Humility That Comes From Wisdom

Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. — James 3:13 

What does wisdom mean in the eyes of the Lord?

Solomon had wisdom, yet even He was not wise when it came to marrying wives who worshiped other Gods.

As a result, they led him away from the Lord.

So how do I get wisdom and understanding?

Especially when it seems nearly impossible to live a good life.

And it's especially difficult to live in humility.

James 1:5 reminds me that "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."

Only God is truly wise.

So when I ask Him before I take action instead of afterward, He can help me live a good life, do deeds in humility, repent when I miss the mark daily, and turn back to Him.

Great Is His Unfailing Love

Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love. For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone. — Lamentations 3:32-33

God's love is unfailing. It never ends.

Even though he brings grief our way, He also shows us compassion.

My friend just had a very close friend who died.

That is so hard, and causes such grief and sadness.

God does not willingly bring affliction or grief to anyone.

But we live in a sinful world, and grief is part of that.

So is affliction.

Even so, we can say, "Blessed be the Name of the Lord."

So great is His unfailing love.

Today we celebrate Abby's birthday. 

God's love is great.

The Lord Is Gracious

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you; therefore he will rise up to show you compassion. — Isaiah 30:18

God has risen up to show me compassion.

He is faithful, even when I ignore Him.

He longs to be gracious to me.

And He shows me his love and grace each day.

He has answered my prayers for my friend Krista's husband.

He was hospitalized for a couple of weeks with internal bleeding.

He had to be on a ventilator for over a week.

Both Krista and her son could not visit him due to the coronavirus.

I was praying for all of them.

He is now home, after losing 30 pounds and going through some very rough times.

God is gracious and has shown His mercy to their family.