Wisdom from Above - W in A-Z Word Challenge
We have a chapel in our backyard. On one wall there is a triptych art piece that has about 20,000 words from Scripture written on it. When I go in to listen to God, often specific words or phrases are highlighted to me. Today I came seeking wisdom.
This time the words “bear fruit” were literally highlighted from the sunlight shining through the stained glass window Then, “I am the Vine… remain in me.” I was immediately grateful for the presence of God speaking to my heart. Yes, I want to “bear fruit.” Then I saw his words that told me how: “remain” in Him.
Gaining wisdom begins with awe inspiring worship of
Yahweh God who is the essence of wisdom.
And the knowledge of the Holy One is
understanding and spiritual insight.
In Him lies all the treasures of
wisdom and knowledge.
~ from Proverbs 9:10 & Colossians 2:3
What is Wisdom?
The online dictionary defines Wisdom as “the ability to think and act using knowledge, experience, insight, understanding and common sense; unbiased judgment, and compassion.”
I’ve been doing an experiment that has been working fairly well. It is just doing the next thing God is giving me grace for and not worrying about a big list of “to-do’s.” But now I find myself feeling jumbled, like all those things to do and people to see are a pile on my plate and I don’t know how to sort things out or prioritize. Then I begin to feel agitated, not up to the task.
Do you ever feel this way?
“Life is not thinking.
Thought is formed and guided by objective reality outside us.
Living is the constant adjustment of thought to life and life to thought
in such a way that we are always growing,
always experiencing new things in the old and old things in the new.
Thus life is always new.”
~ Thomas Merton
Words of Truth
In the chapel, writing all this down in my journal, it’s just me and the Trinity. No phone or technology. The sun, still shining through the window onto the cross with the words highlighted are from Jesus are: “I have loved you… Love one another.” Yes. Truth. I'm starting to see the priority in how to relate to God, myself as a loved child of God, and to others.
“Who is wise and understanding among you?
By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom….
The wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason,
full of mercy, and good fruits, impartial and sincere.
And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace
by those who make peace.”
~ James 3 :13-18 ESV
After pausing peace begins to settle in me. I want to add to the experiment of asking for grace and asking God, “What are you giving me grace for today?” I’m also asking God, “What are you giving me time for?” This refers back to the 'T for Time' post done earlier where I took notes from Harold Eberle’s message when he visited our church this summer.
Time flows from God and is moving toward me. God is giving me all the time I need. Time is free and abundant. I have to learn how to receive it.
I also need to learn how to steward it. I need wisdom. I want to see from God’s perspective, discern what is important and do the right thing in the present moment. I want the mind of Christ.
“To everything there is a season” says the book of Wisdom.
What time and season is it?
Time to seek wisdom from above,
to listen, and then take action.
“If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and He will give it to you.”
~ James 1:5 NLT
LORD, I want to know your heart -to listen to your voice,
to see what you are doing,
and know my part in it -and then do it
through the power of your Holy Spirit.Please help me.
Amen
Living Your Word 2019 Opportunity
Bernice Hopper, and Mary Brack, and I share insights through blog posts for keeping an Everyday Calendar Journal. We will be using the journal to record events, experiences and relationships; to explore our word’s meaning in visual and fun ways. If you would like to connect with others in creative way about organizing your word, your ideas, thoughts, prayers, events, or your projects all in one place, you are invited to join our Facebook group: Everyday Journals ~ Living Your Word of the Year.URL for Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/203309083575277/
URLs for Instagram: #livingyourword2019
CHECK OUT THE BLOGS:
Bernice: https://newlycreative.com
Mary: www.foundonbrighton.com
Valerie: https://valeriesjodin.com/blog/ this one :-)