Foundations September 1, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 49-50
SCRIPTURE READING
John 4:13-14 (ESV); Jesus said to her, “Everyone who drinks of this water will be thirsty again, but
whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give
him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Do you know what it means to have a hunger for God? Do you desire to drink deeply from the
water that God offers to you? How do we learn to desire God above all? How do we live in a
world full of temptations and distractions and still keep ourselves focused on Jesus day in and day
out? Do we need better doctrine? Do we need more faith? Must we pray more for the manifest
presence of the Holy Spirit? Many Christians have been spiritually doing their own thing for so
long that they haven’t ever seen that there is a banqueting table of delights before them, offered
by God. They refuse to take a bite of the glorious food that God offers them and are therefore
dying of starvation. I’m speaking of spiritual starvation, having the label “Christian” but never
experiencing God’s love and having a right relationship with Him. Have your devotion times turned
into more of a “program” than an act of worshipping God? Have the spiritual disciplines in your
life become an idol? We need a revival of spiritual nourishment in our personal devotion time and
throughout today’s churches. The Bible is meant to bring us into deeper relationship with God; it
is a journey, not a destination. This month, Foundations will attempt to aid you in your hunger for
God and help you to be filled with Him. Let’s commit to reading each devotional, spending time
meditating on the Word of God and meeting with Him as we go on this journey.
(Note: many concepts from this month’s devotional were taken from the book: Pursuing God by
A.W. Tozer).

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. How would you rank your spiritual hunger for God on a scale of 1-10. Are you satisfied with
this? Do you want more?
2. In what ways have you drank the water that Jesus offers in John 4:13-14? Are you continually
drinking or just drinking from time to time?
3. Pray that throughout this month you will engage with God as you go through these
devotionals, that He will become more real to you.

Foundations August 31, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 47-48
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 26:7 (ESV); Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of
fools.
Solomon sure had some creativity in his literary style! Again, he compares the flaws of human
nature to the physical body, and we picture someone sitting on a chair or suspended in midair
with two legs dangling sloppily. It’s a comical picture with an applicable meaning. To have
knowledge, gain wisdom, and develop understanding; to have common sense and practicality; to
read the very word of God and hear Him speak; to have all these things and then to ignore them
and continue on your own selfish path is utterly foolish.
A foolish person will read straight through book of Proverbs and never give it a second thought.
A foolish person may study this entire month’s worth of devotionals and continue to follow the
worldly wise. A foolish person will hear a warning and, in his pride and laziness, ignore it. And
even after the fact, when the warning proved necessary and trouble came because the fool
did not heed the advice, he will shrug and repeat his folly again next time. There is no room for
wisdom in the heart of a fool.
Let us be wise men and women. Let us humbly seek our all-wise God in all things, that we may
gain the priceless wisdom of heaven.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask God: God, is there anything that you’ve convicted me of this month that I have not
changed, or that I have ignored? Why have I done this?
2. God, how should my life be tangibly different because of what I’ve learned this month?
3. Lord, what wisdom do you want to impart to me today?
4. Lord, what truth of Yours can I bring to others today?

Foundations August 30, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 45-46
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 16:24 (ESV); Gracious words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to
the body.
God’s grace is completely undeserved, yet He is so ready and willing to forgive a repentant heart;
He is gracious towards us time after time.
If God, who is perfect and holy, is gracious towards imperfect people, how much more should we –
those imperfect people – show grace to one another? We often feel the need to put people in their
place, and treat them as we think they deserve to be treated. But the Bible says that God does not
treat us as our sins deserve. Though He holds the keys to life and death – and sin deserves death
– He allots us the perfect amount of time we need to make the choice between Him and our sinful
nature. This is graciousness, and we’d do we well to observe it.
A gracious person doesn’t get into a huff when someone cuts them off in traffic. A gracious person
doesn’t get angry or aloof when a friend accidentally breaks a favoured possession. A gracious
person forgives an offense without being asked, and treats even the most malicious person with
kindness. A gracious person doesn’t rub it in when he was right. Gracious people speak well
of others whether or not they are around; they encourage the downhearted and celebrate the
accomplishments of the successful.
God dwelt among us as a man who was full of grace and truth. Jesus proclaimed the truth of the
gospel, but He also held the grace by which we could embrace the message and find salvation.
Only a gracious person can speak truth that brings change.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to convict you of little ways that you have not been gracious to others.
Confess these things.
2. When has God shown you enormous grace? Ask Him that graciousness towards others would
pour out of your life in response to what He’s done for you.
3. Think of specific people that you need to be more gracious towards. Ask God to help you with
these today. How can enter into your day relying on the Holy Spirit rather than placing any
expectations onto these people?
4. How can you proclaim truth with grace today?

Foundations August 29, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 43-44
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 26:18-19 (NIV); Like a madman shooting firebrands or deadly arrows is a man who
deceives his neighbour and says, “I was only joking!”
It’s easy to cover up a moment of embarrassment or shame with the words, “Just kidding!” We see
little children using these words when they are caught provoking a sibling, “But I was just jokin’,
Mom!” Many women have experienced the mortification of seeing the woman they just gossiped
about step out of the bathroom stall. The transgressors are left floundering with an awkward
“hello”, “oh, we didn’t mean it” or nothing but a deer-caught-in-headlights look. Whatever the
situation, most people have felt the panicky feeling that comes when the lie is exposed.
Most of us wouldn’t admit to being flat out liars, but deception is a friend of human nature. God is
Truth; Satan, the father of lies. Every misconception we have about God and about ourselves is
rooted in a lie, or half-truth (which equals a lie). Therefore God is dedicated to revealing His truth
to a broken and confused world. When we blatantly deceive others, we rebel against God’s very
nature.
We tend to think that if we approach sin with light-heartedness, the severity lessens. This is a lie in
and of itself. Making light about sex by telling dirty jokes desecrates what God has made sacred. In
the same way, “fibbing” and concealing information defiles God’s truth.
Envision the proverb above: making light of deception is like an insane person running around
with poisonous arrows, shooting at random. This isn’t just a funny little saying; it is God’s picture of
warning to us.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you how you have made light of sin. Ask Him to help you
understand God’s true heart about these issues.
2. Where is deception an issue for you? Scrutinize your life and be honest about what you find.
Is there anything you need to confess to God, or to others?
3. Ask God to reveal some personal struggles that you tend to gloss over; perhaps things that
you pretend aren’t as big a deal as they are (body issues, loneliness, etc). Ask God to show
you His truth and wisdom about these things.

