Archive for January, 2022

Wisdom Requested – Wisdom Granted

James 1: 2 – 5

My inventory of needs is likely as long or longer than yours. Right up near the top of that need list is “wisdom.” I need it and am smart enough to know it. Do you realize a need for wisdom? If you answered “yes” that likely means you have some problems. James, the inspired writer, might have opened chapter 1 with verse 5.  However, he knew that before we would have a desire for wisdom, we had to recognize that we are confronted by trials too great for us alone. A realization of problems and trials brings about a recognition of a need for wisdom.

At a moment of such realization we can sing:

“When you are down and out

Lift up your head and shout – – –

“I’M DOWN AND OUT.”

In James 1: 2 the expression “count it all joy when you fall into various trials” is used. Trials are always unwanted, unexpected, and undesirable. You always look around to see if any one noticed, and there is always an audience. There is usually some buff who says something cute like, “Did you have a nice 

trip?  I’ll see you next fall.”

Jesus forewarned us, “In this world you are going to have tribulation…” We are slow learners and always seem surprised.

Because of the many problems and trials we have, the text states – – –

“IF any man lacks wisdom…” This doesn’t imply some don’t. The Greek first verb class condition means “If, and he does, lack wisdom…” 

The Greek word for “wisdom” is SOPHIA and it means “broad and full intelligence.”  It is a word for moral discernment that enables believers to live joyfully and victoriously in the face of trials.  It is the capacity to apply Bible knowledge to a given situation.  We all need it, but at no time more than when we are having problems.

This doesn’t mean that if you want to know how God is going to handle a situation, just ask. It means if you want to know how God wants you to handle it, ask Him. That statement has blood and muscle to it. Cut it and it bleeds.

Philemon, the Greek poet, describes God as “the lover of gifts.” This expression is used not in the sense of receiving gifts, but of giving them. God gives wisdom “liberally.” This adjective means the giving is “simple and single.” That is, He gives with a single motive. That is to benefit the asker. 

“Without reproach” is rendered “without making you feel foolish” in other translations. Some translate it, He “doesn’t upbraid,” that means “without finding fault.” If our heart is right toward Him, He doesn’t hold past failures against us.

So go to your knees and ask Him.

He gives it and doesn’t make us feel foolish for asking.

New Year Assurance

Jesus wants to meet you in the inaugural days of this new year in order to guide, govern, and guard you all through it. That will make it a happy new year regardless of circumstances.

Our loving Lord stands with hand outstretched for you to put your hand in His and let Him guide you into the unknown.

Twelve months ago another new year was set before you. It has rolled into eternity and carried with it broken hearts, shattered dreams, personal losses, and unanticipated anguish. It is as much ancient history as 1892. It is too late to win victories where there were losses, to unsay unkind words, to show strength instead of weakness, and to be loyal to the Lord in times when you compromised. 

However, here it is another new year. It is God’s way of saying, “OK now, we are going to keep doing this over until we get it right.”

There is something new and fresh about the inaugural days of another year. It is a time to review and resolve.

The words of Longfellow challenge us as we face a new year:

“Look not mournfully into the past; it comes not back again. Wisely improve on the present; it is yours.

Go forth to meet the shadowy future without fear and with a manly spirit.”

That can only be done with Christ as guide.

The dawning of a new year causes most of us to think about our habits; good and bad. 

We first make a habit and then the habit makes us.

The principal character in Og Mandino’s The Greatest Salesman in the World, said, “I will make good habits and become their slave.”

The choice is yours. We are creatures of habit. You can either be a slave to good or bad habits.

Resolve to make good habits; they are as difficult to break as bad ones.

Make habit number one the submission to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and all other habits will be governed by that superior habit. Habitually, that is daily, submit to Him as your Lord.

Moses in speaking to his followers shared insight with them, that

 though spoken not to you, are applicable and relevant to you as you face the unknown awaiting in the new year. Learn them and live within the light they provide by which to see life in general as a spiritual conqueror.

“Be strong and of good courage, do not fear nor be afraid of them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes with you. He will not leave you nor forsake you.” (Deuteronomy 31:6)

Then to affirm God’s guidance Moses virtually repeated the promise. 

“And the Lord, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed.”  (Deuteronomy 3:18)

Happy New Year

The tradition of making a New Year’s resolution dates back 3000 years to the ancient Babylonians. Actually from nature’s perspective there is nothing mystically different between December 31 and January 1. The Bible doesn’t take note of new year’s resolutions, for or opposed to them. It is a good time to remember and resolve. 

A good reason for making a resolution is the only thing that can enable you to keep it. Therefore, question yourself as to why you are going to make a certain resolution. In other words, question why you might resolve to read the Bible more or pray more. 

Then pause to consider these facts regarding the events of your life.

Jesus said,  “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

Apart from Him we can’t accomplish our resolutions, but…

“Commit your way to the LORD, Trust also in Him, And He shall bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:5) Then you can know…

“I can do everything through Him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13)

Remember this appeal made to ancient Israel. It is applicable today:

“Beware that you do not forget  the LORD your God by not keeping His commandments, His judgments, and His statutes which I command you today, lest; when you have eaten and are full, and have built beautiful houses and dwell in them; and when your herds and your flocks multiply, and your silver and your gold are multiplied, and all that you have is multiplied; when your heart is lifted up, and you forget the LORD your God who brought you out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage; …then you say in your heart, ‘My power and the might of my hand have gained me this wealth … 

“And you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who gives you power to get wealth…

“Then it shall be, if you by any means forget the LORD your God, and follow other gods, and serve them and worship them, I testify against you this day that you shall surely perish.”  (Deuteronomy  8:11-19).

This gives cause for confidence and caution. Pause now, right now and think seriously about where you are in your spiritual life and what you need to do to improve it. Then commit yourself to Him. After doing so you are in a better position to have a . . . . HAPPY NEW YEAR.