Lacking Nothing

Lacking Nothing

James 1: ⁴ Make sure that your endurance carries you all the way without failing, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. ⁵ But if any of you lack wisdom, you should pray to God, who will give it to you; because God gives generously and graciously to all. 

 

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After the conference this past weekend, someone from another country asked for help. I knew my meager funds would never be enough so I started thinking of solutions. His current solution to local hunger is to teach farming. I sent videos on hydroponic farming. His response was , “that’s for the middle class.” I found videos on farming using discarded plastic bottles. His response “That’s for the middle class.”

 

• I lack wisdom.
• I do not know how to address this.
• The problem is far greater than any of my current solutions.

 

James addressed a scared scattered group of people who believed in JESUS and were persecuted for it. The first solution was to run and hide from those who oppressed people with religious persecution. He knew GOD was the only solution.

 

My Observations:

• Extreme problems require GOD to intervene.
• It is amazing that I can ask GOD to address an extreme problem and HE is willing to help.
• GOD will provide the wisdom it will take to address the need.

 

Feeling helpless is not an option for many people. I mean, those who are facing major issues that they think need a financial solution cannot afford to fall into despair. A solution is needed. But what?

 

GOD says “I AM the solution.” I believe that James said “endure” , not for the poor to just remain poor, but for those sent to help to “endure” until there is a solution. GOD will provide the right people at the right time. HIS love endures forever. I am glad I can ask GOD for wisdom and HE is gracious and generous to provide it!

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer talk about “falling?”
• Have you ever tried to do something and it seemed hopeless to the point where you felt like giving up?
• Will you ask for wisdom to address the overwhelming situation so GOD will get the glory and so eyes and hearts will be open to accept JESUS today?

Wisdom to Rely On

Wisdom to Rely On

1 Corinthians 1: ¹⁸ For the message about Christ's death on the cross is nonsense to those who are being lost; but for us who are being saved it is God's power. ¹⁹ The scripture says,

 

“I will destroy the wisdom of the wise
    and set aside the understanding of the scholars.”

 

²⁰ So then, where does that leave the wise? or the scholars? or the skillful debaters of this world? God has shown that this world's wisdom is foolishness!

 

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“Sit down and pray” was the advice given to me that did not make sense. You mean to tell me that I need to say some words to GOD and my problems would go away? I said skeptically. I was amongst scholars who had “proven” their ability to think in front of other people. I chose to pray. It didn’t make sense. My problem of that time, went away as quickly as it came/

 

• Many times I considered using the wisdom of others to get out of trouble.
• Many times I thought I would follow the examples of “successful” people to get ahead.
• Many times I worried and needed to talk to people who others considered “wise.”

 

Paul says something daring about JESUS’ death burial and resurrection. He says it is “nonsense” to those who are being lost. He knew that reliance on what is seen and proven could have flaws. Where should I place my hope?

 

• GOD wants me to rely on HIS wisdom to get me out of troubles.
• GOD wants me to rely on HIS wisdom to guide me to HIS promises.
• GOD wants me to rely on HIS wisdom to truly be successful.

 

Relying on GOD takes faith in the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things that cannot be seen. I mean, time after time, GOD has shown me that HIS way usually does not make sense to the wise people I know. Stopping, sitting and asking GOD “What do YOU want me to do?” is foolishness to those who cannot conceive that only GOD has the answer.

 

The wise and scholarly and great debaters of the world who do not rely on GOD’s wisdom will be shown as foolish. It is GOD who has the power to make the impossible happen. My belief in JESUS is the power that fuels my decisions. I am grateful HE chose me when I would not choose HIM.

 

• What information do you rely on?
• Are you seeking other humans to help you determine your next actions?
• Will you place your trust in GOD, even when it looks foolish to those who may not be following HIM, but the world considers wise?

Saying it plainly

Mark 10: Then He arose from there and came to the region of Judea by the other side of the Jordan. And multitudes gathered to Him again, and as He was accustomed, He taught them again.

² The Pharisees came and asked Him, “Is it lawful for a man to divorce his wife?” testing Him.

³ And He answered and said to them, “What did Moses command you?”

⁴ They said, “Moses permitted a man to write a certificate of divorce, and to dismiss her.”

⁵ And Jesus answered and said to them, “Because of the hardness of your heart he wrote you this precept. ⁶ But from the beginning of the creation, God ‘made them male and female.’ ⁷ ‘For this reason a man shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, ⁸ and the two shall become one flesh’;  so then they are no longer two, but one flesh. ⁹ Therefore what God has joined together, let not man separate.”

¹⁰ In the house His disciples also asked Him again about the same matter. ¹¹ So He said to them, “Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery against her. ¹² And if a woman divorces her husband and marries another, she commits adultery.”

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“How did you socialize?” I said to the person. “I didn’t” was their response. My plan did not work. What I really wanted was permission to go to a party but was afraid to ask.

• There were times when I wanted something in my heart, but could not express them.
• There were times when I was afraid to say what I was really thinking.
• There were times when I desired something but could not say what I desired.

JESUS saw through everyone’s desires as they discussed divorce. HE knew the Pharisees and the disciples were looking at the law as an escape clause in order to fulfill their lusts. HE told them the law but they still questioned it. HE made it plain.

• JESUS says to me “Leave your parents and become one flesh.”
• JESUS says to me “I have put married people together for MY purpose.”
• JESUS says to me “Do not dream up reasons for divorce because I will classify it as an act of adultery.”

Seeing through lust filled plots is what GOD can do best. HE sees through my sordid plans and lets me know I should not continue down that path. HE speaks to me plainly so I can hear HIS words.

• Are you trying to twist your words because you are trying to create your own version of the truth?
• Are you amassing evidence for your version of the truth?
• Can you drop the hardness of your heart and find a place of peace where GOD wants you to dwell?