Foundations August 28, 2011

SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 26:11 (NIV); As a dog returns to its vomit, so a fool repeats his folly.
Well, this verse paints an extremely unpleasant picture. We would all agree that vomit is repulsive.
It is on a completely different level than most other bodily functions; the body’s response to a
malfunction. And the Bible compares repeated mistakes to one who would return to wallow in his
own vomit.
As we deal with sin issues and bondages in our lives, we are bound to make mistakes. Sometimes
the Spirit brings immediate freedom from a long-time addiction, and other times the battle for
victory is fierce. This proverb is not referring to us when we mess up out of immaturity. God’s grace
and forgiveness are repeatedly extended when we strive to follow Him and sincerely repent of
sinful habits and attitudes. But many of us have areas that we leave untouched. We may confess
them at cell or a prayer summer, or to a spouse, but we never really surrender our heart in the
confession. This area of sin that we have nurtured and harboured for so long is hard to give up.
There is a measure of our identity and security wrapped up in the anger problem, or lying problem
or whatever. This is the dog returning to its vomit. This is what we must not do, or we risk falling
down the slippery slope of the fool.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask God to show you areas of sin that your heart does not really want to be rid of (bad habits,
guilty pleasures, attitudes, lusts, etc.)
2. Recall a time when God gave you freedom over a major issue. How did it feel to have that
victory? How have you been able to maintain the change?
3. Ask the Spirit to use this memory to spur you on to surrender your areas of sin that are hard
to let go of. Ask Him to show you how conquering this thing could change the way you live.
4. Seek help to deal with this sin area. Confess and pray with a friend, cell leader or prayer
minister.

Foundations August 27, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 41-42
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 20:19 (ESV); Whoever goes about slandering reveals secrets; therefore do not
associate with a simple babbler.
This verse is more popularly known as “A gossip betrays a confidence; so avoid a man who talks
too much.” Gossip and slander are major issues in the church. It is one of those areas where we
Christians show little difference from the rest of the world.
These sins often stem from a place of insecurity. When we demean others, we are automatically
exalting ourselves. Most people are fooled by this underhanded self-gratification and take the
first opportunity to join in on the gossip session; but the wise person sees through the façade and
keeps silent, knowing that anything she says may be turned against her in her comrade’s next
opportunity to natter. We would be wise to think sensibly before joining in with gossip: If this person
is gossiping to me, they will likely gossip about me also. It is foolish to trust a gossiper and foolish
to be a gossiper.
But it is so easy to gossip. In our noisy society, we shrink away from silence. We feel awkward
without sound; even a power outage is “eerie.” But silence is a good thing. Thumper, the little
bunny in Bambi, coined a proverb when he said, “If you can’t say somethin’ nice, don’t say
nothin’ at all.” Sometimes silence is the best thing. God cares more about your integrity than your
discomfort.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you instances of gossip and slander that you need to confess.
2. Ask God to show you the root of your gossip and slander problems. When and why do you
resort to starting, and participating in gossip? How can you deal with the root problem?
3. Ask God how He wants to grow you in integrity. If you are willing, tell Him that you desire to
change at all costs, even if it means feeling awkward. Pray that you would be faithful in the
testing.
4. Commit to a day (at least) of media silence this next week: no TV, movies or music. Include,
as part of your “noise fast,” an hour-long slot of personal silence. Just sit silently in God’s
presence, without an agenda, focussing completely on Him.

Foundations August 26, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 39-40
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 22:1; A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, and favour is better than
silver or gold.
The proverbs talk much about wealth and poverty. Social position, or lack thereof, does nothing
to save a person; greed can be as present in a pauper as a prince; however we are told time
and time again throughout Scripture that wealth does not bring anything of lasting value. As this
proverb puts it, favour and a good name are much more valuable.
This is something that we are taught over and over again from the pulpit, but it has trouble
sinking in through our thick, 21st century, western world skulls. A good name is of little value in
Canada when compared to countries like China and India where family pride runs deep. And
favour, we think, is won by whoever has the best stuff. But God points us in another direction.
Proverbs 19:22 says “What a man desires is unfailing love; better to be poor than a liar.” Here
the nail is hit solidly on the head. Money, possessions and a powerful career are masked as the
greatest end in life, and everything else we do is a means to that end; but this is a ruse. The
end is LOVE, and wealth and power are merely our foiled attempts at the means to that end.
We are built with needs and longings, and until our longings are truly satisfied, we will naturally
try one puzzle piece after another. We will force pieces to fit for a time, until we finally admit that
the fit is just not right and we are ready to try something else.
Our need for love can only be fully met by our Father. No matter how hard we try to fight this
conclusion and cling to our moth-eaten stuff, it is the truth. Let us now loosen our grip and put
our hands where they’re of better use – right in the palm of His.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Allow God to show you what your deepest needs are. How are you attempting to fill these
needs in ways that don’t satisfy? How does God want to fill your needs with His love
today?
2. Spend some time in God’s presence. Pray, and read your Bible, listening for God to speak
to you about who He is and what He wants to do in your life.

Foundations August 25, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 37-38
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 17:5 (ESV); Whoever mocks the poor insults his Maker; he who is glad at calamity will
not go unpunished.
When King David said, “I praise you God, because I am fearfully and wonderfully made!” he was
declaring a universal truth about God’s life-creating process. Each and every human being is
crafted by God, fearfully and wonderfully made. Like a meticulous artist intricately hand-painting
his detailed piece of art, God takes painstaking measures with each of us.
Clearly we do not see others with the eyes of God. It’s easy enough for many of us to look at
ourselves in the mirror or think of our “pretty good” lifestyle and say “I am made in God’s image,
and He loves me.” But the grace we so easily give ourselves is not so easily extended to others.
We look at others and see things that we can’t believe would be imagined by God. An “ugly” face
or “annoying” laugh or “awkward” personality must have been a glitch in the system; there’s no
other explanation, we think.
But God is not a machine that gets rusty, or a man who forgets. He is the all-powerful, all-wise
Maker and Sustainer of the universe! He takes great care in His making, and people are His prize
creations! We are made in His very image! Capable of relationship and growth, and complete with
soul and a Spirit waiting to be awaked by His own, we are incomparable to all other living things!
When we insult others or treat them with insolence and disrespect, we are insulting God Himself.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Do you truly believe God’s words in Proverbs 17:5? How does your life show that this is your
belief?
2. Ask God to point out people in your life whom you hold in low regard; people whom you mock
and demean. Spend time confessing your pride and foolishness. Ask God what He loves
about this person, and pray for them, that they would know how God feels about them.
3. Are you worried about what other people think of you? Allow God to give you His thoughts
today. How have you been fearfully and wonderfully made in the image of our great God?

