In God's Hands

Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
Daniel proceeded to indicate in detail—the meaning of the vision. "You are the head of gold. And after you shall arise a kingdom inferior to you, and another third kingdom. And the fourth kingdom shall be as strong as iron, forasmuch as iron breaks in pieces and subdues all things." Thus history ever reads. One kingdom gives place to another. The greatest kingdoms are pushed aside—and thrust down by the less. Not only among nations is this true; we see the same in families and among individuals. The rich of one generation, are the poor of the next. The high in rank today, are forgotten tomorrow. Thrones built by human hands crumble. God can humble the proudest whenever He desires. He can destroy the head of gold; and crush the arms of silver; and break the legs of brass; and demolish the feet of iron and clay! "The snowflakes of Russia humbled Napoleon's pride, and the raindrops at Waterloo sent him into exile!"

There is a story of an emperor in whose realm, there was a rebellion. Certain of his subjects were in revolt. The emperor was setting out to the scene of the uprising, and said to his nobles, "Come with me and see me destroy those rebels!" But when he reached the province he showed only kindness to those in revolt. He treated them with gentleness and affection. The result was that they laid down their arms—and became his most loyal subjects. His nobles reminded him of his words to them, "Come and see me destroy my enemies!" He replied, "I have destroyed my enemies; I have made them my friends!" This illustrates Christ's conquest—and the way He extends His kingdom. It is set up not by force of arms—but by love; it rules our hearts!http://gracegems.org/Miller/nebuchadnezzars_dream.htm
J.R. Miller

God Opens Doors

The Real Presence—What Is It?

Many believers are overly anxious about what they shall do in their last sickness, and on the bed of death. Many disquiet themselves with anxious thoughts—as to what they would do if husband or wife died, or if they were suddenly turned out of house and home. Let us believe that when the need comes—the help will come also. Let us not carry our crosses—before they are laid upon us! He who said to Moses, "Certainly I will be with you!" will never fail any believer who cries to Him. When the hour of special storm comes, the Lord who walks upon the waters will come and say, "Peace! Be still." There are thousands of doubting saints continually crossing the river of death, who go down to the water in fear and trembling, and yet are able at last to say with David, "Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil—for You are with me!" (Psalm 23:4).

http://www.gracegems.org/23/real_presence.htm
by J. C. Ryle

Wisdom for the Wise

"He gives wisdom to the wise—and knowledge to the discerning." Daniel 2:21

Natural knowledge puffs up its possessor, and the more he has—the more self-sufficient he deems himself. But it is the very opposite with spiritual wisdom—the more God bestows of that upon His child—the more ignorant and stupid he feels himself to be—and the more dependent upon the Holy Spirit does he become. Then it is, that he really values that precious promise "If any of you lacks wisdom—let him ask of God—who gives to all liberally and upbraids not; and it shall be given him" (James 1:5). The truly "wise" person will not only greatly prize such a promise—but he will daily make use of it, mixing faith therewith, pleading it before the throne of grace, and obtaining answers of peace. As it is "when I am weak [in myself]—then am I strong" (2 Cor. 12:10), so it is when we (spiritually speaking) conduct ourselves as "babes" that God reveals unto us what is hidden from the worldly "wise and learned" (Matthew 11:25).

http://www.gracegems.org/Pink2/wisdom_for_the_wise.htm
Arthur Pink

Spiritual Gifts : Wisdom

"To one there is given through the Spirit the message of wisdom, to another the message of knowledge by means of the same Spirit." (1 Cor. 12:8 NIV)

The Spiritual Gift of Wisdom Defined

The gift of wisdom is the ability to have insight into people and situations that is not obvious to the average person, combined with an understanding of what to do and how to do it. It is the ability to not only see, but also apply the principles of God's Word to the practical matters of life by the "Spirit of wisdom" (Eph. 1:17).

 

People with the Gift of Wisdom

These people often have an ability to synthesize biblical truth and apply it to people's lives so that they make good choices and avoid foolish mistakes. These people today function well as coaches, counselors, and consultants.

http://theresurgence.com/2009/04/26/spiritual-gifts-wisdom

Mark Driscoll

Conviction vs Preference

A conviction is a belief that you will not change. Why? A man believes that his God requires it of him. Preferences aren’t protected by the constitution. Convictions are. A conviction is not something that you discover, it is something that you purpose in your heart (cf. Daniel 1, 2-3). Convictions on the inside will always show up on the outside, in a person’s lifestyle. To violate a conviction would be a sin.

http://bible.org/illustration/conviction-versus-preference
David C. Gibbs

Symphony of Praise

We Have Come to Worship Him

by John Piper 

True worship is not just ascribing authority and dignity to Christ; it is doing this joyfully. It is doing it because you have come to see something about Christ that is so desirable that being near him to ascribe authority and dignity to him personally is overwhelmingly compelling.

http://www.desiringgod.org/resource-library/sermons/we-have-come-to-worship-him

Walk in the Light

Isaiah 2:5—"O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in the light of the Lord." Oh that the literal "house of Jacob" would walk in the light of Jehovah by acknowledging Jesus, who is the Dayspring from on high! Alas, they refuse the light, for the veil is upon their hearts! Let us pray for the assembling of the tribes of Israel. Surely "it shall come to pass in the latter days." (Verse 2)

Accept This Invitation.