Month: June 2022

Who Needs Wisdom?

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I am taking a brief break from Proverbs to look at a wisdom verse in the New Testament.  I like James 1.  There are many things I need to learn from its verses.  The Bible clearly talks about the need for wisdom.   I think the first part of James 1:5 is similar to a rhetorical question.  The “if” applies to all of us.  We all need wisdom.  We need to seek wisdom daily – throughout our lives. 

I enjoy Warren Wiersbe’s take on why we need wisdom.

“We need wisdom so we will not waste the opportunities God is giving us to mature. Wisdom helps us understand how to use these circumstances for our good and God’s glory.”

Wiersbe, Warren W.. Be Mature (James): Growing Up in Christ (The BE Series Commentary) (p. 38). David C Cook. Kindle Edition.

God sends us down a path to grow and mature us.  God’s wisdom is the only way to manage that.  I am so thankful God loves me enough to provide the means for my good.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to continue to pursue the wisdom You have for my life.  Please help to grow and mature so I can honor You more.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Wisdom, Love, and More Value Than Gold

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The writer of Proverbs frequently personifies wisdom.  Proverbs 8 is wisdom talking to us.  These two verses show the beauty of loving and pursuing wisdom.  The benefits of wisdom are better than precious metals. 

I see so much pursuit these days of things that don’t have much value.  I wonder what life would be like if more of us pursued wisdom.  The only true wisdom comes from God and God has shared that in His word.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to pursue wisdom and encourage others to do the same.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

The Challenges to Listening

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Thank you to my friend, Abby, for the picture.

The Bible tells us that wisdom and understanding have a voice.  I think we can often struggle listening to that voice.  Life is full.  I know my to do list never seems to shrink.  Without priorities, we risk wasting time.  My prayer is to efficiently use the time I have each day for the honor and glory of God.  I have a long way to go. 

I need to start with listening to wisdom and understanding.  They come first from God’s Word and then from other believers who have faithfully studied and lived God’s way.  There is no better way.

Dear Heavenly Father, please help me to listen to the voice of wisdom and understanding.  I need Your help to discern what is right according to Your ways.  Please guide me and help me to be a positive influence in those around me.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.

Repetition for the Best Influence

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Thank you to my aunt for sending this beautiful Wyoming picture.

The book of Proverbs is very repetitive.  I had a teacher in 7th grade tell us to say, “Repetition is the key to learning.”  We thought we repeated it about a thousand times.  I don’t know how many it really was, but we said it enough I still remember.  Now I see why we need repetition.  We will never be done learning.  We need to hear certain concepts repeated to have them readily available.

These verses share again that God’s commands are important. We need to treasure them and keep them close.  God’s way provides the most positive influence.  I know my personality pushes me to want to make a difference (I think all of us want that to some extent).  The more I read and study the Bible, the more I realize God’s wisdom is the only answer. 

Dear Heavenly Father, I see so much ugliness in the world today and I want to be a part of the solution.  Please help me to hold tight Your commands.  Guide me to have a Christ-like influence on others.  I want them to see the beauty of Your way.

I pray this in Jesus’ name.

God is so good.