Foundations August 24, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 35-36
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 10:7 (ESV); The memory of the righteous is a blessing, but the name of the wicked
will rot.
What we do today matters, not only for eternity, but also for the next generations. There are
household names of both the wicked and the wise. Jesus of Nazareth, Jesse James, Billy
Graham and Osama bin Laden each give us a picture of either righteousness or wickedness.
Though your name may not ring a bell among the well-known of history, your legacy will extend
beyond your time on earth. Your children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and beyond could
potentially uphold you as an ancestor of heavenly wisdom.
When He gave the Ten Commandments, God said, “I the LORD your God am a jealous God,
visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children to the third and the fourth generation of those
who hate me, but showing steadfast love to thousands of those who love me and keep my
commandments.” (Ex. 20:5-6) This promise is not empty. “You reap what you sow” is a strong
biblical principle. If we sow seeds of love and humility, generosity and hospitality, honesty and
integrity, we will reap those things. Our offspring will watch and learn. We need to take seriously
the word of the Lord. Living a faithful life devoted to God is much more rewarding than we
bother to consider! Your pursuit of God and your susceptibility to His Spirit has long-lasting
effects! What memory will you leave?

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Who has left a lasting, positive impression on your life? What did they do that impacted
you so much? Thank God for their influence, and pray a blessing over them if they’re still
alive.
2. Meditate on today’s verse and ask God to show you what kind of seeds you are sowing
into your life, the lives of future generations, and your eternity. If things continue as they
are, what harvest (or lack thereof) will the effects of your life bring to heaven?
3. Ask God to show you how you can leave a memory of blessing with each person you
cross paths with today, whether it’s the parking attendant or the drive-thru worker.

Foundations August 23, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 33-34
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 14:1 (ESV); The wisest of women builds her house, but folly with her own hands tears it
down.
Again, the women of Wisdom and Folly pop in to say “hello.” There are many proverbs referring
to the home, including parenting and marriage. A regular charge of the proverbs is to keep away
from the “adulterous woman” who’s way leads to death, and verses equating quarrelsome wives to
dripping faucets and leaky roofs are also present.
The point is this: the home is to be a place of love and security where godly values are
implemented and heavenly wisdom is imparted. It is to be a place of hard work, purity and peace.
A household devoted to wisdom will work towards these things, building up weakness and
encouraging strengths. But a household of foolishness will tear down walls of progress and erect
barriers of resentment. Folly shows her head in all sorts of ways. Anything that desecrates purity,
poisons love, threatens security and opposes peace is folly. Promiscuous media, pornography –
even joking about it – and “empty” threats of separation and divorce bring impurity. Uncontrolled
anger, manipulation and accusation disturb the peace and infringe upon love’s boundaries.
These may seem like non-issues in your home, but big problems start small. A roll of the eyes,
unnecessary language, many mainstream TV shows, negative talk, etc are all kindling for a roaring
fire.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Meditate on Proverbs 14:1. Ask God to show you any major areas of foolishness in your
home and confess them. Do the same for areas of “small” kindling. How have YOU
desecrated purity, poisoned love, threatened security and opposed peace in your home?
2. How can YOU work towards making your home a place of purity, love, security and peace?
Ask the Holy Spirit to give you strategies for your HEART and for your BODY. How does
He want to change your heart so that building up your family becomes natural? And what
physical steps do you need to take to do this? How can you make it a habit to uplift each
person in your home daily?
3. Spend time praying for your family members.

Foundations August 22, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 31-32
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 18:2 (ESV); A fool takes no pleasure in understanding, but only in expressing his
opinion.
Proverbs 10:10b (ESV); …a babbling fool will come to ruin.
It is hard to bridle our opinions, especially when the matter at hand is something that we
are passionate about. Interrupting, which used to be considered poor etiquette, is now a
conversational norm. When we’ve puffed ourselves full of self-importance, there is nothing to
keep us from speaking the moment anything comes to mind.
Some of us are better at keeping quiet while others are talking; nodding along, smiling and
throwing in the occasional “mhm”, but we are none the less guilty. The face and body can appear
interested while the mind wanders. We can seem to be listening when in fact all we are doing is
waiting for the first chance we get to start talking about ourselves and sharing our own stories.
The Bible tells us this is foolishness. This selfish babbling and distracted listening depicts a fool
on the road to ruin.
It’s so easy to say, “I’m no fool!” because we dislike the word. But the word is defined by
actions, so if we are guilty of the actions, we’re guilty of the label. But we can move away from
foolishness towards wisdom.
We are instructed to treat others as we wish to be treated, to show others that we are interested
in them, and to be sincere. As Christians, we need to strive to serve people and show them that
they are valuable. When we are disengaged in conversation, we fail in our calling to point people
towards who they are in Christ.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask the Lord to show you flaws in the way that you communicate. Do you talk about
yourself too much? Are you a babbler?
2. Ask the Lord to show you flaws in the way that you listen. Do you listen attentively? Do you
see overly chatty people as obnoxious or burdensome?
3. Confess selfish attitudes that the Lord showed you, and ask Him to open your eyes today
and to help you see people through His eyes; as people full of value!

Foundations August 21, 2011

SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 10:12 (ESV); Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses.
Most of us would not actually admit to hating someone, but hate is the opposite of love; therefore
those whom we don’t love, we hate. This sounds harsh. We like to use the word “dislike” or say
“she’s not my favourite person” or “our personalities just don’t mix.” However we want to word it,
love is active, and if we are not displaying it, we plain and simple do not have it.
We like to put caveats in when talking about love. “I love them, but I sure don’t have to like
them” is a popular one. But these words are merely an attempt to smuggle in a grudge. As
Paul described love, it does not keep record of wrongs, so we actually have no right to hold
grudges against people. Of course there are cases of abuse and backstabbing and whatnot; our
perpetrators do not all have to be trusted with abandon, but they do have to be forgiven if we want
to experience the forgiveness of our Father.
This proverb holds an incredible truth: love covers all offenses. Offense is a big problem in the
church. As we pursue humility and selflessness, laying down our rights and demands for personal
justice, offense will lose its power in our lives. However, we cannot demand change from others,
so this verse gives us a nugget of wisdom that will help us tear down walls of offense. When we
love others despite any wrong done to us, their barriers of offense will crumble. Every human
being longs to be loved and shown they are valuable; therefore, when we love people, we fill a
deep longing of the heart! The difference that we can make in each other’s lives is incredible!

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Who are you offended at? Ask God to show you where the roots of your offense lie. Ask Him
to reveal areas of pride and selfishness that need to be surrendered to Him. Do that, and
pray a blessing for the person/people.
2. Do you know of anyone who is offended by you right now? Is your heart right towards them?
Ask God to show you any reciprocal offense you are harbouring and confess it. Ask Him to
give you a genuine heart of love for them, and then ask Him for strategic ways that you can
show love to them.

