Grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you by His poverty might become rich." (8:9).  It may be uncommon in this world, but Grace should be a common practice (lifestyle) for those who love Christ, profess His Name, and walk according to His principles.  May Grace abound in us – never being disgraceful!  Let Grace rule and define us in Christ Jesus! 

The Mighty Meek

Mighty Mouse – he was far from "meek as a mouse."  Underdog – he was certainly more than " ... just little ole me."  Come to think of it, most super heroes of days-gone-by were meek in character!

 

Jesus said in Matthew 5:5, "Blessed are the meek for they shall inherit the earth."  Somehow the world has convinced us we cannot be happy if we are meek.  By nature (sinful nature), we are anything but meek.  David Jeremiah describes meekness as "the grace that brings strength and gentleness together."  Truth is, meekness comes only to those who live in captivity … unto Christ!  Yes, true meekness is made possible when our spirits are harnessed by The Master.  Picture a fine horse broken by his master, under his master's control, guided and directed by the bit, the bridle, the reins; his every move directed.  Meekness happens when we surrender that which we cannot control (the flesh) to The One who can control – the ultimate exercise in submission!  Don't let anyone convince you meekness is a pathetically weak state of being.  Not so! Spiritual meekness is Might in Its best form!  Yes, indeed -- happy are the Mighty Meek!

Express Mail

Have you ever received express mail?  I like getting any kind of mail, but especially express mail! That means it came specifically to me -- the label has my name on it and it is meant for no one but me.  It’s usually something I am expecting and I am anticipating its speedy arrival.  How even more exciting if I get to it before other hands!

 

When was the last time you had an "express" word from God?  God sent a message to Ezekiel while he was being held captive [along with the nation of Israel] by the Babylonians: "The word of the Lord came expressly unto Ezekiel the priest . . . " (Ezekiel 1:3) I suppose we too would hear God better if we were chained up or God put us in a vice-grip!  God's message was explicitly for Ezekiel with very specific intentions.  I used to love it when the boys were in the van with me -- they were a captive audience to Mama however briefly that may have been.  Ezekiel heard what God had to say, and he "felt the power of the Lord." (v.3)  God still has much to say to His children if we will just listen-to-hear His message.  Oh, the blessings that are ours in "express" mail from The Father!

True Bread

Bread stores are the bomb … especially their prices.  Mr. Bill often does a “bread run” for us although there’s not much need for bread here anymore. Once upon a time, a quick’n easy meal was PBJ sandwiches although it required a whole loaf of bread!

 

The manna God sent from Heaven to the Hebrews has always intrigued me.  Although references to manna appear several places in Scripture, we know very little about its chemical makeup, just that it was white and had the taste of honey (Exodus 16:31, Numbers 11:7).  One bread-store dilemma is the many choices: whole wheat, whole grain, multi-grain, honey oat, honey wheat, double fiber,  9 grain, 12 grain, 14 grain … I cannot count the number of calls from Mr. Bill when he was standing in the bread store! (All he really wanted was white bread!)  Jesus Christ fulfilled the spiritual need for Bread: “Jesus said to them, ‘I am the Bread of Life; whoever comes to Me shall not hunger …’” (John 6:35a).  Bread with nothing to drink?  Jesus continued, “’… and whoever believes in Me shall never thirst.’” (John 6:35b).  What a beautiful foreshadow manna was of True Bread; just as manna came from heaven to meet man’s physical need, so Jesus Christ descended to redeem man’s soul and satisfy us spiritually. Ingesting The Word daily nourishes the soul’s longing to draw near and remain close to The Savior day-by-day.  For many, homemade bread is a weakness; may we all have a weakness – a genuine hunger -- for … True Bread!

One Righteous Voice

Have you ever found yourself standing when you should be sitting, or sitting when you should be standing? How embarrassing!

God is pleased when we stand up!  Numbers 25 tells of a time when the Hebrews turned from God to idolatry.  When God's anger was kindled, one man took a bold stand against sin: "Phinehas, the son of Eleazar, the son of Aaron the priest, hath turned My wrath away from the children of Israel, while he was zealous for My sake among them, that I consumed not the children of Israel in my jealousy." (Numbers 25:11).  In a raging sea of voices today, we imagine one voice useless and ineffective -- not so.  David writes, "Then Phinehas stood up and intervened, and the plague was stayed. And that was counted to him as righteousness from generation to generation forever.” (Psalm 106:30-31). What an example of how effective just one righteous voice can be – Phinehas alone stayed the Hand of Almighty God! How long will Christians sit quietly while unrighteous leaders decide what is right and wrong.  Will the voice of the Truth be heard?  No, there will be no righteous voice unless we learn from Phinehas.  Standing when others are sitting really can be embarrassing and awkward but [then again] sometimes it empowers others to stand! Let Christians declare in love and boldness “thus saith the LORD” in the home, the workplace, the streets, and to the nations.  Your part of America may just be waiting for ... one righteous voice. Let us be that voice!

Remember!

Do you remember?  Mr. Bill and I used to remember … quite well, actually.  That was before our rememberers began to malfunction.  I suppose now we have photographic memories, unfortunately, they only offer one-day service!

