[The Spring of Wisdom] A Special Program for the 52-week Quiet Time
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January 09, 2011 |
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Provides Spiritual Bread that Makes Our Soul Prosper
The revision of The Spring of Life is a good signpost to help the readers to meditate on the Word of God every week and practice it in their everyday lives. As recorded in James 2:22, "You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected," through the guideline of this book, the readers can find their defected aspects and be transformed with the Word of God and then come forth as the children glorifying God.
* In January and February, discover the wisdom that is paid no attention to in a daily life!
A great general was invited to a welcoming party as the guest of honor after winning a war, and all kinds of savory food were set before him. But when he opened the bowl of main dish, nothing was found inside it. The general called out one of the attendants who were waiting on the guests without letting anyone else knowing it, and explained to him about the situation. After that the general returned to his place and continued having talks with others. A short while later the attendant approached him and said, "Dear general, I am afraid the dish may have become cool during the conversation. Shall I replace it by another fresh one?"
No one there knew what was happening, but the empty bowl was taken away and fresh dish was provided to the general. Wisdom is not always revealed in the form of ingenious strategies. Sometimes a small piece of wisdom that comes from goodness makes our daily lives successful and joyful to everyone. (From Column 8 of the first part 'The Spring of Wisdom')
* In March, lay the foundation at your school and works with a few secrets to success that surpass common senses!
John Wanamaker was a United States merchant, religious leader, civic and political figure, nicknamed the 'father of modern advertising' and his store is considered the first department store in Philadelphia, USA. Since his childhood, he possessed faithful belief in the Lord. It happened when he was 10 years old. Early in the morning he was carrying many bricks on a wagon in the midst of severe snowstorm. He eagerly wanted to provide the bricks necessary to build the new sanctuary because his pastor had urged all church members to offer their dedications to the new sanctuary on the previous day. Wanamaker's home was so poor that he couldn't afford to give offering for the new sanctuary and instead brought bricks that his father baked under the permission of his father. The pastor saw him bringing the bricks and was so touched in his heart, and then blessed him earnestly in prayer. That's why through this prayer John Wanamaker could be successful whenever he opened stores. (From Column 7 of the second part 'Signpost to Get the Understanding')
* In April and May, attract others' attentions with unsurpassed wisdom at home, school, and working place
A man's social success or failure is often dependent upon his wife's support. It's because after forming a man God gave a woman to the man as his helper. The position of a 'helper' has great influence on the formation of a man's nature and personality and on the journey of his life. Some husbands consider their wives as a precious gift of God, while some others think their wives have many defected aspects. If a husband wishes his wife will turn into a gentle and wise wife, he should first become a beautiful child of God in His sight. He should possess true faith that pleases God and lead his family with the light of the spirit. Only then will God transform his wife and children into lovely souls. (From Column 9 of the third part 'How to Become a Wise Man')
* In June and July, avoid from mistakes in your words and deeds and bear good fruits!
A rumor spread in a church that the pastor drank. But the reality was totally different. The pastor met an old friend of his after a long time, who had not accepted the Lord. The friend drank but the pastor drank water to maintain a pleasant atmosphere. A woman who saw it created a false rumor in her thought and this rumor spread to many people very quickly. But how sorry the woman had to feel when it turned out groundless that she judged the pastor in a reckless manner! And the people who had gossiped about it just after hearing it from her must have felt so sorry. Thus, we have to realize how foolish it is to judge and condemn someone with other's words, and throw away the untruths of judging and condemning others. (From Column 7 of the fourth part 'Words and Deeds in Accordance with Situations')
* In August, a person whose purity and wisdom are revealed in the world that is full of deceits and tricks
There was a young man who was of integrity and uprightness. He was poor but diligent. One day while eating bread, he found a piece of gold inside the bread. He immediately took the gold to the bakery he had bought bread. He told the fact to the baker who was very old. But the baker answered, "I've put a piece of gold into bread for the last a few months, but no one brought it back. But today the first man has come to return the gold. I think you are an upright man. From today this bakery is yours." He smiled with joy and patted the honest young man on the shoulder with love. It may seem wise to cheat others and gain benefits, but turns out to be foolish in the end. (From Column 7 of the fifth part 'The Highway of the Upright')
* In September and October, be transformed into a true and spiritual leader!
A man in a shabby garment entered the church and walked forward along the aisle, and then looked around near at the first row. But there was no seat for him because many more people gathered on that day than ever before. Inevitably the man sat on the ground. Some people seemed unpleased, and some others talked in whispers looking at each other. The stranger felt their uncomfortable eyes and his face flushed red with embarrassment. At that moment, on old man stood up from his seat and approached him and sat on the ground next to him. Everyone else there was so puzzled at the old man's action at first but soon they got an important lesson. Philippians 2:3-4 reads, "Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." This is the heart of the Lord Jesus Christ. (From Column 7 of the sixth part 'Humility Goes before Honor')
* In November and December, press on toward the achievement of goodness and love that are pleasing to God!
When the other party is offended at his word, someone says to him, "Why are you so sensitive? It was a mere joke,…" Men may receive blessing and suffer from curses according to their words, so that we should not say any kind of jokes that may cause the other party to get offended or suffer from curses. It is still more unacceptable to say jokes even if we have the knowledge of the truth. If we really love the other and have a true desire to serve him, we cannot say such a joke. If we have goodness, we encourage the other party with good words and do not offend his heart. If we attain to a higher level of goodness, our good words can move the heart of the person who causes pains to us with offensive words. (From Column 7 of the seventh part 'The Highest Level of Goodness, Perfect Love')
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