Revisiting the subject of wisdom

Jeremiah 9:23-24: "Thus says the LORD, 'Let not a wise man boast of his wisdom, and let not the mighty man boast of his might, let not a rich man boast of his riches, but let him who boasts boast in this, that he understands and knows Me, that I am the LORD who exercises lovingkindness, justice and righteousness on the earth, for I delight in these things,' declares the LORD" (NAS).

1 Corinthians 1:30-31: "But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that just as it is written, 'Let him who boasts, boast in the Lord'" (NAS).

James 3:13-18: "Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom. But if you have bitted jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthly, natural, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace" (NAS).

Why would the wisdom from above be first pure? Because God is holy. Why would it be peacable? Peace is an aspect of the fruit of the Spirit, as are gentleness, reasonableness, mercy, good fruits, and steadfastness [unwavering].

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus stated these blessings: "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth" (Matthew 5:5); "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy" (5:7); "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God" (5:8); and "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God" (5:9) (NAS).

The same qualities God enables us to have and to grow in will also set us apart from those qualities the world values. He prepares us for this eventuality also.

In the same sermon, Jesus said, "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you" (Matthew 5:11-12; NAS).

In the Gospel of John, we find these words of encouragement: "Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Do not let your heart be troubled, nor let it be afraid" (John 14:27) and "These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world" ()John 16:33; NAS).

Let me wrap this up with a verse from James 1: "Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him" (James 1:12; NAS).

Truth and Trust

Truth and trust go hand in hand;
We cannot have one without the other.
When someone abuses our trust,
It is often because truth comes out
Which we did not know, did not see coming.
Only one relationship will never let us down,
That of the believer in Christ, and his or her Savior and Lord.
Because Jesus is unchanging, so is His Word,
The Bible.
You can read it and
Find truth and trust every word of every page.
When you don't understand,
You pray to and trust He will open your heart and mind.
Psalm 19:7-14 (NAS):
"The law of the LORD is perfect, restoring the soul;
The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.
The precepts of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.
The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of the LORD are true; they are righteous altogether.
They are more desirable than gold, yes, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover, by them Your servant is warned;
In keeping them there is great reward.
Who can discern his errors? Acquit me of hidden faults.
Also keep back Your servant from presumptuous sins;
Let them not rule over me;
Then I will be blameless,
And I shall be acquitted of great transgression.
Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart
Be acceptable in Your sight,
O LORD, my rock and my Redeemer."
Romans 156:4 (NAS):
"For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope."
2 Timothy 3:16 (NAS):
"All Scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, for training in righteousness."

All Things for Good

All things for good--
Contingent of course--
To those who love God
Who are called
According to His purpose.
All things for good for those who meet
These criteria.
What comfort!
For those who meet these criteria.
And I want to, if I don't.
But I do.
And that overwhelming grace causes me to want
To love God and to live a life of obedience,
And to realize how little I do and do,
And grieve in that realization.
When He is working all things for my good,
Why would I not want to do all things according to His will?
Live in line with His purposes?
Kno0wing that in the struggle,
I am not alone,
Not having to carry on
In my own strength,
There is comfort, encouragement, strengthening, and the increased desire
To do His will.