Lack Wisdom?...Ask God!

But if any of you needs [lacks] wisdom, you should ask God for it. He is generous to everyone and will give you wisdom ·without criticizing you [without finding fault; ungrudgingly; James 1:5 EXB

If God appears to you and say, my son, my daughter, ask whatever you want from me. What would be that one thing that you would ask God for? The answer of course would vary for each individual. Some may say money, wealth, health, house, car, healing, salvation for loved ones. This can be a very exhaustive list. Having material things is good, but they do not satisfy or fill the longing of ones’ soul.

Solomon, David’s son, became a powerful king [solidified/secured/established his kingdom/royal authority; strengthened himself over his kingdom], because the Lord his God was with him and made him very great [exalted/magnified/empowered him] – 2 Chronicles 1:1 EXB. Then God appeared unto Solomon and said unto him, Ask what I shall give thee. Just imagine for a moment, Solomon as king and God asking him that question. Solomon could have answered and said, give me all the nations round about me. I think of Jesus, when He was tempted in the wilderness by Satan. And the devil, taking him up into a high mountain, shewed unto him all the kingdoms of the world in a moment of time. And the devil said unto him, All this power will I give thee, and the glory of them: for that is delivered unto me; and to whomsoever I will I give it. If thou therefore wilt worship me, all shall be thine – Luke 4:5-7 KJV.

But like Jesus, Solomon was focused on the things of God and not himself. He was not selfish. He was focused on what matters most to God. Solomon answered and said; ‘Now give me wisdom and knowledge so I can lead these people, because no one can rule them without your help [for who can rule/govern this great people/nation of yours?].” 2 Chronicles 1:10 EXB. God was so pleased with Solomon’s response, that God decided to give Solomon the things that he did not ask for.

God said to Solomon, “You have not asked for wealth or riches or honor [fame], or for the ·death of your enemies [L life of those who hate you], or for a long life. ·But since [Because] you have asked for wisdom and knowledge to ·lead [rule; govern] my people, over whom I have made you king, I will give you wisdom and knowledge. I will also give you more wealth, riches, and ·honor [fame] than any king who has lived before you or any who will live after you.” 2 Chronicles 1:11-12 EXB.

The scripture says, if one lacks wisdom, they should ask God who gives to all men freely. When you have the wisdom of God, you have everything. God’s wisdom will lead you into truth and righteousness. God’s wisdom will direct your path.  But the wisdom that comes from ·God [L above] is first of all pure, then peaceful [peace-loving], gentle [patient; considerate], and ·easy to please [or willing to yield; or open to reason]. This wisdom is always ready to help those who are troubled and to do good for others [L full of mercy and good fruits]. It is always fair [impartial] and ·honest [sincere; unhypocritical] – James 3:17 EXB

If you lack wisdom, ask God. Here is a good place to start, But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you – Matthew 6:33 KJV.

NOW...Faith Is!

Now faith is the assurance (the confirmation, the title deed) of the things [we] hope for, being the proof of things [we] do not see and the conviction of their reality [faith perceiving as real fact what is not revealed to the senses]. Hebrews 11:1 AMPC

We have heard of faith over and over and we will continue to hear of faith, because it should be a part of our daily lives as believers. Scripture says, But without faith it is impossible to please him: for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him – Hebrews 11:6 KJV. To please God, we must have faith, we must believe!

What should we believe? We should believe that with God all things are possible. We must know that what God cannot do, does not exist. And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible – Mark 10:27 KJV. Though we cannot see what we are believing for, we should still believe. Why, because we must know the One who we believe in, that He is more than able to do it.

Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams] – Ephesians 3:20 AMPC. The exceedingly, abundantly above what we ask, or think is done when we believe. It takes faith for us to see the manifestation of what we are believing for. God will not stop short of what we are believing for. When God does something, He goes beyond what we could have imagined.

Now, faith is. Notice it did not say faith was. No, it says, NOW FAITH IS! We must have faith now! Faith must always be present. It’s not faith from yesterday that is needed or faith tomorrow. Faith is now! Believe now! Trust now! Know now! Know that God will do it! The good thing is, what is required, is to have faith even though it may be as small as a mustard seed. 

And Jesus said unto him, Go thy way; thy faith hath made thee whole. And immediately he received his sight and followed Jesus in the way – Mark 10:52 KJV. Faith is NOW!

Disciplined In Prayer

“Epaphras…always prays for you that you will grow to be spiritually mature.” - Colossians 4:12 (NCV)

Paul wrote about a prayer warrior in Colossians 4:12: “Epaphras…always prays for you that you will grow to be spiritually mature” (NCV).

Epaphras is a hero to me. I don’t know about you, but discipling myself to pray was hard for me. You’d think it would come naturally, but it didn’t for me. So, it impresses me even more that Epaphras had the discipline to always take time to pray for people. 

But I also love the fact that he prayed for people’s spiritual growth. We usually pray for others’ needs; health and financial and relational, but we don’t spend nearly as much time praying for their spiritual growth. We don’t pray that God would change their character to be more like Him. I think one of the reasons is that we don’t know how to pray this kind of prayer.

Thankfully, the Bible is filled with verses about how to pray for somebody to grow spiritually.

Pray they know God’s Love.

“May you be able to feel and understand…how long, how wide, how deep, and how high [God’s] Love really is; and to experience this Love for yourselves” (Ephesians 3:19 TLB).

Who do you know that may be struggling and needs God’s Love? As they come to mind, say, “God, let them know today how much You really Love them.”

Pray they learn to trust God.

“I pray that the God who gives hope will fill you with much joy and peace while you trust in Him” (Romans 15:13 NCV).

Who doesn’t need more hope or joy or peace in their lives? Pray, “God, I know somebody who needs some hope. Help them to trust in You during this difficult time.”

Pray they receive God’s Wisdom.

“I pray that the glorious Father…would give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation” (Ephesians 1:17 GW).

Who do you know that’s facing a big decision? Ask God to give them His Wisdom.

Pray they receive God’s strength.

“I pray…He may strengthen you with power through His Spirit” (Ephesians 3:16 NIV).

Who do you know that feels overwhelmed by life or like they’re having to do everything in their own power? Pray this for them: “God, help them to know they’re not alone today. Give them strength and power.”

Let’s pray for each other today!