Wisdom From Above

 James 3:17
But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.

Wisdom is knowing God and applying God’s truth with gentleness and mercy. Standing for what is right in a harsh and judgmental spirit is not wisdom from above. Wisdom from above is given without guile or evil intent. It seeks to bring peace to a situation and not division. Wisdom from above is transparent, it does not seek to deceive or manipulate. The danger that faces Christians is that the influence of the world can impair our thinking and attitude toward others and life. The wisdom of the world is to look out for self, depend on human ingenuity, and the arm of flesh. Instead of depending on God to see us through, we try to figure it out ourselves. When we seek first the kingdom of God, we are seeking the wisdom from above. Each day we face situations where we need wisdom in the words we speak and the actions we do. May we pray that God will give us the wisdom from above to do what is right, full of mercy and good fruit.

My Grace is Sufficient

 2 Corinth 12:9
And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.

Paul, the great Apostle of Jesus Christ was given a “thorn in the flesh” that was a constant temptation to question his faith. Satan used it against him to weaken his resolve. It is not clear what this “thorn in the flesh” was, but it was big enough that Paul requested 3 times for it to be removed. Paul surmised that it was put there to keep him humbled and depended on Christ. It reminded him how human he was, and how great God’s grace is to help him in his suffering, and overcome the obstacles that are set before him. When we come to the end of our endurance, realize the weakness of our humanity, His grace is sufficient. Sometimes God has to bring us to that place in our lives when we must trust in the power of Christ to see us through. The mighty arm of the flesh will fail us. Man’s ego, when not submitted to God can cause us to depend on our own strength and abilities, like Nebuchadnezzar, we can be exalted above measure. Paul asked that this thorn be removed, but God’s will was for it to remain. Paul, a man of prayer and faith, did not question God, but accepted God's control and will over his life. Things will come into our lives that will be a “thorn in the flesh”, But Christ, who knows what is best for us, says, “My grace is sufficient, keep trusting Me.”

The Arm of Flesh

 Isaiah 41:13

For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand, Who says to you, “do not fear, I will help you.”

Ten percent of the world is known to be left handed, therefore the left hand is the weaker hand for most of the world. In our need of help, God removes our dependence on our human strength to show us our need for Him. Too often we depend on the arm of the flesh to carry us through. Human endurance is great and is capable of many feats, but in the end, we need Him to make it through the hard times in life. He wants to help us when we are going through difficult times and we are struggling with the human cares of life. There are many things in this world that the devil wants us to fear. The fear of Covid has the world in a pandemic of fear. Covid is real and many have succumbed to this deadly virus, but God is greater than any virus, and we can trust Him that He has this virus under His control. We need not fear if we know the Savior. Our lives are in hand. “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain”. Phil 1:21