<p>It is . . . critically important that the Christian take full advantage of every provision God has made to save him from delusion. These are prayer, faith, constant meditation on the Scriptures, obedience, humility, hard, serious thought and the illumination of the Holy Spirit. 1. Prayer is not a sure fire protection against error for the reason that there are many kinds of prayer and some of them are worse than useless. The prophets of Baal leaped upon the altar in a frenzy of prayer, but their cries went unregarded because they prayed to a god that did not exist. The God the Pharisees prayed to did exist, but He refused to listen to them because of their self-righteousness and pride. From them we may well learn a profitable lesson in reverse. In spite of the difficulties we encounter when we pray, prayer is a powerful and effective way to get right, stay right and stay free from error. "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" (<span class="scriptRef" ref="jas+1:5">James 1:5</span>). All things else being equal, the praying man is less likely to think wrong than the man who neglects to pray. "Men ought always to pray, and not to faint" (<span class="scriptRef" ref="lu+18:1">Luke 18:1</span>). 2. The apostle Paul calls faith a shield. The man of faith can walk at ease, protected by his simple confidence in God. God loves to be trusted, and He puts all heaven at the disposal of the trusting soul. But when we talk of faith let us know what we mean. Faith is not optimism, though it may breed optimism; it is not cheerfulness, though the man of faith is likely to be reasonably cheerful; it is not a vague sense of well-being or a tender appreciation for the beauty of human togetherness. Faith is confidence in God's self-revelation as found in the Holy Scriptures.</p><p></p>

A.W. Tozer's materials are a mainstay in Evangelical churches in our day and he is one of the most quoted authors. He was a prophet in his day and his writings are even more influential in our day. One of his books: The Pursuit of God, has had over 1 million copies sold world-wide.

Morning and Evening with A.W. Tozer

Prayer and Faith

<p>Except for those things that are specifically commanded or forbidden, it is God's will that we be free to exercise our own intelligent choice. The shepherd will lead the sheep but he does not wish to decide which tuft of grass the sheep shall nibble each moment of the day. In almost everything touching our common life on earth God is pleased when we are pleased. He wills that we be as free as birds to soar and sing our Maker's praise without anxiety. God's choice for us may not be one but any one of a score of possible choices. The man or woman who is wholly and joyously surrendered to Christ cannot make a wrong choice. Any choice will be the right one. But what about those rare times when a great deal is at stake, we can discover no clear scriptural instruction and yet are forced to choose between two possible courses" In such a situation we have God's faithful promise to guide us aright. Here, for instance, are two passages from the Word of the Lord: 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. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering (<span class="scriptRef" ref="jas+1:5,6">James 1:5,6</span>). Thus saith the Lord, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the Lord thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go (<span class="scriptRef" ref="isa+48:17">Isaiah 48:17</span>). Take your problem to the Lord. Remind Him of these promises. Then get up and do what looks best to you. Either choice will be right. God will not permit you to make a mistake.</p><p></p>

He Leadeth Me

<p><span class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold">For Reading and Meditation:</span><br><span class="italic">     <span class="scriptRef" ref="pr+18:15-21">Proverbs 18:15-21</span></span></p><p>We are seeing that the first step the psalmist took to save himself from falling was stopping himself from saying what was on the tip of his tongue. In other words, he took himself in hand. This is an extremely important issue. What a lot of heartache would be saved if Christians would take heed to this and learn to put a bridle on their tongues. Expressions which convey the idea that the Lord acts unjustly or unkindly, especially if they fall from the lips of men and women who have a long experience in the Christian life, are as dangerous as sparks in a timber factory. Despite his doubts, the psalmist recognised the importance of self-discipline, and that proved to be a saving virtue. People sometimes claim: "It is impossible for me to control what I say. It slips out before I realise what I've said." This is nonsense, of course, for what we say is the result of what we choose to say. Sometimes we may feel as though we have no control over what we say, but that is all it is - a feeling. Dr Lawrence Crabb, a Christian psychologist, tells us: "The loss of felt choice does not mean the loss of real choice." When you give a person "a piece of your mind", as we say, there is always a moment, albeit a split second, when you can choose to speak out or stay quiet. We cannot hide behind the excuse that our tongue is not under our control. What we do is what we choose to do. The psalmist, though beset by many doubts and difficulties, chose to control his tongue - and so can you. </p><p class="center-it italic bold mlr40 mtb20">Father, help me see that the things I do and say are not the result of compulsion but of choice. I am free to obey or free to disobey. Help me to use my freedom in the right way. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.</p><div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="jas+3:1-18">James 3:1-18</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="jas+1:5">James 1:5</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="lu+21:15">Luke 21:15</span></li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>What does James teach about the tongue?</li><li>What are we to ask God for?</li></ul></div></div>

