Thursday, October 25, 2007

Shalom,

We have been talking about wisdom. Walking in the fear of the Lord, loving Him, praising Him, worshipping Him, being aware and in awe of His presence is the first step to obtaining the wisdom we need to operate successfully in this life. The next step is a very simple one, just ask!

James 1:5
5 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.(KJV)

To "ask" is the Greek word: aiteo, which means to ask, beg, call for, crave, desire, require. How much do you really want wisdom? Make it your strong desire, then ask of God! This verse tells us that he will give to all who ask "liberally". That's the Greek word: haplos, which means bountifully, liberally, simply, openly, frankly and sincerely. He WANTS us to have the wisdom that comes from Him alone, but it won't just fall on us. We must go about it the way He tells us in the Word and then our generous and bountiful Lord will give it to us and will not "upbraid" us for asking. The word "upbraideth" is the Greek word: oneidizo, which means to chide, reproach or revile. He will not chew us out for asking for wisdom! The Amplified bible says it very clearly:

James1:5 (Amplified)
5If any of you is deficient in wisdom, let him ask of the giving God [Who gives] to everyone liberally and ungrudgingly, without reproaching or faultfinding, and it will be given him.

Keep meditating on the Word of God and you will grow in knowledge. Then as you spend time in His presence with a worshipful heart, begin to ask Him for wisdom, which is the ability to USE the knowledge you have obtained, and He will give it to you. Then you have the choice to be obedient and obedience brings blessings!

Shalom in Him!