Foundations August 20, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 29-30
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 9:8-9 (NIV); Do not rebuke a mocker or he will hate you; rebuke a wise man and he
will love you. Instruct a wise man and he will be wiser still; teach a righteous man and he will
add to his learning.
The list of those who are truly wise seems to be getting shorter. A wise person will love the one
who rebukes him. A rebuke rarely feels pleasant, especially one that comes with a harsh tone
or a personal jab. Not all rebukes or criticisms are spoken in truth, but it is wise to weigh the
words we receive. Initially, the criticism may sound absurd to us, and it is easily brushed off
with a huffy, “Well! I never…!” But the moment we feel offended is never the best time to make
a decision regarding the truthfulness of a rebuke. We must learn to breathe before lashing out
and to think before spewing out our thoughts. In grace and honour, let us respond kindly to
reprove.
What an encouragement that the wise person man can be “wiser still” and “add to his learning”!
Life is not meant to be stagnant; it is full of changes, giving us choices to stumble or to step up,
to digress or to grow. And every step up reveals another step to be conquered. It is a wonderful
thing. We are called to be holy as He is holy, but our salvation is not a magic trick. Though God
does see us as His holy people when we choose to follow Him, we don’t automatically start
doing everything perfectly. He gives us His Spirit, and as we surrender to Him and die to our
selfishness, we will become wiser still, adding to our learning, and becoming more like Christ.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. What is your natural response to a rebuke? Meditate on today’s verses and ask the Lord
how He wants to use them to work in your heart. How can you be a person of grace and
honour?
2. Meditate on your personal testimony. Where have you grown in character and wisdom?
Thank the Lord for the hurdles He has helped you jump over, and the lessons of wisdom
He has taught you.
3. What is one thing God wants you to surrender to Him today? Ask Him to help you die to
selfishness and submit to His Spirit.

Foundations August 19, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 27-28
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 9: 1, 4-6, 13, 16-17 (ESV); Wisdom has built her house… “Whoever is simple, let him
turn in here!” To him who lacks sense she says, “Come, eat of my bread and drink of the wine I
have mixed. Leave your simple ways, and live, and walk in the way of insight.”
The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing… “Whoever is simple, let him turn in
here!” And to him who lacks sense she says, “Stolen water is sweet, and bread eaten in secret is
pleasant.”
We are presented with two ways, personified by two women: Wisdom and Folly. If one were to
paint them, Wisdom would be strong, noble and elegant; Folly: unkempt, brash and underhanded.
One is clearly the better choice, and while we would all choose her in picture, we end up secretly
flocking to the sleazy one on multiple occasions.
The woman of Wisdom can speak freely and plainly, with nothing to hide and much to give. The
woman Folly, however, must speak in riddle, coaxing her prey. And her riddle puts into words
Adam and Eve’s rebellion in the Garden. The forbidden apple looked sweet, and they thought
that if eaten in secret, it would be pleasant. Boy, were they wrong. Foolish people give in quickly
to temptation, not bothering to consider whether the object of desire is stolen or not. Whatever
appears to be sweet and peasant is assumed to be so. But this immediate gratification is the short
end of the stick.
For the remainder of this month, we will be presented with some of the practical proverbs of
Solomon; ways in which to implement the woman of Wisdom in our lives. Let us prepare our
hearts for the dive into the practical.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask God to show you where you are following Folly (foolishness). Have you been going after
“stolen waters” and temptations that appear pleasant? Confess foolishness.
2. Ask God to prepare you to grow in wisdom, practicality and obedience over the remainder of
the month.
3. Move into intercession for the leaders of your work, the church and our nation. Pray sincerely
that our leaders would have the discernment to know the difference between wisdom and
folly, and the grace to make wise decisions.

Foundations August 18, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 25-26
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 6:6-9 (NLT); Take a lesson from the ants, you lazybones. Learn from their ways and
become wise! Though they have no prince or governor or ruler to make them work, they labour
hard all summer, gathering food for the winter. But you, lazybones, how long will you sleep? When
will you wake up?
It’s amazing how God has poured His heart into everything He’s created! While humans alone are
made in His image, all creation reflects His goodness and wonder. And how humbling it is that we
humans, the most powerful of all creation, must learn a lesson from the ones that we can squish
with a tap of the toe! It is God’s wisdom at work again, showing us that we are tiny in the grand
scheme of things, yet so valued to Him!
Wisdom and knowledge extends into all areas of life, including our work. We seem to think that
40 hours of the week is for work, while the remaining 128 hours are ours to enjoy... or sleep
away. Hard work is a part of life, and is actually to be enjoyed! This doesn’t mean that rest is
unimportant; God set aside an entire day of rest for His people! But it is unwise to always be
on the lookout for ways to cut corners, get out of a job or procrastinate. Such people are called
“lazybones” or even worse... “sluggards” in some versions! We’re like slow, fat bugs next to the
quick and diligent ant.
Contrary to popular belief, “cleanliness is next to godliness” is not in the Bible, but the command to
be hard-working and diligent is a biblical order from God, which covers cleanliness, and a host of
other chores and tasks!

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask God if there is anything He wants to convict you of in this area of hard work,
procrastination and uncleanliness. What is He asking you to do differently?
2. Scheduling is actually very important for us if we want to get things done. Create a schedule
so that you can actually follow through on your commitment to God.
3. Go for a walk today, and ask God to reveal things about His character through creation.
Praise Him for His wonder and imagination as you walk.

Foundations August 17, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 23-24
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 5:22-23 (ESV); The iniquities of the wicked ensnare him, and he is held fast in the cords
of his sin. He dies for lack of discipline, and because of his great folly he is led astray.
Many of us know people who have wandered away from the faith. There are stories of pastors
and evangelists, even, who have suddenly announced their unbelief to the world, left the ministry
and devastated thousands of devoted followers. When sin is given easy entrance, and repentance
is not a priority in our lives, we fall into bondage. Our sin becomes tangled cords, and the longer
sin is fed and encouraged, the tighter and twisted the cords become. The wicked “die for lack of
discipline” and are led astray by their folly.
The final place where our life’s path leads us is consistent with the nature of the path itself. If we
travel a path of selfishness, wickedness, and hardheartedness, it cannot lead us to an eternity
with Christ, because He is selfless, humble and righteous. Of course this does not mean that we
will never be selfish or do anything wicked. We stumble on our path and even wander off of it
sometimes, but are our heats set on seeking Christ? Do we desire to become more like Him, and
to reflect His image to those around us? Do we really want to be free from our bondages to sin
and rid ourselves of pride and selfish ambition? If we do, then we are journeying on a good path
towards Christ.
We need to live disciplined lives if we are to stay firm in the faith. We need to be faithful as God
is faithful. Daniel went to his window and prayed three times a day. We need to make our time
with the Lord a habit, and as we use these times to draw closer to Him (even if they feel forced
sometimes), they will become water to our souls!

