Past Devotions

Wisdom’s Source

by TerryLema

James has a lot to say about wisdom. We know from other places in Scripture that God looks at those who reject His plan of salvation as “foolish,” and those who accept it as “wise.” We also know that even after coming to Christ Jesus for salvation we are going to need a lot more wisdom to handle life in this world as models of Christ Jesus our LORD.

In his opening chapter James reminds us we can go to God and ask for more wisdom, and that God will not only grant it, but He will also grant it without criticizing us. We just need to remember to ask!

In chapter 3 James talks about two differing types of wisdom. He first describes the type of wisdom we do not want and tells us it comes from three different sources. “But if you have bitter envy and selfish ambition in your heart, don’t brag and deny the truth.  Such wisdom does not come from above but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.  For where envy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every kind of evil.” [vs 14-16 HCSB]

The sources of this unwanted “wisdom” are the world, the flesh, and the devil. “Wisdom” from those sources produces envy, bitter ambition, pride, lies, disorder, and every kind of evil.

But James does not just leave us there wondering about where to find good “wisdom.” He tells us. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peace-loving, gentle, compliant, full of mercy and good fruits, without favoritism and hypocrisy.” [vs 17 HCSB]

God provides a “wisdom from above,” His wisdom given us through the indwelling Spirit of Truth. When we have that “wisdom,” it produces peace, purity, gentleness, mercy, obedience, and other good fruits. There is no partiality nor hypocrisy contained therein.

We can know the kind of “wisdom” we have in our lives by what it is producing in our lives.

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Wisdom’s Gentleness

by TerryLema

Wisdom for spiritual maturity and growth is given to us through the Spirit of Truth who indwells all those who have surrendered their lives to God by faith in Christ Jesus. Still there are times when we need to acknowledge that we are lacking in spiritual wisdom, and James 1:5 reminds us that we can go directly to God and ask for it – and He will grant it without criticizing (or even reminding us how we may not have used the wisdom He granted before!).

James will dive a bit deeper into wisdom in Chapter 3. He begins that section of his letter by talking about how difficult it is to control the tongue. He ends that section talking about the wisdom that is from above.

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show by good conduct that his works are done in the meekness of wisdom.” [vs 13 NKJV]

I love how this wisdom, described in the NKJV as “meekness of wisdom” is described in the HCSB.  “Who is wise and has understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness.”

“Wisdom’s gentleness!” The word is prautés and it means just that – gentleness. It is derived from the root “pra-“ that emphasizes the divine origin of this meekness or gentle strength. It expresses power with reserve and gentleness.

Our good conduct, our behavior exhibited to those around us must contain wisdom’s gentleness. It is never to be arrogant or divisive. It never puts others down, but instead is designed to show truth with compassion and kindness that lifts others up.

May we always have and demonstrate wisdom’s gentleness in our daily walk with God. Amen

 

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One Who is Wise

by TerryLema

Thinking (and writing) about “stupid” yesterday had me thinking also about wisdom. There is much about wisdom in our Bibles. There is an entire book dedicated to wisdom, Proverbs, and there are also stories about the wise and foolish throughout the Scriptures.

We know that in Scripture, God does not order mankind along the lines of stupid or intelligent. He ranks as wise or foolish. Psalm 14 describes wise and foolish.  Verse one tells us about fools, “The fool says in his heart, ‘God does not exist.’”   Verse 2 tells us the definition of the “one who is wise” as “one who seeks God.” [HCSB]

We could say it this way … there are only two kinds of people, lost or saved. Either we are fools who do not acknowledge God, or wise in that we do come to God on His terms. But in addition to being “one who is wise” as “one who seeks God,” there is the added component of the “wisdom” that is needed for spiritual growth and maturity after salvation.

In the New Testament, the letter of James references that wisdom a number of times. Perhaps the one we are most familiar with is found in James 1:5: “Now if any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without criticizing, and it will be given to him.” [HCSB]

There are two critical parts to that verse. The first part is our responsibility; the second part is God’s.  It is our responsibility to acknowledge that we lack wisdom and need to ask God for it.  That phrase, “if any of you lacks wisdom,” could really be translated, “since you lack wisdom” because we all do.

None of us have the wisdom within us needed for our spiritual maturity in Christ. We must go to God for it. The world might classify us as “stupid” or having “intelligence” on the genius level, but none is born with spiritual wisdom. That is where the second part of this verse is so vital, “God…gives to all generously and without criticizing.”  It is through the power of His Spirit of Truth indwelling us that we are given the spiritual wisdom we need to follow and to serve Him.

So let’s ask!

