If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5)
Read James 1
This week,I want to talk about finding wisdom in the Word and the importance of believing the Word of God is for you. There’s no room for doubt or condemnation when it comes to God’s Word. We need to believe that every word in the Bible is there for a purpose. We need to believe that God’s Word is for us!
This verse outlines one of the goals I’ve had for this year! Every year, I try to watch my tongue just a little more closely. I want a tighter reign on it. I want the words that proceed from my mouth to encourage, uplift, and nourish others. If for some reason, I can’t come up with words to do this in a situation… then I pray I will be silent. I pray that I will not foolishly open my mouth and give way to Satan’s conniving ways. I don’t want my mouth to be used for anything, but God’s glory.
If any of you lacks wisdom [to guide him through a decision or circumstance], he is to ask of [our benevolent] God, who gives to everyone generously and without rebuke or blame, and it will be given to him. (James 1:5, AMP)
I don’t know about you but I know that I’m lacking wisdom. I know that this verse was written for me. So I’m going to spend a month asking God to increase my wisdom. I want to spend the month of August in the Proverbs and find wisdom through God’s Word. Will you journey with me through the Proverbs? Will you come with me to find the wisdom in God’s Word? Will you admit that your lacking wisdom? Let’s go to God together and seek the wisdom that only He can give.
Do not love the world or anything in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For everything in the world–the cravings of sinful man, the lust of his eyes and the boasting of what he has and does–comes not from the Father but from the world. The world and its desires pass away, but the man who does the will of God lives forever. (1 John 2:15-17)
I really love this passage of Scripture. I love that the author, John, doesn’t beat around the bush. He gets straight to the point. I love that! I learn best from those who get straight to the point. I have a difficult time with people who beat around the bush, so I can really appreciate John’s straight forward approach to life.
Above all, my brothers, do not swear– not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned. (James 5:12)
My little nephew has been learning this verse. My sister noticed that Andrew would change his mind a lot, so she decided to teach him this verse. Here’s his version,
“Let your yes be yes, let your no be no.”
Even at the precious age of five, Andrew is learning how to be a man of his word. I think this is a very important lesson that we can learn. How often do we lack the follow through we need? How often do we fall short on finishing what we start? In this passage, James is quoting Jesus from the Sermon on the Mount. Let’s take a look at what Jesus has to say!