Showing posts with label learned. Show all posts
Showing posts with label learned. Show all posts

Saturday, January 23, 2021

Ask For Wisdom

Photo by Pr. Judy Mattson

If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.

But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 
                                                                                  (James 1:5-6 KJV)

Solomon asked for wisdom and received it so that he could be a good ruler to the people. James encourages everyone who lacks wisdom to ask God for it. If we ask faith we shall receive it.  The only problem with that is that too many of us are wise in our own eyes and have no clue that we actually lack wisdom. We think that we have no need to learn anything new. We have no need to get anyone else's opinion or advice. We definitely don't think that we should ask God to let us know what is really what since we think we already know everything. We don't ask so we don't receive wisdom or knowledge that would be helpful in not only living our own lives but in helping and serving others. 

Now knowledge and wisdom are not the same thing. There are those who are both knowledgeable and wise. But, the learned are not always wise and the wise are not always learned. It is not wise to trust the wisdom of man for the wisdom of man would tell us that the wisdom of God is nothing but foolishness. And if we believe that the wisdom of God is worthless as many would tell us then we are in for a very difficult road ending in destruction.

We trust not the wisdom of humankind. We put our faith in the wisdom that God has revealed to us in His Son who lived and died and lives again for us.  

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God.

For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent.

Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world?

For after that in the wisdom of God the world by wisdom knew not God, it pleased God by the foolishness of preaching to save them that believe. 
                                                                                   (1 Cor 1:18-21)

Ask your Father in heaven to place His wisdom upon your heart. Ask in faith and you will receive.

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Sunday, October 11, 2020

Do What Is Just

Photo by Pr. Judy Mattson

Rejoice in the Lord always: and again I say, Rejoice.

Let your moderation be known unto all men. The Lord is at hand.

Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.

And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things.

Those things, which ye have both learned, and received, and heard, and seen in me, do: and the God of peace shall be with you.
                                                                                   (Phil 4:4-9 KJV)

Rejoice! Do what is right. Do what is good! Do what is virtuous!

Trouble comes in larger quantities when we focus on twisting the truth; when we focus on vengeance rather than justice; whenever we put ourselves first to the detriment of others.

St. Paul encourages the Philippians and us to do what is right and rejoice. I have heard such slanderous gossip lately that it just boggles my mind. The only positive thing that comes from it, if there is one, is that the true spirit of those who do this is revealed. All we can do is pray that their eyes, ears, and hearts be opened so that they might repent and give glory to God for the good things that he has ordained for us.

Vengeance and attacks on perceived enemies will get us no where except stuck in the muck and mire. It will cause much animosity. However, when we focus on and follow in the way that Jesus, who is the truth, has set before us the peace of God will be with us.

Do what is right. Do what is just. Live in peace and rejoice!

God's peace - Pr. J.