5th. September. 2020. Daily Devotion.
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. James 3:17
Here are some thoughts on Wisdom:
Wisdom is the skill in the art of living life with every area under the dominion of God. It is the ability to use the best means at the best time to accomplish the best ends. Wisdom is the key to a life of beauty, fulfilment, and purpose.
How do we pursue wisdom? The treasure of wisdom rests in the hands of God. Since it comes from above (Jas. 3:17), we cannot attain it apart from Him.
Several Scriptures reveal the true beauty and fruit of wisdom. Psalm 111:10 says: “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all those who practice it have a good understanding. His praise endures forever!” Wisdom begins with the fear of the LORD. It begins with knowing who God is and who we are in comparison to Him. That leads to understanding and then to practising righteousness. A life of wisdom ultimately results in the praise of God.
Wisdom is thus a gift from God. James also says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.”
Every faculty you have, your power of thinking of moving your limbs from moment to moment is given to you by God. ~ C.S. Lewis.
Prayers
Lord, let me know you better every day, and grow in wisdom as I grow in love and service to You. Amen. ~ Ken Boa
Oh God, you know every blade of grass that grows, every sparrow that dies, every act and thought of the seven billion people here on earth. The hundreds of billions of stars are yours as you made them, and you watch them, and the vastness of space and the countless galaxies, you know. You know my coming in and my going out, my thoughts and dreams and schemes, my countless little sins and lies, my kindnesses and my cruelties, my prayers and my curses.
Your knowledge is utterly beyond my comprehension, Lord. And yet, despite all of this, you have promised to know me, to be with me, to listen to me and help me and, if I only ask for it in the name of your Son, to forgive me when I offend you.
I praise you primarily, Mighty God, for the wonder of your existence and the unfathomable size and complexity of your creation. And above all, my love and obedience are yours; I give them to you now and forever, in gratitude for your greatest gift, the sacrifice of your blessed Son, Jesus Christ. Amen
Be merciful, O Lord, to those who have trusted me to pray for them. Be merciful, O Lord, to all who ask for your help. Make today a day of mercy; give to all according to their requests. Be the Shepherd of the lost, the Guiding Light all who seek the Way, the Teacher of the wise and unwise, the Father of orphans, the Helper of the oppressed, the Healer of the sick, the Comforter of the dying, and lead us all to the desired end — to You, our refuge and blessed repose. Amen.
