Wisdom Is Including God!

Now if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives to all generously and without reproach; and it will be given to him. 

James 1:5

Wisdom!  Putting into practical use what is learned.  So, when James says what he does regarding asking for it, let us think for a moment - that what one is asking God for is not just knowledge, but also how to make practical use of that knowledge in everyday life. Many people  start out well, but they end up going poorly because they don't plan for the pitfalls, nor do they pause to learn from the experience to gain wisdom. God says that the wise man looks ahead.

We all face pitfalls as we make plans. Distractions, doubt, tempting shortcuts, and delays all arise to circumvent our path to wisdom. The question is - will we learn from our experience?  Take a look at Noah. He had pitfalls after God told him to build the ark, but he overcame them gaining experience as he did so. As a result through planning, persistence, and faith, Noah accomplishes a seemingly insurmountable task. This does not mean that God will give you the task of building an ark, but it does show us the value of vision coupled with faith. Noah had the insight to look ahead. So too, should we look ahead when make plans. This is faith - this is wisdom. Not only will we be prepared to spot the pitfalls when they come into our lives; we’ll also be prepared to apply the antidote to the pitfalls of life. Proverbs 14:8 "The wisdom of the cautious makes him know where he is going, but the folly of fools misleads them."

• What goals do you have? 
• Have you asked God to help you establish these goals?
•  What are the lessons from your last 10 years that you can apply to your next decade?
• What spiritual goals and improvements have you sought?

Joshua told Israel, "And if it seem evil unto you to serve the LORD, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the LORD."  Josh. 24:15  

The first step in wisdom?  Prov.9:10 " The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight."   Start here and  you’ll be ready to learn how to handle the pitfalls that could potentially keep you from getting where you need to be. Mt. 6:33 "But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you." 

Looking ahead with God, is better than walking a day without Him. 

Jim