Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
A line in one of my songs goes like this: “When you give your heart to Jesus, the spirit of the Lord will fill you.” What does it mean to give your heart to Jesus? The apostle Paul writing to the Ephesians in 1:13-14 says: “In whom you also trusted, after you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that you believed, you were sealed by that holy Spirit of promise, which is the downpayment of our inheritance until the redemption of the purchased possession, unto the praise of his glory.”
If you have heard the Gospel, and have given your life to Jesus, my friend, that means he paid for your sins with his own blood, and now lives inside you, helping you to please God. How wonderful is that?
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
One day, two men were walking towards the Israeli town of Emmaus, discussing recent events. They were traumatized and in great confusion because the teacher they were following, thinking he was the Messiah, was suddenly arrested, falsely accused, then basically murdered by the Romans and Jewish religious leaders.
Suddenly, a man showed up and walked with them. They didn’t recognize Jesus. He expounded from the Hebrew scriptures, beginning at Moses and the prophets, all things concerning himself. Luke 24:30-31 records this: “As they sat at dinner, he took bread, blessed it, and broke and gave it to them, and their eyes were opened; and they knew him.” Have your eyes been opened? Do you recognize the Christ? He calls for you to come and dine with Him.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
I don’t know about you, but I love to sing Christmas songs year-round. Some of the most beautiful songs ever penned were hymns of praise celebrating the birth of Jesus. “O Come, Let Us Adore Him” was going through my mind this morning and I thought – we could sing this anytime, just like the Psalmist did. It’s amazing how many Psalms are devoted to the praise and adoration of Jesus, known in the Old Testament as Jehovah.
Listen to this exhortation in Psalm 95:1: “O come, let us sing unto the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation.” Join me, friend, in worshipping the Lord God.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
When you go to work for someone and put in your time and do a good job, you expect to get paid, right? If you agree to work for someone and payment is discussed, would it be right to expect the pay if you do no work? Well, there are people who expect God’s blessing without ever spending time with Him or even trying to obey Him.
Don’t you think we should follow His teachings if we expect Him to answer our prayers? In John 14:15, Jesus said: “If you love me, keep my commandments.” That’s pretty simple, right? Let’s show Jesus how much we love him, today and always.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Do you know, in our day, we are witnessing a miracle of astronomical proportions? God never lies, make mistakes, or goes back on promises. Many times, and many years ago, God promised to protect the descendants of Jacob, known as Israel. At one point during their rebellion and rejection of Him, He dispersed them to the four corners of the earth. The miracle is that he brought them back to their land, and is now watching over them there. Ezekiel 37:14 says “…and I shall place you in your own land: then shall ye know that I the Lord have spoken it, and performed it, says the Lord.” You can trust in God’s promises, my friend.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Often, when playing a live show, I’ll preface one of my original songs by saying, “Grandchildren are a great source of inspiration, so here’s one I wrote for my grandkids.” It’s amazing the bond of love we share. Every time I have to leave them, there’s a sadness in my heart. And when we meet again, extreme rejoicing.
The Bible has it right in Proverbs 17:6 where it says: “Children’s children are the crown of old men, and the glory of children are their fathers.” All my life’s accomplishments can’t hold my heart like my children and grandchildren. May you know the joy of family too, friend.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
When we think of an inheritance, we usually think of money or material possessions. I have heard of people refusing an inheritance, but that’s extremely rare. I mean, who wouldn’t want an inheritance?
Did you know children are an inheritance to us from the Lord? That means they are valuable – not something to be squandered, but cherished and invested in wisely. Listen to Psalm 127:3-4: “See, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward. As arrows are in the hand of a mighty man; so are children of the youth.” Why would anyone not want such a beautiful inheritance?
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Have you ever had anyone to your house you really didn’t know? Have you ever invited a perfect stranger over for a cup of tea, or lunch, or to spend the night? Debbie and I are often in a town where we’re strangers. We have experienced hospitality that, many times, has turned out to be a mutual blessing.
One of the hallmarks of the early church was their hospitality. In Hebrews 13:2, we find this: “Don’t be forgetful to entertain strangers; for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Pray for discernment – you do need to be careful. But, there just might be a blessing waiting, too.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
In 1970, country singer Lynn Anderson had a hit with “Rose Garden.” It starts “I beg your pardon; I never promised you a rose garden.” You may have heard the phrase “life is no bed of roses.” Troubles are a part of living in this world, for sure. But those of us who follow Jesus has someone who helps us through those troubles. Just being a Christian can bring about troubles in contemporary culture – not just in places hostile to Christianity, but often in America, a formerly Christian-influenced society. Jesus gave us hope when he said: “In the world you shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Training a dog is hard work. It takes time, consistency, determination, understanding. It may not be fun, but it’s well worth the effort. An untrained dog is a big pain in the neck; but a well-trained dog is a delight. So it is with people. Adults that are poorly-trained as children can be a big pain in the neck, but well-trained children become adults who are good to be around.
God knows this, my friend. That’s why he inspired Proverbs 3:11-12, which says, “My son, despise not the chastening of the Lord; neither be weary at his correction. For whom the Lord loves, he corrects; even as a father the son in whom he delights.”