Wisdom in life

The kind of wisdom that the bible puts forth is very different from what is put forth in the world.

"Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom", James 3:13

It is a wisdom that says no to self-centredness, what's-in-it-for-me, envy, selfish ambition. Big words but many times I apply worldly wisdom in my life when I complain about why other drivers should give way to me when I have the right of way. Not that we should be overly considerate to others (that would make me too hesitant and ironically a dangerous driver), but to pause and consider others, to consider

"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. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness." James 3:17-18

It's also easier to consider these when things are fine. When things are not going well or when pressures of life and work surround, it's easy to slip into earthly wisdom.

Dear God, help me especially in times such as these, renew my spirit, remind me of the abundance of love that is for me, let me be filled with wisdom that is above..

Let the expression of my faith be works and not words

"You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did." James 2:22

Indeed, let my faith be expressed through works and not mere words. Step over into living, not speaking, in faith.. 

Letting God's love fill every moment

"Transform me with your love and make me effective in this world"

I was reminded of something that I've known but had slipped out of mind. The extent to which I'm effective, being the salt and light of the world, is dependant on how much God's love has gone through me.

At the crossroads of life, do I remember God's love for me as evident on the cross. So often I forget... May I be aware in each moment of God's love, may that transform me from the inside out.. 

Grumbling

I don't usually view myself as a person who grumbles a lot. But sometimes the grumbling can take place in forms that I'm blinded to. Daily Life devotion puts it right on the spot when it says we complain or are dissatisfied whenever we don't get to fulfil what we want to do instead of what the Spirit wants us to do. It points to a deeper root where a part of us still desire to go our own way apart from God. How I need God to renew me everyday to deliver me from this, to put off the old self and put on the new self. And there is no way to grow in this except through real practice..

Quiet time with God

Is my quiet time something I need to clear off my todo list? I'm guilty of treating my time with God as a task item on my schedule, just to go through a routine..

Don't miss the point that the treasure is found in the quiet time itself, that time with God. Would you treasure, value that time so that there wouldn't be a tension to quickly finish QT and get on with other things? Where QT is not a roadblock but the destination in itself?

It takes a discipline to simply be still and wait upon God with no agenda. To desire and press in beyond head knowledge or the feeling of God's presence, close enough to hear his heartbeat, what's close to his heart..

Knowing God

Something Daniel said last Sunday sermon really struck me and set me thinking.. Knowing God means more than just knowing what he can do. I may even be in the presence of God and be familiar with how it feels like but yet not really know him. Press in beyond knowing what he can do, his presence or even just receiving while in his presence. Press in more to hear from his heart.. 

God's love story

The love of God was not suspended when Adam and Eve were driven from the garden. It was an act of judgement and love to drive them from his presence for they would have perished. It was a similar act of love and judgement upon the cross. God has been pursuing man for so long through all history, it's the greatest love story. And God is still drawing people to himself today..