James 3:13-18
verse 17: 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.
When I read the passage for today, I thought about the fact checkers who work for publishing companies. They are in charge of making sure facts stated in a book are accurate and true, before the book gets published. I could use this passage from James to check out my own choices. Am I acting sincerely, impartially, with mercy? Am I using the gifts God has made available to me to make the best choice possible? Do I check my behavior and choices before I act? Often I check my behavior afterwards and can see I did not make the right choice. It is so difficult sometimes to think before I act!
Holy Father, you have given me such excellent direction. Your Word is always available to me. Thank-you God for allowing me so many chances to try to get it right. I am changing. Amen
Becky, transforming
pic by Kay
I find the hardest thing to do is pray for "enemies." It has taken me a long time to get to the point that I can do it. I have also learned to step back from "toxic" people in my life and move on. We always have lessons to be learned.
James 3:13-18
Have you ever known anybody who claimed to be so wise, but acted so foolishly. True wisdom is part of our character. Just as we can identify a tree by the type of fruit it produces we can evaluate our own wisdom by the way we act. Foolishness leads to disorder but wisdom leads to peace and goodness.. Am I ready to escalate the conflict, listen to and pass on gossip. Careful speech and wise loving words is being able to view life in a detached, humble, and calm manner, so that I can respond and not react to whatever I am faced with. Finally we must be faithful when asking and praying for wisdom from…
James 3: 13-18
17 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.
I will probably be searching for wisdom until the end. I will have to continue to change. I will need to live well and live humbly. I feel that wisdom is in the way I live, and not the way I speak. For me to find real wisdom, I will need to lead a holier life and always get along with others. I will need to learn more about God who is powerful and loves me. The God who gave me Jesus Christ, the one who will lead me an…
James 13:16 - “For where there is envy and selfish ambition, there will also be disorder and wickedness of every kind.”
This seems to be self-evident, but the world seems to have different standards for what constitute envy and selfish ambition. A follower of Jesus must strive to keep the standard high. There is no warrant in the Christian life to “look out for number one.” Jesus made clear in all His teaching and especially in the Sermon in the Mount, our priority is not self, but others. This is easier said than done, but the disorder and wickedness of every kind that results from ignoring Him is evident all around us.
Prayer - Jesus, my teacher and guide, help…