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask God to show you how He is pleased with your pursual of Him. Really listen for what He
wants to say to you, as His child.
2. How do you need to grow in discipline? Think about your time with the Lord, scheduling, free
time, relationships, etc.
3. Spend some time interceding for those you know who have wandered from God’s path,
or who are struggling to stay firm in their faith. Ask God how you can pray for each person
specifically.

Foundations August 16, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 21-22
SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 14:1a (ESV); The fool says in his heart, “There is no God.”
Many of us would read this verse and assume it is talking about atheists, and we would come to the
logical conclusion that “atheists are fools.” We would think piously, “I would never say ‘there is no
God’!” But the verse doesn’t refer to the speech of the mouth, rather the speech of the heart. And if
we took the time to examine our hearts, we would see the fool skulking within us.
There are many things we would not say, but that doesn’t exempt us from guilt. The Pharisees
of Jesus’ time said and did things to the letter of the law, yet Jesus said to them, “You are like
whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men’s
bones and everything unclean.” (Mat. 23:27) Many people manage to get through life without adding
an expletive to every sentence, but are their hearts always free of anger and carelessness? Adultery
is (or at least should be) taboo in most Christian marriages, but does the heart flee from lust?
The thoughts and attitudes of the heart often testify, “There is no God.” When we know God in truth,
we know Him to be holy, righteous, pure and just. We will fear Him when we know who He is. And
then we will strive to obey Him and serve Him and love others! Not only will our mouths declare the
reality of His presence, but His Spirit will be evident in our lives! It is foolish to think that we can trick
God by presenting ourselves as outwardly beautiful when our hearts are full of everything unclean.
But the wise man says in his heart, “There IS a God!”

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask God to show you how your heart has declared “There is no God”. Think about the things
you would say (or not say) compared to what goes on in your heart.
2. Ask God to reveal how the thoughts and attitudes of your heart are, or are becoming, poison to
your life.
3. Spend some time in confession for sin that the Spirit reveals.
4. How can your heart, mind, body and spirit declare “there IS a God” today? Ask God to give you
unity with His Spirit today!

Foundations August 15, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 19-20
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 4:1 (ESV); Hear, O sons, a father’s instruction, and be attentive, that you may gain
insight…
King Solomon goes on to quote his father’s words, encouraging him to get wisdom and insight.
King David left an admired legacy for his son.
We all come with a bag full of our background. If only we knew everyone’s story, we might just
have a bit more patience with each other. Not all fathers and mothers expressed love or trained
their children in wisdom. Sin infiltrates every heart, and as we grow older we learn that the parents
we might once have placed on pedestals are standing on level ground. And yet, we are to be
attentive and reflective that we might gain insight.
We might be surprised at what God may want to reveal to us if we would take the time to reflect
upon the words and actions of our parents. God may show us something wonderful about them
that we never saw, or a discrepancy that we could learn from.
Parental authority is instituted by God; the 5th commandment tells us to honour our father and
mother. Therefore, whatever mistakes were made by our parents, they are to be honoured. And
this commandment carries with it a promise: “that your days may be long in the land that the LORD
your God is giving you.” This isn’t promising extended days of 28 or 30 hours, it is talking about a
life full of the presence and favour of the Lord!

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Take some time to think about your parents and your life as a child. Ask God to show you
wisdom and insight that He wants you to glean from their lives. If you have children, how can
you use the things the Lord showed you to teach them?
2. Do you experience any hurts from your parents, or family members? Ask God to speak into
these things. Ask Him to show you any wrong on your part. Ask Him to help you forgive. What
can you do to reconcile this relationship?
3. How can you bless and honour your parents this week?
4. If you recognize big issues in your life that clearly stem from previous generations, why not
sign up for Encounter, go to After Service Prayer, or make a prayer counselling appointment.

Foundations August 14, 2011

SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 2:9-10 (NIV); Then you will understand what is right and just and fair—every good
path. For wisdom will enter your heart, and knowledge will be pleasant to your soul.
Lurking in the recesses of our hearts there is an extremely selfish creature that actually finds
satisfaction in seeing others experience injustice and deception, though we’d be hard-pressed
to admit this. But when we are surrendered to the pure and peace-loving wisdom that comes
from heaven, this creature is starved and the heart is cleansed. When we tune ourselves to this
wisdom, we will come to know and love righteousness, justice and equity. We will desire to be
whole, and to see others find wholeness too! Wisdom will guide us down good paths and the
knowledge of God will be pleasant. What wonderful promises are found in the word of God!
Sometime we are scared to ask God questions. We’re afraid that He’ll be silent, or worse – that
He’ll tell us what to do! We’re afraid to weather through hardship or embarrassment, so we
choose to remain in the dark about His will. But we’re really missing something here! When
we seek the Lord’s wisdom, His words of knowledge will be PLEASANT to the soul. When we
open ourselves up to whole-hearted servitude and obedience to God, we will love the sound of
His voice. We will be thrilled by the challenge of His word. The relationship will be growing, and
though everything that comes with it may not be ‘nice n’ easy’ to the body, it is pleasant to the
soul.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask the Holy Spirit how you have starved your soul by neglecting to listen to, or obey, the
Lord because of your fears.
2. What are some things that God has convicted you of, or asked you to do lately? Do
you find it pleasant to obey? Ask Him how your obedience is pleasant for your soul and
strengthening for your relationship with God. Thank Him for the things He’s called you to.
3. Does your heart secretly find satisfaction when others face disappointment or trouble?
Meditate on the verse, and ask God to fill you with His understanding of righteousness,
justice and equity. How should this change the way you view others?

Foundations August 13, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 17-18
SCRIPTURE READING
Genesis 41:38-40 (ESV); And Pharaoh said to his servants, “Can we find a man like this, in whom
is the Spirit of God?” Then Pharaoh said to Joseph, “Since God has shown you all this, there is
none so discerning and wise as you are. You shall be over my house, and all my people shall
order themselves as you command. Only as regards the throne will I be greater than you.”
Joseph’s story is a remarkable one. From favoured son hoodwinked by envious brothers to
innocent worker falsely accused by boss’s promiscuous wife, Joseph’ life took many twists and
turns before he was miraculously hailed second-in-command of all Egypt! We can read these
accounts in just a few chapters, but Joseph’s up-and-down ordeal lasted years. Quite likely there
were days where he questioned God’s wisdom and goodness. Life would be looking up and then
he’d get thrown into a well or a dungeon, and the future would look hopeless But God’s sovereign
purpose was on a steady course and God saw Joseph in every moment. In all his time spent a
captive, Joseph grew into a godly man and abandoned himself freely to the will of God. Filled with
the Spirit of the God, he walked righteously and waited patiently.
When we are faithfully righteous and patient in the unknown, God will be able to use us in
incredible ways. Joseph’s life radiated uprightness so noticeable that the pagan Pharaoh
recognized the Spirit of the one true God alive and active in Joseph’s life! If we can trust God in
dryness and chaos and loneliness, He will entrust us with much. God is a Father who cares for His
children and wants to see us live up to our full potential in Christ!

