WOW=WORDS OF WISDOM!

WOW! Words Of Wisdom.

Wisdom. "My One Word" for 2025!

True wisdom is found in God's Word! 

(Romans 12:11 (NRSVA)

Versions might vary but can help broaden understanding;

Do not lag in zeal, In diligence, not slothful (ASV), Don't hesitate to be enthusiastic (CEB), Never give up (CEV) do not be lazy (ICB), Never flag in zeal (RSV) do not lagging in zeal; (TLV) not slow in business (WYC)

be ardent in spirit, fervent in spirit (ASV), be on fire in the Spirit (CEB), Eagerly follow the Holy Spirit (CEV), but work hard, (ICB) be aglow with the Spirit (RSV) be fervent in spirit, (TLV) fervent in spirit (WYC)

serve the Lord. serving the Lord; (ASV), as you serve the Lord! (CEB) serve the Lord with all your heart. (ICB) serve the Lord. (RSV) Keep serving the Lord. (TLV) serving to the Lord, (WYC)

In the final portion of the verse, regardless of the versions (American Standard Version, Common English Bible, International Children's Bible, New Revised Standard Version Anglican, Revised Standard Version, Tree of Life Version a Messianic Jewish translation, Wycliffe Bible) and varying  punctuation, Lord is always included and written with a capital L!

Written Wisdom. The Lord is the One to always serve!

TARRYING TUESDAY!

Tarrying in scripture was the directive, during Pentecost, for the disciples as they waited for the glorification of the Lord and the Holy Spirit to come. (Luke 24:49) For me, the analogy of tarrying is indicative of the waiting required for clarity, direction and power from God all of which are evidence of the ascended Christ.

Recently I have been focused on my physical condition when In fact, it's my spiritual condition that allows me to "put on Christ." (Romans 13:14)

Clothed in Christ. Think compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience. (Colossians 3:12)

Lately, it seems sometimes I have to seek God's face from the stillness of my bed, front porch or out the window. Today is that kind of day for me. 

Neighbor's flame azalea. 

Aflame with the Spirit reminder. (Romans 12:11)

Tarrying. Lingering. Physically waiting in prayer to enable me to cling to His Presence throughout this day. 

May this Tarrying Tuesday be a time of waiting in God's Presence!

A soul-filling time!

KEEP GLOWING!

Keep glowing! (Romans 12:11)

"Why?".....you might ask.

So others might see the beauty of Jesus in you. 

How does one keep glowing?

Pastor Scotty Smith offers an answer. Allow the Lord to turn your whimpers and whines into wonder and worship! (11/1/24)

For me, I must keep reminding myself to keep glowing. Often that means having Scripture at hand (from our breakfast bar to the refrigerator door) as I begin my day. 

Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame.......(Romans 12:11, MSG)

The verse might start with a negative comparison, Don't burn out but the the result is a positive allowing you to keep fueled and aflame, aka keep glowing! 

People abounding in hope keep glowing! (Romans 15:13)

AGLOW!

How does a gal lose her glow?

God's Word in Romans 12:11 reminds Christians to...........

Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. (RSV)

So many ways of saying allow your life to be a way others see the Lord.

Different versions of Scripture define "aglow" with different words and comparisons. Perfect words for my Wordsmith Wednesday to get me back on track. AGLOW!

Positives:

1. "Burning with the Spirit." (AMPC)
2. "Eagerly following the Holy Spirit." (CEV)
3. "Excited about your faith." (NIRV)
4. "Fervent in Spirit." (ESV)
5. "Fueled and aflame." (MSG)
6. "Showing your devotion." (NOG)
7. "Spiritual fervor." (NIV)

"7" ----complete....enough for today!

Maybe I need to walk outside to reclaim my"glow" in the Spirit.

Go to aglow!

GROW AND GLOW!

How does one grow and glow?

Growing anew with a life change of location and all a move to a new state involves is all beyond me at this stage in life. 

It's not beyond the Lord. 

Trust is key when circumstances change both suddenly and dramatically.

How can one leave a beloved church family whose support she/he has cherished for 45+ years?

Keep on keeping on---in His strength/ the power of His might. (Ephesians 6:10)

Love the Lord with all your heart, soul, mind, and spirit and serve Him well......

• not hesitant
• not holding back 
• not lazy
• not lagging behind
• not slacking
• not slothful
• not tired of working

Don't burn out; keep yourselves fueled and aflame.....(MSG)

DST!

