When a disease shows up, investigators immediately set about their detective work to find the source. Until then, everything else they learn about the disease is secondary. This is the information age. Do you have a question? Google it. An incredible amount of knowledge is at people’s fingertips. But for true insight, you must still first find the source.

For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding.

Proverbs 2:6

Today’s verse says God is the source of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Consider these verses. “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” (Colossians 3:16) “For I desire steadfast love and not sacrifice, the knowledge of God rather than burnt offerings.” (Hosea 6:6) “Think over what I say, for the Lord will give you understanding in everything.” (II Timothy 2:7)

When you have a question about life, before Googling, read the Bible and pray. God’s wisdom surpasses human knowledge. Pray for Americans to return to the source of all understanding. Pray, too, for the leaders who still cling to the Bible, that they will stand strong to the Lord’s glory.

Recommended Reading: Colossians 1:3-14

The Great Sonoran Desert of the Southwest has cacti and succulents seen nowhere else on Earth. Among them are ocotillo – tall, spiny bunches of sticks bearing sharp thorns. Most of the time, ocotillo look more dead than alive. But the slightest rainfall brings out tiny oval leaves which can remain for weeks. Bright crimson clusters of flowers appear at the tips of the stems after rainfall in the spring, adding brilliance and beauty to the deserts.

To give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning.

Isaiah 61:3

Do you sometimes feel spiritually dry and brittle…possibly more dead than alive to the things of God? Are you, like Job, sitting in grief upon the proverbial pile of ashes? Don’t you know that the Lord doesn’t want you there? His desire is to replace dryness with the fruits of His spirit, and place a beautiful coronet of His grace and joy upon your head.

As you prayerfully seek your own spiritual renewal, call upon the Lord to also rain down His Holy Spirit on members of Congress, the Supreme Court Justices, and President Obama and his administration – that the whole desert of government might blossom with a renewed presence of God!

Recommended Reading: Isaiah 61:1-11

For most growing children, teen years are difficult; Mom and Dad don’t understand and only want control over them…or so they think. But aren’t people of any age who don’t know Jesus as Savior guilty of that same attitude toward God? They sense He is their judge and become hostile. Reconciliation seems impossible.

Rejoice in God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have now received reconciliation.

Romans 5:11

In most cases with parents, and always with God, it is love that governs their actions. Children may eventually appreciate the reasoning behind the rules. The believer, however, can actually experience a psychological and spiritual change as they come to know the Father’s saving grace. As one commentator wrote, “Only in Christian faith does God take the initiative to win, at terrible cost, the affection of those who have wounded him by their sins.” Believing means you are restored to a harmonious relationship with Him. Reconciled by Jesus’ death, but as Paul writes, “much more…[you are] saved by his life.” (Romans 5:10)

Rejoice in God, believer, for He is the One who provided the way through Christ. Let the joy in your heart be overflowing! Then boldly pray for the leaders of this nation that they may know the joy found only in the Lord.

Recommended Reading: Romans 5:1-11