Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Knowing What You Know So You’ll Know…Ya Know?”
"The proverbs of Solomon son of David, king of Israel: for attaining wisdom and discipline; for understanding words of insight..." – Proverbs 1:1,2 (NIV)

Key Word: Understanding: "To come to know meaning...comprehend."
I am one who likes to find out and understand what something means. Especially word meanings. I am not always satisfied with just a "surface" knowledge so I try to go a little further. Solomon, being the son of David had to have been a learned man. He no doubt had some of the best instructors the nation of Israel had to offer. But when asked by God (1st Kings 3:9) what he wanted the most, he chose a deeper understanding of God's ways. He wanted to comprehend the mind of the Creator of the universe. Wow! And what is more incredible is that God obliged him! "Solomon, my son, if this is what you truly want, here it is! It is yours!" In 30 chapters and over 900 verses...we too, can begin to understand the mind of the Creator! Choose to learn and understand and do.
For example, can you tell how deep a pond or lake is by merely looking at the surface? You learn by jumping in and finding out for yourself. How, then can we expect to fully know the depth of God's wisdom and ways by merely "skimming" the surface? Just going to church and carrying a bible do not make us "spiritually mature." One of my favorite quotes is from Jim Cymbala, pastor of the Brooklyn Tabernacle. In his book “Fresh Wind, Fresh Fire,” he says; “Going to Church no more makes one a Christian than by walking into the garage make them a car.”
Taking an example from the New Testament, several future disciples were fishing when Jesus met them one day. When Jesus asked how they were doing, one of them, Peter more specifically, responded by saying that they had not caught a thing. Their efforts had produced no [long-term] benefits! It was then that Jesus told them, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch." – Luke 5:5 (The Message, Emphasis mine). The results were overwhelming. They caught so many fish they were afraid that their nets were going to break! Jesus also proclaimed in one of the greatest promises by saying; "You will know the truth and the truth will set you free." - John 8:32 (NIV) How far and how deep are you willing to go for the sake of having a greater relationship with the Lord? We have that ability to choose.
One of my favorite Contemporary Christian singers is Steven Curtis Chapman. His music is very emotional and his lyrics incredible. One of my favorite songs by Chapman is titled, “Dive.” In conclusion, here are the lyrics to this song – a reminder that there are deeper waters to be found and hopefully we are ready to take the plunge!
The long awaited rains - Have fallen hard upon the thirsty ground And carved their way to where - The wild and rushing river can be found And like the rains - I have been carried here to where the river flows yeah My heart is racing and my knees are weak -As I walk to the edge I know there is no turning back - Once my feet have left the ledge And in the rush I hear a voice - That's telling me it's time to take the leap of faith So here I go

I'm diving in I'm going deep in over my head I want to be Caught in the rush lost in the flow in over my head I want to go The river's deep the river's wide the river's water is alive So sink or swim I'm diving in
There is a supernatural power - In this mighty river's flow It can bring the dead to life - And it can fill an empty soul And give a heart the only thing - Worth living and worth dying for yeah But we will never know the awesome power - Of the grace of god Until we let ourselves get swept away - Into this holy flood So if you'll take my hand - We'll close our eyes and count to three And take the leap of faith - Come on let's go!
Don’t just “skim the surface.” Chose to get as deep as you can. Chose to accept the challenge of getting God’s wisdom and understanding. It will be worth it for you and for those who are influenced by you!
Pastor J. T. Carnell.