"This is what the LORD says: 'Let not the wise man boast of his wisdom or the strong man boast of his strength or the rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast about this: that he understands and knows me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight,' declares the LORD" (Jeremiah 9:23-24).

I enjoy a series of books that I’m sure many of you have heard of and perhaps used. It seems like they're about everywhere and cover just about any subject you can imagine. I am speaking of the "Dummies" series, which began with computer books in the early 90's as I recall. There's a discount store in our area that has a huge display of these books. I like the way the information is laid out and, in most cases, in regard to learning about technical issues related to this online ministry, the information in these books is more than adequate and at times still beyond my understanding!  I'm sure the concept of mp3's is easily grasped by teenagers but I just glean through enough of the basics to get some audio files up on this site!

I don't necessarily like the title though! Who likes to be considered a dummy? Well, bluntly we are all "dummies" in regard to certain areas. Sorry to offend but it's true. In regard to knowledge I consider myself a "generalist" in that I know a little about quite a range of subjects as I have an eclectic range of interests. I have a pretty good grasp of a few subjects and know essentially nothing about many, many others.

But above all I want my life to be characterized as one who "understands and knows" God. In life we need to focus on what matters most and, admittedly, that's a struggle. There's so much to know, and as Scripture declares, "knowledge will increase" (Daniel 12:4). In our day we have an explosion of knowledge with no end in sight. We expect this, particularly in regard to technology. But the main thing remains the main thing and is so powerfully expressed in our ancient daily Scripture text.

Jeremiah received this message from the Lord some 2,600 years ago, yet surely we can see how timely it is for ours and every generation!  The three aspirations so sought after by people of all generations are mentioned here; wisdom, strength and riches.  These are three perennial sources of human pride which leads to boasting, whether inward or visible for all to see.  But God reminds us of that which matters the most; that we understand and know Him.  May each of us remember this today and order our lives after this central truth.

Today, as those who love God, may we have a growing knowledge of God and seek understanding regarding His will for our lives as we daily surrender our hearts to Him.


Be encouraged today,


Stephen C. Weber

Daily Prayer: Lord, help us to remember the only boasting that really matters is that we boast in this alone:  that we truly know You and understand that You are the Lord who is just and righteous!  Our own pride and forgetfulness of Your wondrous works and miraculous provisions will eventually lead to self-defeat. Our self-confidence, based solely upon our own abilities or wisdom, leads to misplaced trust and compromise in our spiritual lives.  We consider the Bible heroes and fallen Christians throughout history who allowed pride to master their thoughts and actions.  The enemy they faced was not on the battlefield, but a stronghold within the walls of their own hearts. Wisdom, strength, and riches are providential blessings that we do not deserve, but gifts that You distribute with delight.  May we always heed the warning from I Cor. 10:12, "If you think you are standing strong, be careful, for you, too, may fall into the same sin."

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Brooksyne's Note: It is true that knowledge continues to increase and be more readily available with every passing day.  There are also many modifications and debunking of information we once thought to be true but is proven false in the light of further exploration and technological research.  But the ancient Scripture does not need modification and its message is ALWAYS relevant for every believer in every corner of the world. Technology does not know the spiritual heart of man, but the Creator certainly does!  Let's receive His blessings and heed His warnings.

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Today's song is among our favorites!
"Knowing You"  Audio   Video
From Willingdon Church in BC Canada

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No kidding: The other day I was visiting with my brother in the Lehigh Valley and heard a radio ad for a website at www.getrichquick.com.  I in no way recommend it!

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Finally it's beautiful here but very cold with a howling wind that blows its way into the cracks of the doors and windows.  Bbbrrrr!!