Avoid Snares and Pitfalls

by Vikki Burke | Enriching Life Daily

Proverbs 4:7 tells us, “Wisdom is the principle thing, therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding” (NKJV). Notice he did not say miracles, prayer, or faith are the principle thing. No, He said wisdom is the most important thing, above everything else.

Wisdom must be our first and foremost goal in any endeavor we pursue. When God’s wisdom and understanding become most important, we are certain to avoid the snares and pitfalls that are waiting in our path. The more wisdom that is working in our lives, the fewer miracles we will need!

Notice verses 11, 12 and 18 in The Amplified Bible:

“I have taught you in the way of skillful and godly Wisdom [which is comprehensive insight into the ways and purposes of God]; I have led you in the paths of uprightness.

“When you walk, your steps shall not be hampered [your path will be clear and open]; and when you run, you shall not stumble.

“But the path of the [uncompromisingly] just and righteous is like the light of dawn, that shines more and more (brighter and clearer) until [it reaches its full strength and glory in] the perfect day [to be prepared].”

The wisdom of God will guide our steps and thoughts to rightly decide a purchase, a course of action, or an approach to handling a problem. When we make godly wisdom foremost, every step we take can be a step of progress toward a godly resolution in any situation we face. Success in our lives will begin with godly wisdom that will bring clarity and focus on the main issue. Once we have wisdom from God, we can then approach the issue with the steps that will bring God’s light on the situation.

Our path gets brighter and clearer when we make wisdom the most important thing in our lives.

Wisdom will find the plan of God and stick to it. Proverbs 24:3 4 in The Living Bible places wisdom’s value in perspective: “Any enterprise is built by wise planning, becomes strong through common sense, and profits wonderfully by keeping abreast of the facts.” Wisdom from God will plan, use the knowledge available, and stay informed.

Every time I go into a service to minister the Word of God I have a plan. I have spent time praying and preparing and have a plan. Of course, the Holy Spirit may want to change the plan at the last minute. He has done it many times, yet more often the plan I received in my preparation was exactly the course He wanted for the service.

Too often ministers say how they want to “flow with the Spirit” so they fail to have a plan. Usually in these situations the substance is lacking and the impact is minimal. For many, to “flow” only means they lack the discipline to prepare or plan wisely.

God is a wise planner! He planned our entire lives before the foundation of the world. He planned the universe, the systems of the earth right down to the most intricate detail. He even made the plan of redemption before anyone had ever sinned. We can’t allow the comments or opinions of others to make us feel unspiritual for planning. God is the ultimate planner.

Dennis Burke Ministries
All rights reserved. Used by permission.

Vikki and Dennis began as youth pastors in 1973 in Southern California where they received tremendous insight into the work of the local church. In 1976, they moved to Ft. Worth, Texas, to work with Kenneth Copeland Ministries. Vikki worked with KCM for three years before entering full-time ministry with her husband. Since that time, their relationship and involvement with Kenneth Copeland Ministries has continued. Vikki and Dennis have had numerous articles published in the Believer's Voice of Victory magazine.

Vikki has spoken in several nations including Australia, Japan, and Canada. She has ministered on television, radio, in women's conferences and marriage seminars. Her desire is to see people raised to a higher level of living through the Word of God. By acting on Gods principles, Vikki has obtained a testimony of victory and imparts encouragement to others.

Throughout the years, Vikki and Dennis have pursued new avenues of reaching people. The Lord has continued to expand their vision. Their dedication has affected thousands as they are impacting God's people with the love of God.

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