Sweeter Than Honey

By Dr. James MacDonald

“My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.” Proverbs 24:13-14

Imagine the biggest bite of your favorite dessert melting in your mouth right now. Double chocolate fudge cake. Hot apple cobbler. Caramel brownies a la mode. Can’t you just taste it?

Proverbs 24:13-14 says that what all that sweetness is to your mouth, wisdom is to your soul. It drips like honey and satisfies every craving of your heart’s desire. Even more, wisdom helps you believe God’s promises and assures you of hope.

“My son, eat honey, for it is good, and the drippings of the honeycomb are sweet to your taste. Know that wisdom is such to your soul; if you find it, there will be a future, and your hope will not be cut off.”

Wisdom promises a destination beyond this unpleasant place we’re in. When you set your feet on God’s path, wisdom holds out hope-even when you think you’ve blown it so badly that there’s no return. Hope says as long as you want to learn and grow from your mistakes, you’ll have a way out. Proverbs 4:7 says that getting wisdom is the beginning of something good... something really good. It gives you confidence that your best times with the Lord are still in front of you.

Do you want to have better days this coming week?

Do you want to make wiser decisions?

Are there priorities you want to establish?

Ask God to build a hunger in your heart for wisdom. Claim His promised help to choose the correct plan to gain the desired result (James 1:5).

God’s wisdom is available upon request, both to stabilize and satisfy you. It’s not too late, it’s not too far away, it’s not impossible to contemplate your life taking a turn for the better. The best things in life arrive on the strong back of God’s wisdom as He leads you to make sound choices and eternally-minded decisions. It’s like honey-or that hot apple cobbler-in your mouth, as sweet as the promise of good things to come, of restoration, and blessing.

Go ahead, eat your dessert first. Get all you can of God’s wisdom by feasting on His book.

For more information on Dr. James MacDonald, go to www.walkintheword.com

Someone Who Understands

This devotional was written by Jim Liebelt

Therefore, it was necessary for Jesus to be in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. He then could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and temptation, he is able to help us when we are being tempted.—Hebrews 2:17-18 NLT

The story (author unknown) is told of a farmer who had some puppies he needed to sell. He made a sign advertising the pups and posted it in his yard. Shortly after, a boy showed up in response to the sign. “Mister,” he said, “I want to buy one of your puppies.” “Well,” said the farmer, “these puppies cost a good deal of money.” The boy reached deep into his pocket, he pulled out a handful of change and held it up to the farmer. “I've got thirty-nine cents. Is that enough to take a look?” “Sure,” said the farmer. The farmer whistled and called, ”Here Dolly!” From the doghouse and down the ramp ran Dolly followed by four little pups. The little boy’s eyes danced with delight. As the dogs approached, the little boy noticed something else stirring inside the doghouse. Slowly another little pup appeared, but this one was considerably smaller. The little pup began hobbling toward the others, doing its best to catch up. “I want that one,” the little boy said, pointing to the runt. The farmer knelt down at the boy's side and said, “Son, you don't want that puppy. He will never be able to run and play with you like these other dogs would.” The little boy stepped back from the fence, reached down, and rolled up one leg of his pants revealing a steel brace running down both sides of his leg. Looking back up at the farmer, he said, "Mister, I don't run too well myself, and that puppy needs someone who understands.”

Not one of us is perfect. Everyone has flaws and weaknesses. Some are more visible than others, but we all have them. Fortunately, like the boy who chooses the pup, we have a Savior who knows and understands our feelings and our weaknesses and still chooses us to be His friends and children! And, in response, he wants us to demonstrate our love to one another!

If you are one who struggles with your own flaws and shortcomings, today, take comfort in the knowledge of God’s love for you and then, share that love with someone else! Remember, the world is full of hurting people that are looking to connect with others who understand.

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GOING DEEPER:
1. How does knowing that Jesus experienced the same feelings we experience comfort you?

2. Identify someone you know who struggles with self-esteem and communicate your care and understanding by performing an act of kindness on their behalf.

FURTHER READING:
Hebrews 4:14-16; John 15:15-17, 2 Corinthians 12:8-10, 1 Thessalonians 1:4