But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all without hesitation and without reproach; and it will be given to him.  James [Jacob] 1:5, TLV

Decisions. Decisions.       They are always before us, aren’t they? Every single day. Sometimes moment by moment. Decisions that can be life altering and we don’t even realize it at the time.

Many of these decisions are choices to either walk out our faith — or our fears. Our hopes — or our indifference. To walk in wisdom — or foolishness.

How many of us would willingly enter the path of the wicked? I would say none of us. However, is it possible to walk in the way of evil and not realize it? Sad to say, yes.

Evil can be subtle. It can mimic good. Evil generally disguises itself in attractive and viable ways to the uninformed. It may even seem logical or wise.

How do we discern those subtle differences to make the right decision?

Spiritual Filter

Our pursuit of GOD’s wisdom creates something like a spiritual filter. Some might call it our conscience, but it is more than that. The more we learn from and about Him, the thicker the filter. That filter can “strain out” the evil, or foolish, or just wrong decisions.

For many years, I had great holes in my “wisdom filter.” As a result, I found myself on unnecessary detours that led to heartache. Wisdom was like another language I couldn’t understand. And, oh, how I craved it.

Freely Given

The day I came across this verse, today’s verse that said my Heavenly Father freely gave us wisdom — that He wanted it for me — I wept for joy.

However, asking Him is only the first step. What I had to also learn was today’s verse didn’t mean our Father would take a “magic” wand, pop me on the head and say, “Okay, Terri, now you have wisdom.” The answer to that prayer was always available to me—to anyone. He had provided what I needed all along — His word. Daily reading, studying, and living Proverbs changed my life — continues to change my life.

I guess what seems logical to me now, was not so much before. Why do we think we can have wisdom without the reading, studying, and living of Proverbs. That’s pretty freely given. Yes?

Proverbs is our classroom. His Holy Spirit our teacher. And, our study partners? Us. Pretty amazing?

Think More About It

What does seeking wisdom mean to you? How does it practically work out in your search? Are you a student of Proverbs?

Until tomorrow, may we seek wisdom and expect to receive, my friends.

Praying for Israel

But if we hope for what we do not see, then we eagerly wait for it with perseverance. In the same way, the Ruach [Spirit] helps in our weakness. For we do not know how to pray as we should, but the Ruach Himself intercedes for us with groans too deep for words. Romans 8:25-26, TLV

The first of the hostages were released a few days ago. We might think that our prayers have been answered—and in some ways they have—but the reality is, our prayers are still needed. Several of our friends in Israel have voiced their concerns about the hostage release/ceasefire “deal.” The agreement is so complex with so many moving parts, things could go bad at any turn. So our prayers are still needed, my friends. Pray for wisdom for the leadership and for God’s will to be done. Amen? God bless you.