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Stupid … ?

by TerryLema

I have often told a story that happened when Marcus, my grandson was little. His mother was trying to get him to not use the word “stupid.” Using that word was usually accompanied by a bit of timeout in a chair as a reminder. Bob and I were visiting when Grandpa Bob called something “stupid.” That immediately lit up Marcus, who insisted that Grandpa Bob needed to enjoy the time out chair too.  It took a bit of cajoling, but he did sit in that chair for a few minutes.

Lately, however, I am not sure if I can find any other word to use for some of the things I have been seeing. “Stupid” means “having or showing a great lack of intelligence or common sense.” Really, is there any other way to describe some things?

I watched a couple videos of the recent gas shortage on the East Coast. One woman was putting gas in a grocery bag, which she then put inside another, then another, tied the handles and put in the trunk of her car. Another was filling up what looked like small plastic tubs.

The other day I turned on the TV to catch the early news and got the tail-end of Judge Judy. I was convinced after five minutes that “stupid” really is often the best adjective.

Then there are the reality shows. I do not watch reality shows, of any kind, period, but at times I cannot help but see the commercials for them. Again, “stupid” rises to the top of the adjective list.

As I watched some of the real-life videos, the commercials for reality television and the people appearing before Judge Judy, two things came to mine. One was a meme I saw on Facebook that said, “Let’s remove all the warning labels and let stupid wipe itself out.”

The other was from Proverbs 3:35: “The wise will inherit honor, but He holds up fools to dishonor.” [HCSB]

Oh LORD, let me be found wise! Tomorrow “Spiritual Wisdom!”

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The Final Fruit

by TerryLema

At “The Way” we have been studying the Fruit of the Spirit. We have been looking at the fruit not as something that just grows automatically, but at things we cultivate in our lives by our choices and decisions. Last Sunday we came to the last fruit, the one that sums up all the others – Self-Control, or Self-Discipline.

In my mind we have labeled that fruit in a way that leads to misunderstanding it. Our society is focused on lots of “selfs” – such as “Self-improvement,” Self-Awareness,” “Self-Esteem,” etc. And most of the time when we look at those things, we think of them as things we need to somehow conjure up from within “ourselves.”

For a Christian, the better way of looking at this fruit is “Discipline or Control of Self through the Power of the Holy Spirit.” Without that “Discipline of Self” we will never go on to achieve maturity in Christ Jesus. The lack of discipline or control just may be why some Christians soar as eagles and others never get off the ground.

Self-discipline is governing your thoughts, emotions, and actions in a godly manner in accordance with the Word of God, and in cooperation with the Spirit of Truth. For the believer, self-discipline can only be mastered by the power of the LORD.

We now live in a world full of overindulgence. There are far more temptations than there are restraints. In fact, our culture is averse to any kind of restraint–everyone should be allowed to be who they want to be, do what they want to do, think or say what they want to think or say, practice any kind of practice. To try to “impose” restraint in that kind of environment will be labeled narrow-mindedness or a host of far worse labels.

Our culture equates lack of restraint as freedom when the exact opposite is true. The more we succeed in governing ourselves (self-discipline), the more freedom we have. Lack of self-discipline impedes maturity, derails our relationships and spiritual growth, and destroys our peace of mind.

 

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Pray for the Peace …

by TerryLema

The worst violence between Israelis and Hamas militants in seven years is escalating.  The skies are ablaze with rockets. Buildings are crumbling. There is unrest at the borders. People are dying.

As a nation that was founded on Christian principles, the United States has been a longstanding ally to Israel.  The USA has appreciated the word spoken by God to Abraham.

“I will make you a great nation; I will bless you and make your name great; And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, And I will curse him who curses you; And in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” [Genesis 12:2-4 NKJV]

There are new concerns, however, in that progressives in our government now view our relationship with Israel apart from a Christian foundation. They are seeking to influence the power of the USA in a totally different direction.

I fear for our nation if we turn our backs to Israel. I fear we will move from the blessing part to the cursing part of God’s covenant with Abraham.

But whatever our nation decides to do, as Christians we are to accept and carry out the command of Psalm 122:6: “Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.”

This we must do. 

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What I didn’t want!

by TerryLema

My car has been making a bit of noise. It started off with just one of those things where you think you hear something but when you try to listen for it, nothing is there. Then it got a bit louder and a bit more often.

This, of course, worried Bob, especially since we are taking a trip to California the end of this month for our grandson’s graduation. (Perhaps our last one driving? Our friend is flying from Montana to join us on the trip and help us drive.)

Bob thought the noise was the water pump, so he called around to see if he could get it in and checked. All the while the noise was getting a bit louder and had become constant.

The first three places Bob called could not check the car for at least a week but gave estimates on replacing the water pump that went from $1500-$2500.  Yikes!  I remembered our son-in-love and daughter have a mechanic shop they trust, so Bob called it. They told him to bring it right in to check it out. It was the water pump, and it cost $1300 to replace.

