Have you heard the counsel of God? Do you limit wisdom to yourself? Job 15:8 (NKJV)
We are going through a devotional series titled, "The two types of Storms." These are storms - times of testing - that we will all face in our lives. Even though there are many ways that these storms can be manifested they will all fall into one of two categories, and they are:
We've been looking at, 12-Ways to deal with a "Storm." In our last devotional, we looked at our 8th way, so let's continue with number nine.
9. We need to seek the "Wisdom of God."
We are told in the Book of James, that we are to ask God for "Wisdom" on how to handle our affairs.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8 (NKJV)
God gives us His Wisdom through His Word, His people, and by His leading through the Holy Spirit. We need to allow God's Word direct our thinking - as we read it daily - listen to it on the radio - and prayerfully meditate upon it.
God also gives us wisdom during our times of tribulation when we seek the counsel of those who are walking and abiding in Him.
That means that as everyone of us is reading and studying the Word of God - we are going to be given opportunities to share what we learn as we give good counsel to others.
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV)
Notice though in v. 6 of James 1, we are told to ask in faith, and we're not to doubt. The people who doubt whether or not to apply God's Word and don't apply it to their lives - these people are "Double minded." This is a person whose mind is on the things and ways of God in one moment - then their mind is on the things and the ways of the World the next. They are not committed to doing everything in God's way - they will follow along until it doesn't line up with how they feel; or it isn't working to get the things that they want--and then they will revert back to following their feelings and their ways of handling things.
So anyone who is not going to follow through is double minded. And James 1:8 goes on to say that they are now "UNSTABLE" in all their ways. This is very dangerous! It is dangerous to their walk; their witness; and to the relationships that they are part of, and it is especially dangerous to the Body of believers. In Marriages it is the main reason for arguing, fighting, separation and ultimately, Divorce. This is because people are unwilling to submit to the authority of God - they want to do things their way; to follow their feelings and not God's Word - they're being Double minded and unstable.
There is a storm, and instead of coming together and seeking the shelter of God - making sure that they are abiding in Him - they can become bitter, angry and divisive. As one or both decide not to follow God wholly - they will then follow their emotions and feelings - Again, they have missed the reason for the Storm
Hey Christian, if this is you repent of this today. Walking independently of God is no place for any person. If we know the things of God, blessed will we be if we do these things.
If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 13:17 (NKJV)
God has a perfect plan, and that plan includes guiding us through our "Storms." I want to encourage you today to seek the "Wisdom" of God through His Word. Seek His guidance and counsel and then implement these things within your life - if you do, you will be blessed.
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scriptures contained within this devotional with regard to seeking the Wisdom of God?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Whom do you go to in times of trouble? Whose advice or guidance do allow to influence you in your decisions?
APPLICATION: Seek the Lord and His wisdom each and every day - we don't have to be going through a storm to seek the Lord. God will be faithful to give you every bit of wisdom that you need to walk in His light.
We are going through a devotional series titled, "The two types of Storms." These are storms - times of testing - that we will all face in our lives. Even though there are many ways that these storms can be manifested they will all fall into one of two categories, and they are:
- Storms of Correction These are the tough times where we go through trials and tests because we have unconfessed sin in our life - and we are going in a way that is not in the will of God.
- Storms of Perfection These are those times where we go through trials and tests because God loves us and He is transforming us to be more like Jesus.
We've been looking at, 12-Ways to deal with a "Storm." In our last devotional, we looked at our 8th way, so let's continue with number nine.
9. We need to seek the "Wisdom of God."
We are told in the Book of James, that we are to ask God for "Wisdom" on how to handle our affairs.
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. James 1:5-8 (NKJV)
God gives us His Wisdom through His Word, His people, and by His leading through the Holy Spirit. We need to allow God's Word direct our thinking - as we read it daily - listen to it on the radio - and prayerfully meditate upon it.
God also gives us wisdom during our times of tribulation when we seek the counsel of those who are walking and abiding in Him.
That means that as everyone of us is reading and studying the Word of God - we are going to be given opportunities to share what we learn as we give good counsel to others.
Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14 (NKJV)
Notice though in v. 6 of James 1, we are told to ask in faith, and we're not to doubt. The people who doubt whether or not to apply God's Word and don't apply it to their lives - these people are "Double minded." This is a person whose mind is on the things and ways of God in one moment - then their mind is on the things and the ways of the World the next. They are not committed to doing everything in God's way - they will follow along until it doesn't line up with how they feel; or it isn't working to get the things that they want--and then they will revert back to following their feelings and their ways of handling things.
So anyone who is not going to follow through is double minded. And James 1:8 goes on to say that they are now "UNSTABLE" in all their ways. This is very dangerous! It is dangerous to their walk; their witness; and to the relationships that they are part of, and it is especially dangerous to the Body of believers. In Marriages it is the main reason for arguing, fighting, separation and ultimately, Divorce. This is because people are unwilling to submit to the authority of God - they want to do things their way; to follow their feelings and not God's Word - they're being Double minded and unstable.
There is a storm, and instead of coming together and seeking the shelter of God - making sure that they are abiding in Him - they can become bitter, angry and divisive. As one or both decide not to follow God wholly - they will then follow their emotions and feelings - Again, they have missed the reason for the Storm
Hey Christian, if this is you repent of this today. Walking independently of God is no place for any person. If we know the things of God, blessed will we be if we do these things.
If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them. John 13:17 (NKJV)
God has a perfect plan, and that plan includes guiding us through our "Storms." I want to encourage you today to seek the "Wisdom" of God through His Word. Seek His guidance and counsel and then implement these things within your life - if you do, you will be blessed.
STUDY QUESTION: What can we learn from the Scriptures contained within this devotional with regard to seeking the Wisdom of God?
PERSONAL INVENTORY: Whom do you go to in times of trouble? Whose advice or guidance do allow to influence you in your decisions?
APPLICATION: Seek the Lord and His wisdom each and every day - we don't have to be going through a storm to seek the Lord. God will be faithful to give you every bit of wisdom that you need to walk in His light.
