(NIV) James 3:18 “Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.” Being a peacemaker is sacrificial work. Christ Jesus is the ultimate Peacemaker. He has made peace between His followers (those who have faith in Him) and God. In order to make that peace possible He had to sacrificially go to the […]
The opposite of sincere is…being hypocritical, insincere, false-faced, masked to hide – all of these are the wisdom of men, unspiritual, demonic. What does the LORD hate? (NIV) Proverbs 6:16-19 “There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: 17 haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent […]
Did you know that God has no “favorites”? He does not show partiality. How thankful I am…each person is loved by God, equally. This was demonstrated by Jesus’ death on the cross for everyone’s sins. (NASB) John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes […]
Would you even consider biting into a piece of rotten fruit? I don’t think so. Only those who are truly hungry and are starving would do such a thing. Yet, how often do your actions produce rottenness? Man’s wisdom does that, God’s wisdom produces only “good fruit”. How can your life produce […]
This devotional continues to explore the definitions of the words James used to describe God’s wisdom, that wisdom which comes from heaven: (NIV) James 3:17 “…full of mercy…” Consider our need to seek mercy in the courts of heaven with God as our Judge…we deserve condemnation and His true justice. God’s justice […]
(NIV) James 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive…” Last week we considered God’s Wisdom: pure; peace-loving; and considerate. Wisdom which comes from God includes being submissive to Him. My first action of submission is found in: (NASB) Romans 12:1 “THEREFORE I urge […]
May the following Scripture bless you as you pray: (NIV) James 1:2-6 “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4Perserverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. 5If any […]
God’s words, many times, provides definitions. This verse in James 3, when I break it into bite-sized pieces, is like a finger pointing at me: (NIV) James 3:17 “But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate…” What are some personal questions which could be asked concerning Godly […]
(NASB) James 3:17 “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving…” What are your goals in life? Are you seeking your goals through contention, strife, insisting on doing things your way? As you set your face toward your goals, perhaps you will ask God to give you His wisdom and if […]
When you ask the Lord for wisdom – know that He will give it to you. (NASB) James 1:5-7 “But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But he must ask in faith without any […]