Wednesday August 30, 2023

Today is Wednesday, August 30 and we are exploring what it means to trust God’s Word.

As I enter this time of prayer, I still my body, quiet my mind and slow my breathing. I close my eyes and relax in the presence of the God who loves me.

Pause and Pray

Holy and blessed Lord, I long for you to speak into my life and circumstances. Give me ears to hear, eyes to see and a heart to understand the good message you have for me today as I study the Holy Scriptures. Amen.

I seek to follow God faithfully and rejoice in his goodness with the ancient words of Psalm 119.

I have not departed from your laws, for you yourself have taught me. How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth! I gain understanding from your precepts; therefore I hate every wrong path. Psalm 119:102-105

Pause and Pray

Many people identify James as a book of the Bible about works, but it is really about wisdom. James is writing to early Christians and for James, wisdom is the most important gift for believers to possess. James does not buy into the definition of worldly wisdom but pushes farther. James encourages me to find what is called heavenly wisdom. The wisdom that comes from above and is inspired by God. Godly wisdom enables me to avoid trouble, navigate pitfalls, and unmask deception. Godly wisdom keeps me from being at the wrong place at the wrong time and prevents me from making bad decisions and poor choices. God’s Word is the primary source of true wisdom.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18

James contrasts two kinds of wisdom I could have for my life – earthly wisdom or heavenly wisdom. I want to choose well. I could adopt a life of pride, envy, and selfish ambition. I could surround myself with misleading falsehoods and destructive lies. I could rely on the “wisdom” of the world that is faulty, shortsighted, misleading and potentially harmful. Or I could rely on God. I crave the wisdom that comes from God. I embrace a life of humility seeking to serve others with deeds of kindness. I want to grow in Godliness and live a life that is peace-loving, considerate, submissive, merciful, impartial and sincere. My aim is to reap a harvest of righteousness for God and produce good fruit for his kingdom.

Ask: Where in my life am I relying on the wisdom of the world and not on the wisdom of God? How am I seeking God’s wisdom by spending time in scripture, prayer and conversation with mature believers?

Pause and Pray

Blessed and holy Lord, you are the source of all wisdom. Forgive me when I turn to worldly knowledge and forsake your ancient truths. I cannot make myself wise, but can only seek the gift of wisdom you promise followers of Christ. Thank you for encouraging me to ask for wisdom and reminding me to seek truth in the right places. I read the words from James again and listen for the message you have for me.

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. James 3:13-18

Ask: What image, word or phrase stands out to me when I slowly read this passage? What is God trying to say to me through these words of scripture?

Pause and Pray

God wants me to look for and ask for his wisdom and not the wisdom of the world. I consider the emotions this passage evokes in me and repeat the word or phrase that stands out to me. There are specific circumstances and situations in my life which would greatly benefit from Godly wisdom. Perhaps God wants to encourage me to seek his wisdom for a particular problem, puzzle or relationship. God knows what is best for my life and will direct me the way I should go. I can trust him completely.

Pause and Pray

Come, Holy Spirit, grant me the gift of Godly wisdom. Remove any half-truths, misconceptions, and wrong thinking from my mind and give me the good gift that will impact my entire life. The Bible says you are ready to pour out the spirit of wisdom upon anyone who desires to have it. I ask for this gift today. Amen.

If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you. James 1:5

I leave this time of prayer, seeking to grow in Godly wisdom. I go to love and serve the world in the name of Jesus.

Amen