The other morning the LORD asked me, “What do you want?” This was certainly not on the list!  Unfortunately, in life we do not just get what we want, even when we are walking in faith with our LORD and Savior, Christ Jesus.  Life in this world is full of things we do not want and yet must face. Right now, as we are trying to reduce our expenses and pay things off before year’s end when I retire from The Way, a $1300 water pump was certainly not in the plan.

But I am thankful that this water pump broke before our trip and not while we were traveling. I am thankful for a good mechanic shop that took care of it right away. I am thankful that I serve a LORD who will provide for us … now and in the future, no matter our “fixed” income.

Philippians 4:19: And my God will supply all [my] needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. [HCSB]

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“What do you want?”

by TerryLema

I woke up last Monday morning with those four words recycling through my mind over and over. “What do you want?”

I do not know if they were the end of a dream, or if it was the LORD asking me, “What do you want?”

I decided to go ahead and answer that question. I had spent a restless night with pain in my shoulders, arms, neck, and hips, so my immediate thought was, “I want this disease in remission, the pain and fatigue gone, so I can walk a couple miles a day again.”

Then I thought about what else I wanted. It came down to two things. First, I want a meaningful ministry to the LORD once I retire from The Way.

The second thing I want is simple, I want my children and grandchildren and their spouses to know and serve the LORD.

“Jesus replied to them, ‘Have faith in God.  I assure you: If anyone says to this mountain, “Be lifted up and thrown into the sea,” and does not doubt in his heart, but believes that what he says will happen, it will be done for him. Therefore I tell you, all the things you pray and ask for—believe that you have received them, and you will have them.’”  [Mark 11:22-24 HCSB]

If I truly want these things, I need to be praying and asking for them.  And if I am praying for them, I better “believe that [I] have received” healing, ministry, and salvations. Hallelujah!

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Failure!

by TerryLema

After I posted my devotion online and in Facebook the other day, I started scrolling through looking at what others had posted.  I came across the following quote attributed to Charles Spurgeon.

“God uses people who fail—cause there aren’t any other kind around.”   

 I do not know if Spurgeon actually said that, but it sure hit home no matter who said it first.

We all fail at times. We all fail in earthly endeavors. We all fail in spiritual endeavors. Still, God continues to love us and to use us.

Proverbs 24:16 reminds us that “Though a righteous man falls seven times, he will get up.” [HCSB]

As I look back on my life, I can readily see those moments of failure. There were times when I knew God was asking me to do something and I failed to do it. There were other times when I knew God was telling me not to do something and I did it anyway.

Paul, in Romans 7:13-25 expresses this far more eloquently than I can. As he explores the problem of failure and falling because of the sin resident in our flesh nature, he cries out a question. “Who will rescue me from this dying body.”

Thankfully, Paul answers the question for himself and for us. “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord…. Therefore, no condemnation now exists for those in Christ Jesus because the Spirit’s law of life in Christ Jesus has set [us] free from the law of sin and of death.” [Romans 7:24-8:2 HCSB]

Yes, thank God for Christ Jesus! Amen.

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Willing to Forgive

by TerryLema

There are two things that we must do in order not to develop a root of bitterness that will strangle our spiritual life.  The first is to not fall into the trap of taking offense. The second comes into play when we do not do the first … we must grant forgiveness to the one that offended.

Forgiveness, like humility, does not come naturally. Forgiveness is not our first thought when we have been offended. But forgiveness is God’s first thought. It comes from the Spirit of Truth that takes up residence within us when we come to Christ Jesus as Savior and LORD. We receive God’s forgiveness (while we are still His enemies) and He now expects us to grant forgiveness to others in like manner.

We make two mistakes about forgiveness. The first is to think that forgiving someone is to benefit them. It may benefit them, but God requires us to forgive for our soul’s sake, not that of another. Forgiveness releases us from being chained to that person in anger forever.

The second mistake we make is to think that forgiveness is always a one-time event. We forgive, matter settled. All our feelings and thoughts about the offense will simply cease to exist once we forgive. That would be nice, and it may happen that way on occasion, but for most of us it is a far different experience. For most of us, the enemy of our soul continually tries to drag us back to and resurrect all the emotions of that offense. I think we must change our perspective of forgiveness and understand that forgiveness is not usually a once and done.

Perhaps most importantly, we need to be “willing” to forgive even if we do not think we are “able” to forgive. If we are willing, God will empower and enable us to forgive.

We must see God’s forgiveness of our offenses (through the eyes of the Spirit of Truth) and then we can become willing to forgive in like manner those who have offended us. I know deep in my heart, that I have offended God with my rebellion and arrogance far greater than anyone has ever offended me.

If Jesus can forgive me, I can be willing to forgive others.

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