PRAYER and MEDITATION1. “Can we find a man [or woman!] like this, in whom is the Spirit of God?” Can you imagine
someone saying Pharaoh’s words when speaking about you? What about your life would
make this an unlikely, or likely, occurrence?
2. What experiences have you had that have taught you to trust God in the unknown? Thank
God for the lesson and ask Him who you can encourage with your story today.
3. What is an ‘unknown’ area in your life right now? Are you waiting patiently and uprightly? Ask
God to show you how you can do this.

Foundations August 12, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 15-16
SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 19:7 (NIV); The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul. The statutes of the LORD
are trustworthy, making wise the simple.
David knew God’s laws to be good, because he understood that they were extensions of
God’s very character. God’s law was life for him; the commands of the Lord he called perfect,
reviving, trustworthy, wise, right, joyful, radiant, sure, righteous and precious!
Sin kills us, and without God’s law, we would be caught in its tangles with no way out. We
would be condemned to death without ever knowing we had done wrong. Therefore, God’s
law revives the soul! When it tells us what is good, we automatically know what is wrong, and
vice versa. God’s law shows us what He values. When He says, “do not envy,” we see that
he desires us to respect one another and also to find contentment in things that last. When
He says, “do not murder” we know that life is sacred and that it is not ours to meddle with.
And we can trust God’s laws to point us towards wisdom. Suddenly things that seemed like
fun-killing rules are seen for what they are – guidelines for safety, blessing and joy! DUH! we
say as pieces fall into place. I need to respect that person at work because God values her
life! Or I can’t have one-on-one friends of the opposite sex, because I need to fight to keep my
marriage bed pure. Or I need to be honest about my spending when I cross the border because
God calls me to a life of integrity. When we take time to meditate on God’s word and seek a
relationship with Him, revelations of truth and wisdom will pop up all the time and we will praise
Him for showing us these things as they guide us into a deeper knowledge of His character!

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Go through the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20). Ask God to speak to you about these
laws, and how they practically apply to your life. Ask Him to make wise the simple, and
reveal practical guidelines that will bring safety, blessing and joy.
2. Do you have any negative attitudes towards rules in your life? Ask God to reveal these to
you and confess your rebellions.
3. Ask God to grow you in understanding His character. Ask Him to show you more about
Himself as you go through your day today.

Foundations August 11, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 13-14
SCRIPTURE READING
Genesis 3:6 (ESV); So when the woman saw that the tree was good for food, and that it was a
delight to the eyes, and that the tree was to be desired to make one wise, she took of its fruit and
ate, and she also gave some to her husband who was with her, and he ate.
Satan’s temptation allured the senses. Eve’s eyes took delight in the fruit, and she was enticed to
taste it on her tongue. And it appealed to her practicality – “It’s food!” She may have thought, “Why
wouldn’t I EAT it?!” The sin was attractive, and thus participation was justified.
Isn’t this how it is? Worldly things can seem so wise in the moment; so attractive, so practical!
Think of something totally dumb you did as a child or teenager. In hindsight, it was so ridiculous, yet
in the moment, such a good idea! Worldly wisdom attracts our senses. Sexual sin can feel good;
the neighbour’s car can look appealing. And intermingled with the senses, worldly wisdom always
appeals to the pride. A. W. Tozer referred to a veil covering our hearts that keeps us from the fullfledged
presence of God; a veil “woven of the fine threads of the self-life, the hyphenated sins of
the human spirit.” And these “self-sins” as he called them, include “self-righteousness, self-pity, selfconfidence,
self-sufficiency, self-admiration, self-love, and a host of others.” These sins, he said,
show themselves in egotism, exhibitionism and self-promotion; in other words; always talking about
oneself (egotism), trying to attract attention through boasting (exhibitionism) and continually putting
one’s own interest above the interest of others (self-promotion). This is the worldly wisdom that we
are all guilty of living by to some degree, and that we all must rid ourselves of if we want to live by
the pure and considerate wisdom of heaven.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. What kind of temptations have you given into because they appeal to your senses? Confess
these and ask Jesus for forgiveness.
2. Which “self-sins” are you guilty of? How are these evident in your life? Spend some time
uncovering and confessing these things, so that you can be guilt-free in the presence of the
Lord.
3. How can you work on being others-centred today? Ask the Holy Spirit to fill you with heavenly
wisdom that will counter the temptations of the world. (See James 3:13-18 to recap.)

Foundations August 10, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 11-12
SCRIPTURE READING
Genesis 2:16-17 (ESV); And the LORD God commanded the man, saying, “You may surely eat
of every tree of the garden, but of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil you shall not eat,
for in the day that you eat of it you shall surely die.”
Heavenly knowledge and wisdom begin when we fear the Lord, therefore any experience that
we have as a result of fearing the Lord grows us in these things. When our fear of the Lord
enables us to trust Him while a loved one is sick, or give generously when money is tight, our
wisdom and knowledge increases. At the same time, any experience that comes as a result
of disobedience leads us into slavery. Had they feared the Lord and shunned evil, Adam and
Eve would actually have grown in their knowledge and wisdom. They would have been wiser
caretakers of the earth and better parents one day. But their disobedience towards God’s
command did the opposite. Their experience led them into grave hardship and spiritual death as
they became slaves to sin.
Some “progressive” schools in Britain run as rule-free institutions where children ages 7 to 17
are permitted to engage in whatever pleases them, from smoking to swearing to sexual activity.
This is what our society has boiled down to. Rules are the problem! Lack of experience is the
problem! A mishmash of things are deemed “the problem” while everyone fails to recognize the
true root of our problems – sin; plain and simple rebellion against God.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Have you covered over disobedience in your life by calling it an “experience”? Ask God to
show you how disobedience has pulled you into slavery. Spend some time in confession
and ask God to save you.
2. How has an experience grown you in heavenly wisdom and knowledge because you
feared the Lord?
3. Take some time to intercede for our nation. Pray that we would recognize sin as the source
of our problems. Pray that this realization would begin in the Canadian church and spread
across the country. Pray that Canadians would desire to know absolute truth.

