Today’s Scripture: James 1:5, GWT- “If any of you needs wisdom to know what you should do, you should ask God, and he will give it to you. God is generous to everyone and doesn’t find fault with them.”
I am breaking a couple of religious and affirmation rules today as well as writing on the same verse two days in a row. It has been my experience that God has us rest on a scripture until is gets down into our souls.
There are some within the Christian faith that take the position that the King James Version is the only legitimate English Bible. I am sure there are valid reasons, but my testimony is that God teaches me through various translations. Just one word can change the way my heart, mind, and spirit “hear” God.
Contrary to the rules of affirmations, which are to be spoken in the present tense as if they have already occurred, today’s affirmation is a question. Of course, I could rephrase the affirmation as “I am asking God what to do next” or “God, I am asking You what to do next.” Is it not better to simply ask God what to do next than to affirm I am going to ask God?
You and I already have ways that we decide to go about our everyday to-do lists. Sometimes we make these decisions based on proximity, simplicity, timeliness, or even what brings us the most pleasure? I also recognize that I have developed avoidance behaviors to keep me from doing things that I do not enjoy, like completing my income taxes.
Regardless of our reasoning, there is no need for intermediary activities or people to point us towards life’s purposeful duties. We must be careful to adhere to James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (NKJV) We can deceive ourselves with busyness instead of taking care of the most important activities that have eternal ramifications.
James 1:25 promises us “But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.” (NIV) Of all the things we can choose to do today, shouldn’t we focus on what brings God’s blessings?
We really do need to ask God for wisdom to make sure we are doing the right things. As James 4:3 warns us “You ask [God for something] and do not receive it, because you ask with wrong motives [out of selfishness or with an unrighteous agenda], so that [when you get what you want] you may spend it on your [hedonistic] desires. (AMP)
The quickest way to do the next right thing is to ask God and then do what He impresses upon us. Thankfully, God also grants us the wisdom to know His will when we ask. His Word and His Spirit do guide us.
Will you ask God what He requires of you today?
Today’s Prayer: Heavenly Father, Light of the World, we praise You and ask You now to know what we are to do next. We are also asking You for the wisdom and discernment to hear Your voice and the courage to do Your will. Thank You LORD for guiding us towards Your desires and blessings. In the name of Jesus Christ, we are praying. Amen.
Tom you have hit the nail on the head for me. I have just finished a small group study regarding the focus last year for 12Stone, and this year also. And it slides right in the readings leading up to our last meeting, which was yesterday.
john Your brother,
Thank you John for confirming God’s message! You have blessed me by letting me know you received this message with God’s perfect timing. You are such a faithful servant and I am thankful that you are my brother in Christ. I know He is faithful to answer our questions and guide us to do His will. Blessings my brother in what You do next for our God!