Inspiration

TWO KINDS OF WISDOM

 

James 3:17-18: “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 raise a harvest of righteousness.” I am most fortunate of men because these verses describe God’s gift to me when He presented my wife of 57 years.

 

The other kind of wisdom is worldly because it does not come down from Heaven; it is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil, disorderly and contains every kind of evil practice, (Verses 15 and 16).

 

True, Godly wisdom is wise and understanding and is demonstrated by the kind of life lived by the person who has been given that particular gift. I do believe it is a gift as you will find very few people who possess it.

 

A wise person does one other thing; reads the Bible. 

 

Inspiration

IS YOUR FAITH REAL?

 

James 2:14: “What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such a faith save him?” This is a deep and penetrating question and one that has created much controversy.

 

The battle is between faith saving someone and good deeds saving someone; there are some who contend faith without good deeds is dead faith and is no faith at all, and someone else will try to say they are saved because they perform good deeds. Who is right, who is wrong? Of course God is the final judge of a man’s heart.

 

I can’t believe anyone who claims to faithfully believe in Jesus as Savior does not perform good deeds. I do believe that people who do not perform good deeds are probably not believers in Jesus as Savior anyway.

 

I believe verse 20 is the proper approach: “You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless?” The key word here is, ‘useless;’ James says it well when he poses the question of whether someone will help a brother in need by providing for him or simply tell him to ‘have faith, go you way and I wish you well.’ When a brother is in need that will be the time your faith will be tested and you will know if you love your brother as Jesus has commanded us.

 

 

 

Nick's Ministry

QUICK/SLOW

 

James 1: Two contradictory words to heed. Verses 19-20: “My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man’s anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires.”

 

People who are slow to listen are usually preoccupied with their own thoughts and can’t wait to speak, they are thinking about what they want to say and make very poor listeners. Those who speak quickly, usually without thinking and not listening, are also preoccupied.

 

James’ advice is excellent; by listening we will have a more meaningful response and a more profitable conversation. Unjustifiable anger speaks for itself.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Inspiration

CONCLUDING EXHORTATIONS

 

Hebrews 13: Paul concludes Hebrews with exhortations of love (love your brothers (and I will add your sisters also); Do not forget to entertain strangers; remember those in prison; marriage must be honored; do not love money; always remember the Lord will never leave us nor forsake us. With the Lord on our side what can man do to us?

 

Verses 1-2: “Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without it.”

 

Paul continues exhorting them to remember their leaders; not to be misled by strange doctrines or false teachings and most important is to remember to continue offering praise to God.

 

Paul finishes his letters by praying that God will equip them with everything they need that is good for doing His will. The book of Hebrews is very interesting and informative; I urge you all to read and meditate upon Paul’s thoughts; of course the only way you can do that is to read the Bible.