Foundations August 9, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 9-10
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 3:7 (NIV); Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil.
To be wise in our own eyes is, essentially, to have an over-inflated view of ourselves and our
opinions. We are wise in our own eyes when we wave away criticism without giving any thought as to
its truthfulness. We are wise in our own eyes when we fail to acknowledge God in our success. We
are wise in our own eyes when we are critical of others or their opinions without taking time to listen.
We are wise in our own eyes when we ignore or act coolly towards those whom we dislike, or see as
less-than us. We are wise in our own eyes when we refuse to associate with people because their
standard of living is lower, or higher than ours. We are wise in our own eyes when we neglect daily
time spent in God’s word and obedience to His commands.
If we won’t fear the Lord, we won’t see God for who He is. We won’t see Him for His power, wisdom
and majesty. He’ll become a miniature trinket in our lives – nothing more than a bobblehead sitting on
the desk shaking its oversized noggin. That is what we reduce God to when we put Him on par with
us.
As created beings, our wisdom will only carry us in circles. We need the divine direction and
understanding that comes from our infinite Source. Solomon said to fear the Lord and shun evil. We
need to continually meditate on who God is, and set our hearts against evil. We need to turn our
backs on wickedness and the temptation to solve every problem and make every judgment call on
our own. Our all-wise God is here to help us if we would only take our eyes off of the mirror and turn
them towards Him.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask God to show you where you are wise in your own eyes. Take anything that needs to be
confessed and bring it before the Lord.
2. What evil do you need to guard yourself against today? What are the temptations that God is
asking you to shun?
3. Thanksgiving takes the focus off of us and puts in on God. Focus on Him now by praising Him
for the many blessings in your life. Ask Him to reveal more things if you get stuck. Our God is so
good!

Foundations August 8, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 7-8
SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 51:6 (ESV); Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom
in the secret heart.
Our spiritual growth will be stunted if we do not allow God’s wisdom to permeate the secret
places of our hearts. Our wisdom to make decisions and respond correctly to others will depend
on how we allow God to teach us wisdom in the inner parts. Everything we do stems from here.
When God speaks wisdom into our hearts, the most deceptive part of us is filled with Him. We
are transformed from the very core of our being, and that transformation affects everything else!
Jesus asked, “Why worry about the speck in your brother’s eye when you have a log in your
own?” (Mat. 7:3) When we seek to know God’s wisdom in our hearts, we will see our own junk
before we start looking for others’.
God is fully committed to us, and He demands full-forced whole-heartedness in return. Because
God is Truth, His presence uncovers Satan’s lies. He longs to show us where we are holding on
to half-truths and falsehoods planted by the enemy. When we invite Him to reveal these things
to us, His truth and wisdom can flow through our hearts. And God is gentle with us! He doesn’t
throw truth in our faces or use it against us. God’s words bring life and freedom! He has our
BEST in mind when He shines His light into our hearts!

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask God to show you any lies that you believe about yourself and about others.
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you God’s truth and wisdom about these lies.
3. Is there anything else that the Lord wants to uncover or reveal today? Think of a specific
person or situation you are struggling with, and ask Him to shine His wisdom into your
heart. Ask Him to show you anything that you have allowed in your heart that is keeping
you from having victory in this situation.
4. Commit to quiet self-reflection today. Make this a day for putting others first, and for letting
the Holy Spirit speak truth into your heart. Be slow to speak your mind today and quick to
obey the Lord’s promptings.

Foundations August 7, 2011

SCRIPTURE READING
Psalm 139:14b (NIV); …Your works are wonderful, I know that full well.
God has knowledge about all things. Every cure that scientists scurry to discover, and every
invention that has yet to be made, is no stroke of genius to God. From eternity past, God has
known everything, yet in His wisdom, He allows His people the delight of discovery. Isn’t that
wonderful? God thought it wise to allow us to discover things. For the most part, understanding
comes through study and hard work. No one wakes up in the morning with a complete
understanding of quantum physics if they have not studied the mechanics, and most car salesmen
wouldn’t suddenly know how to cut and style women’s hair after a good night’s sleep! Wondering
and searching and learning and grasping are all blessings that stem from God’s wisdom. He could
have just plopped knowledge about everything into every person’s lap, but He didn’t. Like a father
watching his child learn to ride a bike, examine how a clock works, or wonder over zoo animals,
God loves to watch His kids uncover mysteries!
God is a God of wonder. He is thrilling to know. Think about the things you find most thrilling – a
brisk fall run, roller coasters, hiking, skydiving – though human hands invented some of these
things, God’s wisdom inspired the tinkering! And everything God does is a reflection of His
character; therefore, He is thrilling! A relationship with the all-wise God is an incredible thing to be
a part of, and the invitation is open to all!

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Ask the Lord to show you how He has delighted in watching you learn and discover things,
even though you’ve made mistakes here and there. Ask God to show you His heart for you.
2. How do you describe your relationship with the Lord? Would you use the world “thrilling”?
Why or why not?
3. How can you discover God today? Ask the Holy Spirit how you can raise the “thrill factor” in
your relationship with Him.

Foundations August 6, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 5-6
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 3:19-20 (ESV); The Lord by wisdom founded the earth; by understanding he
established the heavens; by his knowledge the deeps broke open, and the clouds drop down the
dew.
This is the wisdom that we are drawing from. This is the wisdom that Solomon said triumphed
over wealth and power. It is the wisdom of God Himself. All wealth belongs to Him. All dominion
and authority, all creative power, all knowledge and intellect is His. With His infinite supply of
these, He made the universe. In a world where science is used to explain all things, there is little
room for God. However God is the source of the sciences; the explanations and intelligence, the
discoveries and formulas of science are rooted in Him!
This creative wisdom is that which is entrusted to those who seek the Lord and strive to walk
uprightly. Now the veil is lifted, and we can see clearly why one would choose the invisible box
of wisdom over the mountain of gold and silver! Material stuff that breaks and rusts and gets
misplaced is miniscule compared to the wisdom by which heaven and earth were formed! There
is so much that we know absolutely nothing about, yet God knows all. There’s so much that
worries us, while God knows every action in the entire universe. There is nothing that fazes our
wise God, and He is on our side! And this is the God whom with we will spend our eternity with,
forever gleaning from His supply of great wisdom!

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Meditate on the power of God. How has God revealed His power in Scripture and in your
life?
2. Meditate on God’s creativity. How can you see it in the world around you?
3. Meditate on God’s compassion, mercy and abounding love for His people? How is this
evident all throughout scripture and your own life?
4. Now bundle theses together as you consider God’s wisdom. How does meditating on God’s
other qualities amplify His wisdom? Is there anything that you are ready to surrender or
recommit to Christ having dwelt on these things?
5. Worship God for His character with praise and thanksgiving!

