Wisdom

We live in an age of information, an age where we can access knowledge quickly and easily, every day we are able to read reports and accounts from around the world. We hear information on the radio, we the news unfold before our eyes via satellite straight to our T.V. screens… but does this knowledge bring with it wisdom or is wisdom something different?

Wisdom comes to us through story and image, simile and riddle- her story been passed down through the ages by oral tradition and through wisdom literature whose roots are steeped in the Jewish and other traditions…
Wisdom is personified – Lady Wisdom – who is the antidote to Dame Folly. Wisdom has her origin in God (Prov. 8:22), and comes into the physical world with a distinct mission (Prov. 8. 4; 31-36). Wisdom is a divine gift (Prov. 2:6) and requires a disciplined approach from those who seek to attain knowledge of her (Prov 4: 10-27).

Jesus sought wisdom, spoke wisdom and knew wisdoms ways to such an extent that he could be said to have personified wisdom herself- for this reason it is profitable to pay close attention to Jesus teachings.

In the wisdom tradition beatitudes (blessings) were taught to convey practical wisdom, Jesus used beatitudes (Luke 6:20-26) in a new way to teach a reversal of values that were commonly placed upon earthly things like wealth and power, to point to a new way of living a life in God’s new kingdom. At the same time he gave a series of warnings against living self centred lives, of being satisfied with the temporary.

He taught wisdom through parable; teaching his hearers to prepare their lives to be good soil in which to receive the seeds of his teachings (Luke 8 1-15) ; to show what it means to be a good neighbour (Luke 10: 25-37) to store up treasure that would last, rather than earthly riches. (Luke 12:13-21).
Jesus confused his contemporaries, he confuses many today; yet for those who have eyes to see true wisdom will out, for those who would seek her wisdom was and is attainable. (Luke 7 :35).

A quiet place...

Psalm 23:1-2
God, my shepherd!
I don't need a thing.
You have bedded me down in lush meadows,
you find me quiet pools to drink from.

Set aside a little time for yourself today, a time when you can be rest by the quiet waters, allow the Spirit to meet you there. To feed you there, to restore your soul. Drink from those waters. Then you will find yourself restored, renewed and refreshed!

What is on the inside- cultivating your spirit

But God told Samuel, "Looks aren't everything. Don't be impressed with his looks and stature. ...... God judges persons differently than humans do. Men and women look at the face; God looks into the heart."

Do you ever look into a mirror and feel discouraged?

Feel like you are not slim enough, strong enough, good enough to make it?

Take heart, for what is on the outside can so easily be affected by what is on the inside- take time to cultivate a spiritual life, and you will feel and be more complete. God knows you through and through, he made you and says that you have been fearfully and wonderfully made body, mind and spirit...

So take 15 miniutes today to quiet your spirit- say to yourself

I am fearfully and wonderfully made

Let those words feed your spirit- look again in the mirror- you are beautiful- you are special- you are unique.

Welcome to Soul Space

Welcome to Soul space, this blog has been set up to provide a space in daily life for reflection and for you to add your thoughts and prayers to those posted... also so that you can leave prayer requests, with the knowledge that these things will be prayed for...
We hope that Soul Space will create room for a community to grow and learn together...

"Earth is crammed with heaven
and every common bush afire with God,
But only he who sees
takes off his shoes"- Elizabeth Barret Browning