God’s wisdom makes you sure and fearless (James 3:13-18; Psalms 46), July 19, 2015

Today’s Podcast

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Today’s Scriptures

Today’s Bible reading plans include:

Ready – James 3:13-18; Psalms 46

Set – 2 Chronicles 28; Psalms 46; James 3

Go! – 2 Kings 17; 2 Chronicles 28; Psalms 46; James 3

James 3:13-18; Psalms 46
13 Who in your community is understanding and wise? Let his example, which is marked by wisdom and gentleness, blaze a trail for others. 14 If your heart is one that bleeds dark streams of jealousy and selfishness, do not be so proud that you ignore your depraved state. 15 The wisdom of this world should never be mistaken for heavenly wisdom; it originates below in the earthly realms, with the demons. 16 Any place where you find jealousy and selfish ambition, you will discover chaos and evil thriving under its rule. 17 Heavenly wisdom centers on purity, peace, gentleness, deference, mercy, and other good fruits untainted by hypocrisy. 18 The seed that flowers into righteousness will always be planted in peace by those who embrace peace.

1 God is our shelter and our strength.
When troubles seem near, God is nearer, and He’s ready to help.
So why run and hide?
2 No fear, no pacing, no biting fingernails.
When the earth spins out of control, we are sure and fearless.
When mountains crumble and the waters run wild, we are sure and fearless.
3 Even in heavy winds and huge waves,
or as mountains shake, we are sure and fearless.
[pause]
4 A pure stream flows—never to be cut off—
bringing joy to the city where God makes His home,
the sacred site where the Most High chooses to live.
5 The True God never sleeps and always resides in the city of joy;
He makes it unstoppable, unshakable.
When it awakes at dawn, the True God has already been at work.
6 Trouble is on the horizon for the outside nations, not long until kingdoms will fall;
God’s voice thunders and the earth shakes.
7 You know the Eternal, the Commander of heavenly armies, surrounds us and protects us;
the True God of Jacob is our shelter, close to His heart.
[pause]
8 Come, gaze, fix your eyes on what the Eternal can do.
Amazing, He has worked desolation here on this battlefield, earth.
9 God can stop wars anywhere in the world.
He can make scrap of all weapons: snap bows, shatter spears,
and burn shields.
10 “Be still, be calm, see, and understand I am the True God.
I am honored among all the nations.
I am honored over all the earth.”
11 You know the Eternal, the Commander of heavenly armies, surrounds us and protects us;
the True God of Jacob is our shelter, close to His heart.

Today’s Devotional

From today’s background scripture God might say:

James talks about wisdom, the psalmist talks about being sure and fearless when others see trouble and inescapable danger. Both speak of the same thing. Jesus said you would face trouble in the world. But He didn’t stop there. He said, “Don’t worry, I have already overcome the world.” Wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord.

When you put your trust in Me and understand who I am, you find fear slips away in every circumstance. You can laugh in the face of danger because you know I am greater than your greatest enemy. I am better than your biggest obstacle. I’m in the business of doing the impossible. I am ready to show you My care and My wisdom. Listen to Me instead of the world and you will find joy in your life. You’ll find the baubles the world offers meaningless in the greater scheme of life. You’ll find My path full of the real treasures you seek, treasures that last a life time and beyond.

When you face enemies, you will stand sure and fearless as the psalmist says because you know the battles do not belong to you, but to Me. And I cannot be defeated. In fact, I have already been victorious and just await time to catch. You must understand, time is meaningless to Me. I exist yesterday, today, and forever. I created time for your benefit, not Mine. So, I know the end and in the end, I’m victorious. I win. I cannot lose because I’m God.

James understood that and could declare that if you need wisdom to make it through this world, just ask Me and I can tell you what you need to know. I can help you make the right turns through what looks like a maze from your perspective. When you see it from My perspective, I see every turn, every bend, every obstacle, everything that needs to be done to get you to the end.

My wisdom lets you face each day sure and fearless. All you need to do is trust Me. Put your faith in Me. Listen to Me and do what I ask you to do. It’s really that simple. I won’t tell you it’s always easy to follow Me because sometimes I’ll tell you to do some things that are hard. They will test your faith. But the tasks I give you will never be things beyond your ability with Me at your side. I will always see you through them. Just trust Me. You’ll be glad you did.

The Voice Bible Copyright © 2012 Thomas Nelson, Inc. The Voice™ translation © 2012 Ecclesia Bible Society All rights reserved.
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