Gaining the Treasures of Wisdom, Insight and Understanding

Your commands make me wiser than my enemies , for they are ever with me.  I have more insight than all my teachers for I meditate on your statutes.  I have more understanding than the elders, for I obey your precepts.  
Psalm 119:98-100  NIV

   How much do you value wisdom, insight and understanding? They are among the richest treasures of this world because they empower us to fully enjoy life.  Unfortunately, they are highly undervalued by most people.  We tend to put much more energy into gaining the treasures of wealth and popularity, which provide far less help than we think for truly enjoying life.

   Wisdom, insight and understanding are not instant downloads.  They are planted in us as we meditate on God’s truth and they grow in us as we apply God’s truth in daily life.

   This week, practice this meditation and application process by taking these steps.

    1. Choose a command from Scripture.

    2. Write it on an index card, a piece of paper or type it as a 
        reminder in your phone.
    3. Review it and think about it several times a day.
    4. Ask God for opportunities to put them into practice.

For starters, I recommend Matthew 5:44; Philippians 2:3-4 or James 1:19-20.   

To Listen Is to Love

To answer before listening—  that is folly and shame.     
                                              Proverbs 18:13   NIV

And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister.           1 John 4:21  NIV

   Love is about treating someone like they have great value to you.  One of the best ways to show someone that you value them is to listen to them.

   This week, share love with someone by taking the time to listen to them.  Put down your phone.  Set aside your book or whatever task you are working on and give someone your undivided attention.  You may want to start your conversation by asking them to tell you about something in their life that they are happy about right now.  As they answer your question, ask more questions to try to understand why this is important to them.  Listen carefully for other things you can learn and affirm in this person.  The more you listen, the more they will feel that you value them.