Foundations August 5, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 3-4
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 3:13-15 (ESV); Blessed is the one who finds wisdom,
and the one who gets understanding, for the gain from her is better than gain from silver and her
profit better than gold… nothing you desire can compare with her.
Apparently, if we had to choose between an invisible box of wisdom, and mounds of profitable
goods, we would be better off to choose the invisible option. We like to hold tangible proof that
things will work out for us – money in the bank, a good warranty on the new couches, and ample
insurance on the car, boat and house. None of these things are bad, mind you, but our incessant
need to have our ducks in a row can reveal a lack of trust in the Lord. He sees the span of our lives
before we are even born, and yet we find it hard to fully surrender everything to Him.
While a room full of hundred dollar bills or a closet full of designer clothes appeals to the senses, the
gain brought by wise discernment yields much more of lasting value. As Jesus said, our heart will
be wherever our greatest treasure is. If our greatest pleasure and treasure is found in the summer
cottage, our time spent working out, or the busy business, we will find our heart left withered
and torn when adversity comes to these investments. But if wisdom guides us to truth, truth will
command that we seek first the kingdom of God. And when we do, the worries of the world will not
be burdensome. As we seek his presence first and foremost, we will be able to gratefully rejoice and
worship wholeheartedly whether we have plenty or are in need.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. What are the things you desire most in life? Honestly assess your heart and ask it what it
thinks will make it happy?
2. Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal to you HOW wisdom and understanding are actually better than
all your material desires. Ask Him to help you to understand the promise that comes with the
scripture passage.
3. How can you practically seek God’s kingdom and His presence today?

Foundations August 4, 2011

The Law in 90 Days: Genesis 1-2
SCRIPTURE READING
Proverbs 1:5-6 (NIV); let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get
guidance—for understanding proverbs and parables, the sayings and riddles of the wise.
The Bible is full of simple truths. No, the Christian life is not always simple, but the truths upon
which our faith is built are simple. In the first chapter of Proverbs, Solomon tells his audience
why he has taken the time to record the subsequent sayings. In his reasoning above, he states
that we can grow in wisdom by listening and learning to the proverbs and parables of the wise.
Of course Jesus is well-known as a parable-teller. He spoke in simple stories which opened the
eyes of the seekers and hardened the hearts of the worldly-wise.
Simple truths are understood and implemented when our hearts are actually set to seek
after truth. When we are able to put aside what we would like the Bible to say and look solely
on what it does say because we want to know the will of the Lord, our eyes catch the light.
Through the lens of humility and selflessness we catch a glimpse of the vision of God, and the
truth resonates deeply within us.
We try to complicate things. The old adage “with age comes wisdom” has caused us to deem
basic truths of the gospel as “childish” and “Sunday School-ish”. Age releases us to explore
and analyze in new ways, but we must keep our heart planted firmly in the faith-filled ground of
the childlike if we want to know the wisdom of our Maker.

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Brainstorm: What are some of the basic truths of the gospel message? What are some
basic truths of the character of God? What are some simple, yet profound promises of
God from Scripture? Meditate on these things, and look through your Bible if you need to
be reminded.
2. Do you believe these truths? If so, how is your belief seen in the way that you live?
3. Ask God how you can share simple truths with those around you today. Commit to being
intentional with specific people and situations that the Holy Spirit shows you. LOOK for
these opportunities with single-mindedness today.

Foundations August 3, 2011

New Testament Reading Plan: Revelations 19-22
SCRIPTURE READING
1 Kings 3:7, 9 (NIV); “Now, O LORD my God, you have made your servant king in place of my
father David. But I am only a little child and do not know how to carry out my duties… So give
your servant a discerning heart to govern your people and to distinguish between right and
wrong. For who is able to govern this great people of yours?”
How thrilling it would be to hear God say, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” These
are the words that Solomon heard, and of all the possibilities in the world, of all the temptations
of the human heart, he asked for wisdom. As the son and successor of the great King David,
dubbed to rule over Yahweh’s people, Solomon was overwhelmed by the task ahead of him. No
gift would satisfy his needs as the gift of wisdom could. And God was pleased with His selfless
request.
Having a true worshipper as a role model, Solomon knew God to be holy, powerful and
sovereign. He feared the Lord and trusted the wisdom of the Almighty God. With the fear of the
Lord comes a deep-rooted faith in the wisdom of God, and we are able to entrust ourselves to
that wisdom. Our prayers, then, will be full of faith in the One that we trust. When we pursue the
Lord wholeheartedly, our heart’s desires will move into alignment with His will. In humility and
reverence we will come before God saying, “I am only a little child and do not know how to carry
out my duties! Give your servant a discerning heart to do your will!”

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Do you doubt God’s character in any way? Do you doubt His trustworthiness and His
wisdom? Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any areas of unbelief and doubt. Take time to think
about your responses to the different situations in your life. True reliance and belief will be
seen in our thoughts and actions. Bring these before the Lord, confessing them and asking
for increased faith.
2. In what area do you find yourself a little child who does not know how to carry out their
duties? Ask God to give you a discerning heart to know His will.

Foundations August 2, 2011

New Testament Reading Plan: Revelations 16-18
SCRIPTURE READING
James 3:14-18 (NIV); But if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do
not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is
earthly, unspiritual, of the devil... But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure;
then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.
Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
There are two types of wisdom: worldly wisdom and heavenly wisdom. The wisdom of the
world is the ideas and philosophies used by those who do not know God to find success and
happiness in the world. It is for those whose lives have no foundation in absolute truth or
eternal hope. The wisdom of the world is rooted in envy and selfishness as each person tries
his best to find contentment. Even actions of kindness and compassion often find roots in
selfish gain, as people strive in vain to be “good” and free themselves from a guilty conscience
caused by sin.
But the wisdom of heaven is from God and is rooted in the cross. As Paul said, “the message of
the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to those who are being saved it is the
power of God.” God’s plan of redemption is foolishness to a world that does not recognize sin
as a problem; but, in truth, it is WISE as it offers salvation and freedom to the humble!
God’s wisdom is firstly pure – it is holy and set apart. It loves peace, takes consideration of
others, submits its will, shows mercy and produces good fruit. Because those who embrace this
heavenly wisdom are bound to an eternal hope, they are impartial to receiving praise, and they
sincerely desire that others would come to know the truth. Let us be filled with this wisdom as
we seek the Lord through His word!

PRAYER and MEDITATION
1. Meditate on the scripture passage. Invite the Lord to show you how you have pursued
both types of wisdom. Confess as necessary.
2. Take some time to think about the message of the cross and what God has, and is saving
you from. Express your thanksgiving to Him for His wise plan.
3. Which area of heavenly wisdom do you need