But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God,
who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like
the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. James 1:5-6
The way a
righteous person is to live is what Jesus taught His followers who gathered
around Him on a mountainside near the Sea of Galilee. In His Sermon on the
Mount found in Matthew 5-7, He tells us to “Ask,
and it shall be given to you….” Matthew 7:7. Solomon asked the Lord (1
Kings 3) for an understanding and discerning heart so that he could rightly
judge the people. He didn’t ask for riches or long life, so the Lord gave him
wisdom. Here we are in James and he is reminding us that we only need to ask
if we need something…that includes wisdom. The problem is some fools just don’t
realize that they need wisdom. Hmmm. Well—ask for yourself, your children, and
your grandchildren.
Training Tip – Make a list of ways to react to particular
situations for your children. For example:
[1] When the
teacher steps out of the classroom should you…(a) continue working quietly on
your assigned work, or (b) start talking to your neighbor and show them a toy
you brought from home in your book bag?
[2] During a
test should you…(a) look at your neighbor’s answers to see if they did it
right, or if you agree or (b) do you best and keep your eyes only on your own
paper?
[3] When
someone asks you to go to the store with them and tells you they want you to
shoplift something should you: (a) tell them NO, shoplifting is wrong—and then
keep away from them because they are NOT your type people, or (b) go along with
them, but don’t shoplift anything?
[4] The
popular kid in class is bullying your friend…do you (a) stand up for your
friend, or (b) play it cool with the bully and put your friend down?
Discuss these
and other wise and foolish options. Allow your children to offer other ideas on
wise and foolish ways that kids their age may act—and what they would
themselves do in that situation.
Lord God, please give us wisdom. We know that we’ve
asked before…and we’ll likely ask again, but we just plead with You now that
You would generously give to me, my children and grandchildren wisdom so that
we would do what is right in Your eyes—living righteously before You, becoming
more like Jesus every day.
Friday’s Feast at the Lord’s Table
What is wise
food? Well—we need to have food from each of the food groups everyday…carbohydrates,
meat or protein foods, vegetables and fruits, dairy (calcium rich foods), and
some monounsaturated fats. Probably most important is water, although most
people wouldn’t consider that a food. Food nourishes and strengths our
bodies—but without water our systems stop functioning. Be sure to keep hydrated
during this warm summer weather. It may take more than eight glasses of water a
day to satisfy your bodies need for hydration.
Serve up some
fresh ice cold watermelon. Cut it up in bite sized chunks and add some fresh
raw sunflower or pumpkin seeds and crumbled feta or goat cheese. It is great as
a salad or dessert. That will satisfy at least three food groups and provide
extra water, too! Enjoy.
All
scripture quoted from the New American Standard Bible (NASB) unless otherwise
noted.
© 2013 by Mickey
M. Hunacek. All rights reserved.
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