 

Here’s something we should never forget – God remembers!  Psalm 105 is a beautiful chapter of God’s remembrance of His covenant promise with man.  Here’s a few phrases from this chapter: “He remembers His covenant forever … for a thousand generations … an everlasting covenant … for an inheritance.” David describes God’s promise to deed to His people a home, and the chapter tells an amazing story: the divine progression from nomadic days of Abraham when God's people wandered nation-to-nation having no place to call home, of the great famine that took Jacob to Egypt where Joseph’s [otherwise] tragic life had been divinely orchestrated to end with prominence and power providing provision for Israel, of God’s miraculous deliverance of His people from slavery through Moses, and the faithfulness of God in the wilderness – water from the rock, manna from heaven, cloud cover by day and fire by night. Verse 42 says, “For He remembered His holy promise …”.  When was the last time you thanked God for His faithfulness in your life, then shared it with someone?  Psalm 105:1 says, “… make known His deeds among the peoples!”  Remember today ... then remember to tell it!

Greatness

What defines greatness? Tony the Tiger taught us how to say it when he described his breakfast cereal.  Just when we think we’ve experienced the greatest of something, you can count on something greater to come along!  Great seems to be only a temporary thing!

 

Psalm 104 begins this way: “Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great!” (V.1). I can think of some truly great places I've seen: the Caribbean Sea from a Mayan cliff, Mar Saba monastery from a Judean hill, the Sea of Galilee from Mount Beatitudes, the Mediterranean Sea as I was seated in Caesarea’s amphitheater, a field of beautiful green winter wheat from my front porch swing.  All these stir my heart, but none like the proclaimed and evident Greatness of our God.  This word "great," an adjective in the English language, describes everything from well water to a person's life; it is quite different in the Hebrew language.  The Hebrew word for “great” is "gadal," a verb meaning "to grow up, to become great."  Now, how can God possibly become any greater?  He's already The Great-of-all-greats! The psalmist is saying to God -- the more I see of You and of Your works the more incredibly great and praiseworthy You become!  There is tremendous capacity for God to become greater and greater as He reveals Himself in our lives, in our circumstances, in our relationship with Him! There’s actually no limit to the magnitude (greatness) with which we are able to see in The Father -- His worth and magnificence is ever-increasing with no end in sight! That field of winter wheat will soon begin to brown and will be cut down – right now, it's as great as it's gonna be.  How amazing is our God's Greatness, never ending nor failing to become greater and greater!  Yes, indeed, Great is the LORD!

Digging

Many people I know love to dig in the dirt!  They describe it as therapeutic!  My idea of therapy this time of year, however, involves a glass of lemonade and the porch swing!

 

Life poses many questions to us.  Sometimes those questions come in the form of a choice, through a conversation, or making an important decision.  Where do we go for the answers?  Available to us are shelves of “good” advice and otherwise clever voices of reason, but is it wise counsel?   We must also consider how sound is the counsel we offer other people.  Scripture warns us how foolish it is to trust in our own minds, our ways of thinking (Proverbs 28:26).  Who among us doesn’t face critical moments-of-decision each day when we need guidance and direction!  God says His Word is a lamp to our feet and a light to our paths (Psalm 119:105).  We are to hide God’s words in our hearts, hold tightly to His instructions, never letting go, for It is Life itself! (Proverbs 4:13).  I carry a small treasury of Scriptures with me everywhere I go; it’s always in my purse, in my satchel, or in my car. Why?  Because every situation I encounter, each circumstance that presents itself, and every decision I make – I need help!  Digging in the yard may not be my passion, but honoring Christ with my life is!  Believers should be passionate about Christ and love to dig in God’s Word, gather Its priceless gems of Truth, then apply them to life.  Make digging in God’s Word a priority -- dig faithfully and dig often!

Spit It Out

I loved sunflower seeds at one time, however, the baseball players who once lived here redefined eating sunflower seeds.  The rule was to see how many sunflower nuts one can cram into the jaw, crack and spit the shells on the ground, which left quite a mess.  I really don't care so much for sunflower seeds anymore ... they’re just not as tasty as they used to be.

 

What if you and I could discern (separate) right from wrong, good from bad as easily as the sunflower nut is separated from its shell -- aptly spitting out what is evil.  Satan has made it difficult for even the most discerning and righteous of God's children, however.  The bad and the ugliest of sin have been so beautifully disguised, it's anything but simple.  In a dream, God said to King Solomon, "Ask! What shall I give you?" (1 Kings 3:5). Solomon asked for a heart that could discern (distinguish) good from evil. (v.9)  God was pleased with Solomon's request, and Chapter 4 tells us , "God gave Solomon wisdom and exceedingly great understanding, and largeness of heart like the sand on the seashore ... for he was wiser than all men ... men of all nations, from all the kings of the earth who had heard of his wisdom, came to hear the wisdom of Solomon." (4:29, 31, 34)  This same Almighty and Powerful God (Elohim) that gave Solomon wisdom desires to impart to us His wisdom to know His Best today.  There is a lack of real Godly Wisdom today in the home, the workplace, the government, and only divine discernment can help us make good choices and respond appropriately to and in every situation of life.  God is eager to share with us His wisdom if only we will ask and then boldly obey -- spitting out what is evil and contrary to God's Best for our lives.  And, this kind of spitting doesn't make a mess!