Saturday as I reset clocks in anticipation for The "Spring Forward" for DST on my calendar, I accidentally turned on the bedside table alarm!

ARG!--It went off, not only on a "sleep in a bit later day" but an hour earlier.

But God in His love and mercy sets a time for everything and everyone. And today, I needed more sleep.....or so I thought.

Actually, I needed more zeal to do His will. (Romans 12:11) 

More of Thee less of me......regardless of the time of day.

MEDITATING MONDAYS' MOMENTS

When a Monday begins with a continuation of Saturday and Sunday sickness one, at least this one, can lose her focus. My body was out of steam. There was no zip or zest, just weariness. But God....brought a verse into focus.

"Don't burn out; keep yourself fueled and aflame." (Romans 12:11, MSG)

How does one do that when she is physically spent? Start where you are. 

Look for God's hand.

Be fully present in the present so God can present His perfect present. (Taylor Park)

God's grace is our best present.

Remind me daily that even the smallest of moments do matter.

NEWNESS OF LIFE

NEWNESS...lots of synonyms for this noun. Freshness. Originality. Uniqueness. Newfangledness. (an old school word) For me, newness can connote brightness/shininess. Something can be "brand spanking new" or "bright as a newly minted penny." In scripture, how is newness expressed? Anyone in Christ has a newness to his life. (2 Corinthians 5:17, NKJV) A new way of  living has come into existence. (GW translation)

I like Robert Morgan's spiritual list from his All to Jesus, Day 291.

A few "new" insights on Morgan's list with my inferences;

• A New Name---Saul became Paul (Acts 13:9) Believers are called Christians.
• A New Nature---created according to God's likeness. (Ephesians 4:24)
• A New Motto---to live is Christ, to die is gain. (Philippians 1:21)
• A New Lifestyle---we too might walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:4b, ESV)
• A New Future---eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. (Romans 5:21)

A shining bright witness. Aglow with the Spirit! (Romans 12:11)

Newness---New every  morning! 

Palatable RX

Some medical diagnoses and prescriptions are easier to "swallow" than others. This is certainly true in the physical realm. 

Last week's diagnosis of a frozen shoulder didn't sound so bad when the RX was coupled with physical therapy and NOT a cortisone shot or surgery. Hard work. Exercise. I'm willing to do that to accomplish healing and restoration of the weak/atrophied area. 

But....the question is, how did I get to this point? 

Was the gradual physical decline so gradual that I overlooked it? 

Was my loss of effectiveness due to underuse or neglect? (Romans 12:11)

The same questions could be asked about weaknesses in my spiritual life?
Does something major have to occur to get my attention?
Am I allowing neglect in my spiritual life to give way to greater "threats."

Time in God's word. Intimate time with the Lord. Both are a palatable RX for refreshment and restoration.

God’s Love = Undaunted Radiance = aglow with the Spirit

3/8/10 Yesterday’s My Utmost for His Highest entry was all about the love of God---a love freely given and not earned. A love that gives us power and radiance ---power to conquer all of the circumstances life seems to throw our way........

Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. (Romans 8:37)

.......and radiance. Even the Edges of His Ways entry this past week dealt with “radiance.”
Paul says this (indwelling love) is why we are, “super-victors, with a joy we would not have but for the very things which look as if they are going to overwhelm us. …..Apply that to our own circumstances……tribulation, distress, persecution, produce in us the super-joy; they are not things to fight. We are more than conquerors through Him in all these things, not in spite of them, but in the midst of them. The saint never knows the joy of the Lord in spite of tribulation, but because of it. 'I am exceeding joyful in all our tribulation,' says Paul. Undaunted radiance is not built on anything passing, but on the love of God that nothing can alter.”
Undaunted radiance---a phrase to hang your hat on or sink your teeth into---a fearless, unperturbed acceptance of all that life in a fallen world sends our way while emboldening us with joie de vivre, vitality or spring in our step. I once used a Revlon make-up called Vital Radiance---marketed to women over 50. Maybe the company thought that a more mature woman needed a little sparkle to help her glow. A spiritually mature woman already has a glow. It comes from obedience in serving the Lord. Years ago, Mrs. Wheaton Ennis, (Dink) a mature believer from Highland Heights Presbyterian Church, exhibited that as she lived out Romans 12:11 “not flagging in zeal, aglow with the spirit, serving the Lord.” (RSV)
Because of her, I memorized that verse. Today it’s your turn.