wisdom

Wisdom’s promise of refreshment
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Wisdom’s promise of refreshment

Wisdom speaks:

I have taken root in a privileged people, in the Lord’s property, in his inheritance. I have grown tall as a cedar in Lebanon, as a cypress on Mt. Hermon; I have grown tall as a palm in Engedi, as the rose bushes of Jericho; as a fine olive in the plain, as a plane tree I have grown tall.

Sirach 24:12-14

plane treejpegI have grown tall as a Plane tree

A tree that grows beside the water. It sheds its outer bark, the hebrew word means naked.

A responsive prayer:

May I grow beside the living water, staying close to the source of life for the refreshment of my soul. May I  live vulnerably, not hiding behind a veneer.

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Wisdom’s promise of maturity

I have taken root in a privileged people, in the Lord’s property, in his inheritance.
I have grown tall as a cedar in Lebanon, as a cypress on Mt. Hermon; I have grown tall as a palm in Engedi, as the rose bushes of Jericho; as a fine olive in the plain, as a plane tree I have grown tall.
Sirach 24:12-14

olivetreejpegAn olive tree in the plain

is cultivated for its important fruit; it is slow to mature, so it requires peaceful conditions to let it grow. Fragrant, with a pleasing odor, is an emblem of prosperity, beauty and regions of privilege.

A responsive prayer:

May I produce important, valuable fruit, be patient with myself and with others, recognizing it takes time and peaceful conditions for my fruit to mature.

What would your response be?

Tomorrow we’ll look at Wisdom’s promise of refreshment.

 

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Wisdom’s promise of restoration

I have taken root in a privileged people, in the Lord’s property, in his inheritance.
I have grown tall as a cedar in Lebanon, as a cypress on Mt. Hermon; I have grown tall as a palm in Engedi, as the rose bushes of Jericho; as a fine olive in the plain, as a plane tree I have grown tall.
Sirach 24:12-14

rose of jerichojpeg

Rosebushes in Jericho are also known as the Resurrection flower. For long periods, these ‘roses’ live in desert regions, growing and reproducing as any other plant until the environment no longer supports an adequate existence. When this happens they lose moisture and the drying branches curl inwards, forming a round ball. They retract their roots from the soil and allow the desert winds to carry them across the desert, until one day they arrive in a damp place where they can continue to grow and spread. The ball then expands again, opens flat on the ground and deposits its seeds, which germinate. Once watered, the dried-up looking young plants soon begin to bud. Even after 50 years without water the plant will resurrect.

A Responsive prayer:

May I trust the trust the dryness of my spirit is God’s readying me to move to a new place where his moisture will allow me to flourish.

Next we’ll look at Wisdom’s promise of maturity

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Wisdom’s promise of victory (and so much more)

Wisdom speaks:

I have taken root in a privileged people, in the Lord’s property, in his inheritance. I have grown tall as a cedar in Lebanon, as a cypress on Mt. Hermon; I have grown tall as a palm in Engedi, as the rose bushes of Jericho; as a fine olive in the plain, as a plane tree I have grown tall.

Sirach 24:12-14

palm tree jpeg

A palm tree is grown mainly for its fruit; its branches are a symbol of victory, It attracts the eye because of it’s height. The palm leaves are braided into baskets, mats, ropes, brooms etc.

A responsive prayer:

May I grow tall and noticeable, attracting others to my space. May I offer nourishment and delight to others and be victorious for God’s glory. Lord, all me to be useful in serving your kingdom and your beloved people.

Tomorrow we will look at Wisdom’s promise of restoration.

Wisdom’s promise of Solidity
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Wisdom’s promise of Solidity

Wisdom speaks:

I have taken root in a privileged people, in the Lord’s property, in his inheritance.
I have grown tall as a cedar in Lebanon, as a cypress on Mt. Hermon; I have grown tall as a palm in Engedi, as the rose bushes of Jericho; as a fine olive in the plain, as a plane tree
I have grown tall.
Sirach 24:12-14

cypress jpeg A Cypress on Mount Hermon is used to build floors/doors of royal houses and temples. Its hard wood was used to make spears. It is fragrant and very durable. It has dark foliage and is gloomy, planted in cemeteries, it is a funeral tree.

A responsive prayer:

May I be a solid foundation upon which saints can stand, may I be a door through which people enter God’s presence, may my words be like a spear, targeting the enemy, my presence a fragrance blessing those around me, and let me be a person that can bear with the grief of the world.

Tomorrow we’ll look at Wisdom’s promise of victory.

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Wisdom’s promise of value

Wisdom speaks:

I have taken root in a privileged people, in the Lord’s property, in his inheritance.
I have grown tall as a cedar in Lebanon, as a cypress on Mt. Hermon; I have grown tall as a palm in Engedi, as the rose bushes of Jericho; as a fine olive in the plain, as a plane tree
I have grown tall.
Sirach 24:12-14

 

photo credit www.pfaf

 

 

A cedar of Lebanon – a valuable tree in the middle east. It is used to construct walls of royal houses and temples.

A responsive prayer:

May I grow into a cedar of Lebanon. Lord, make me valued and sought after as a container for the hearts of righteous people and the praise of God.

 

Tomorrow we’ll consider Wisdom’s promise of solidity.

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MM 2/16/15 don’t doubt yourself

Ask in faith without doubt. In this instance doubt means “to be at variance with one’s self, to hesitate.” So we are to ask for wisdom, and not argue with our self about God’s generosity in giving it, or our ability to act on it. The Holy Spirit makes it possible. Trust.

MM 2/16/15 Don't doubt yourself from Debby Bellingham on Vimeo.