ODJ: give me wisdom
If you prize wisdom, she will make you great. Embrace her, and she will honor you (v.8).
READ: Proverbs 4:1-9
While driving Ian and Wasswa (the 6-year-old Ugandan orphans I’m helping to raise) to school one morning, the discussion turned to the boys’ future jobs.
Quickly chiming in with his career choice, Ian said, “Me, I’m going to be a doctor!” When I asked Wasswa what he’d like to do, he replied, “Auntie Rox, me, I’m going to ask God to give me wisdom.”
Since then, nightly and of their own accord, the boys have prayed out loud, “Dear Jesus, please give us wisdom.” Each time they do so, I’m filled with a deep sense of comfort, knowing that their request is preparing them to better know God and what He wants for their lives.
The ultimate example of a child longing for godly wisdom is found in the book of Luke where we’re given a glimpse of Jesus’ adolescent years. It was then, while living with his parents in Galilee, that Jesus began to stand out from the other boys and girls his age. He would do unusual things, like the time when he was 12 and slipped away from his parents for three days to sit “among the religious teachers, listening to them and asking questions” (Luke 2:46).
As extraordinary as His behavior may have seemed, by opening His young heart and mind to God’s Word, “Jesus grew in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and all the people” (Luke 2:52).
Asking for wisdom pleases the Lord (1 Kings 3:9-11). Receiving wisdom helps us draw nearer to God. This most practical gift also helps us determine the prudent actions we should take to ensure positive outcomes in life.
Let’s keep these wise words in mind, “If you become wise, you will be the one to benefit. If you scorn wisdom, you will be the one to suffer” (Proverbs 9:12).
—Roxanne Robbins
Do three things today that will help in your pursuit of wisdom. (For example: pray, open your Bible to passages about “wisdom,” talk to a friend or mentor about steps they’ve taken to gain Godly wisdom.) Why can God’s wisdom be trusted?
(Check out Our Daily Journey website!)
(No Ratings Yet)
Loading ...ODB: grace, mercy and peace
July 20, 2010
READ: 2 Timothy 1:1-10
Bless the Lord, ... who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies. —Psalm 103:1,4
The words grace and peace are found in all of Paul’s greetings in his New Testament letters to the churches. And in his letters to Timothy and Titus, he also includes mercy: “Grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord” (2 Tim. 1:2). Let’s examine each of these words.
Grace is what our holy God gives that we, as sinful people, don’t deserve. In Acts 17:25, we learn that “He gives to all life, breath, and all things.” His gifts include our very next breath. Even in our darkest hour, strength is given by God so that we can endure.
Mercy is what God withholds that we do deserve. In Lamentations 3:22, we read, “Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed.” Even when we’re wayward, God gives time and help for us to turn back to Him.
Peace is what God brings to His people. Jesus said: “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you” (John 14:27). Even in the worst of times, we have inner tranquillity because our God is in control.
We can be encouraged that throughout our lives the Lord will give us the grace, mercy, and peace we need to live for Him. —Albert Lee
God’s grace is immeasurable, His mercy is inexhaustible, His peace is inexpressible.
(1 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5) Loading ...
Latest Comments