Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
While taking a walk, I noticed a spot of color on the side of the road. There, among the dirt and brown leaves, was a dandelion in the middle of February. It reminded me of the tenacity of God’s people in the midst of severe hardship. In communist Russia and China, the body of Christ not only survived – it grew! The Jews, enduring one extreme hardship after another, have continued these past 2,000 years.
God’s covenant stands firm. In Genesis 17:7, God said to Abraham “And I will establish my covenant between me and you, and your seed after you in their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be a God unto you, and to your seed after you.” And Jesus said He will be with us always – even to the end of the world. Amen.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
I love fishing. Catching fresh food is great, and I love the beauty and variety God has created. Even if I’m not catching, it’s exhilarating just being out there. I love fishing; but I hate being chewed up by bugs. Gnats in the Adirondacks; no-see-ums in Florida, and mosquitoes everywhere! Well, into everyone’s life some rain must fall.
That’s not scripture, but here’s what the Apostle Paul said in Philippians 4:11: “I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.” So, rather than complain about the bugs, I rejoice in being able to fish and enjoy the beauty of God’s creation.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
How many times have you been disappointed by someone or something? Maybe a plan you had didn’t work out. A thing you thought would last a long time suddenly broke. Someone you trusted let you down. Life is filled with disappointments. That’s why we ought not hold onto this world too tightly, or love it too dearly.
Paul mentioned in Hebrews 13:5, “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as you have; for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” In other words, God is all we need to make things right.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Do you know it’s possible to profess Christ, but not possess Christ? In other words, there are many people who talk about Jesus, or even say they are Christians, but they don’t live out what Jesus taught. Folks who claim to be Christian ought to at least live out what Jesus taught us.
To do that involves not only knowing about Jesus and his teachings, but actually have him inside, animating the Christian. Possessing Christ is totally different than a mere profession. It’s a lifestyle born out of a relationship. Jesus said “Ye shall know them by their fruits.” (Matthew 7:16).
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Do you realize that if you are in Christ, you are a part of his body? You aren’t simply a member of some club, team, or corporation. You are actually a part of the body of Jesus Christ. Your life is all about what Jesus is about on this Earth living out his desires and accomplishing his purposes. It’s not about an organization; rather, it’s about an organism.
The Apostle Paul expressed it like this: “So we, being many, are one body in Christ; and every one, members of one another.” (Romans 12:5). Even with all its’ frailties and failings, I hope you are enjoying the blessing of being a part of the body of Christ, my friend.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
God is good – all the time. In fact, there is never a time when God’s not good. His goodness can be seen everyday in the benefits he provides for us. He woke me up this morning; put food on my table; gave me a place to live; and clothes to wear.
He’s given me family and friends to enjoy, fresh air to breathe, birds singing to delight me. He paints gorgeous sunrises and sunsets. The Psalmist who wrote Psalm 107 said four times: “Oh that men would praise the Lord for his goodness, and for his wonderful works to the children of men!” (Psalm 107:21).
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
“Be not conformed to this world: but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.” (Romans 12:2). It amazes me how the church wants to be like the world. Maybe it’s because we aren’t allowing the Word to transform our mind. It is imperative to spend time in God’s word personally, daily. That way, we will gain God’s perspective on life. Perhaps then, we can transform the world like the early disciples did. My friend – allow the Word of God to transform your mind as you spend time in it. And then, go and transform your part of the world.
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
Have you ever tried to count the number of hairs on your head? The stars in the sky? The grains of sand on just one beach? I find this amazing: that God knows not only the number of hairs on your head, but on every head! Not only that, but he knows when you rise in the morning and when you lie down at night. He even knows not only the thoughts, but the intentions of your heart. God knows – he knows everything. He knows your future. “So teach us to number our days, that we may apply our hearts unto wisdom.” (Psalm 90:12).
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
I was thinking about that beautiful song that Paul Stookeyfrom Peter, Paul, and Mary wrote for Peter Yarrow when he was married. Debbie and I had my brother Joe and the pastor’s wife play it at our wedding. It begins “He is now to be among you at the calling of your hearts.” So beautiful!
Four times in the Bible, we read that a man shall leave his father and mother, and cleave to his wife, and they too shall be one flesh. Apparently, in God’s eyes, he sees the two as one. This is an incredible picture of unity and harmony. With God in the mix, it has the ability to work well. That’s why Jesus, in Matthew 19:6 and Mark 10:9 said “What therefore God has joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Hi, I’m Howie Campbell, and this is a Wisdom and Truth Minute.
“Wherewithal shall a young man cleanse his way? by taking heed thereto according to thy word” (Psalm 119:9). This old-English sounding phrase is actually easy to understand once you define the words. And as usual, I discovered a little treasure here.
The original word for wherewithal means “what, when, where, how,” but in common usage, according to the dictionary, it’s a financial term. It’s sort of like, how can a young man find the wherewithal to cleanse his own way? Well he can’t – he needs the instruction found in God’s word. Young man, turn to the Lord. Seek his wisdom, and he’ll make your path straight.