Let a little light into your soul every day with this wonderful devotional from English pastor Selwyn Hughes.

Every Day Light with Selwyn Hughes

"The tongue has the power of life and death " (v. 21) 

<p><span class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold">For Reading and Meditation:</span><br><span class="italic">     <span class="scriptRef" ref="jas+1:2-8">James 1:2-8</span></span></p><p>We continue meditating on the first verse of  <span class="scriptRef" ref="ps+73">Psalm 73</span>: "Surely God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart." The psalmist has gone through an experience of crippling doubt but the great thing is this: he has emerged from it spiritually enriched and with a deeper confidence in the goodness of God. So he starts with that conclusion and then tells us how he got there. This is one of the great values of the psalms - they reflect and analyse the experiences that we are called upon to face. Ray Steadman says of the psalms: "They are an enactment of what most of us are going through, have gone through or will go through in the walk of faith." Every one of us will be able to understand the psalmist's struggle: we start off with a positive faith in God's goodness and then something happens which causes us to be plagued with doubts. The problem then is how to get back to where we were. This is what the psalmist does in this psalm - he shows us how to return to the place where the soul finds true peace. We should not forget that the strongest convictions are born in the throes of doubt. The statement "God is good to Israel" is a statement grounded in experience. In a similar vein, Dostoevsky, the famous Russian novelist, could say: "It is not as a child that I believe and confess Christ. My hosannah is 'born of a furnace of doubt.' " Doubts may discourage but they need not demoralise you. It is not what happens to you, but what you make of it that matters. </p><p class="center-it italic bold mlr40 mtb20">Gracious and loving Father, I pray that You will do for me what You did for the psalmist and help me turn my strongest doubts into my strongest beliefs. I offer You my willingness - now add to it Your power. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.</p><div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="ps+13:1">Psalm 13:1</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="ps+69:3">Psalm 69:3</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="ps+119:82">Psalm 119:82</span></li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>What characteristic did the psalmist display?</li><li>What was his confession of faith?</li></ul></div></div>

" that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." (v. 4) 

<p><span class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold">For Reading and Meditation:</span><br><span class="italic">     <span class="scriptRef" ref="jas+1:1-18">James 1:1-18</span></span></p><p>The Bible is replete with instances of God's wisdom moving men and women through the most difficult times to the most wonderful ends. Take Abraham for example. Although he is known in Scripture as the "the friend of God," he was capable of some shabby behavior. On one occasion he actually compromised his wife's chastity  (<span class="scriptRef" ref="ge+12:10-20">Genesis 12:10-20</span>), and later, submitting to her pressure, fathered a child by Hagar, their maid  (<span class="scriptRef" ref="ge+16:1-16">Genesis 16:1-16</span>). Then, seeking to avoid Sarah's hysterical recriminations, he allowed her to drive Hagar away from their household  (<span class="scriptRef" ref="ge+21:8-21">Genesis 21:8-21</span>). Clearly, Abraham was not a man of strong principle and there were great flaws in his character. But God in wisdom dealt with this man and brought him through some great trials until he was changed from a man of the world to a true man of God. The same wisdom which ordered the path Abraham trod orders our lives. We should never be taken aback when unexpected and upsetting things happen to us. We should recognize that no matter how hard the trial, God's power will be there to get us through, and God's wisdom will ensure that the trial will be worth more than it costs. I like the almost tongue-in-cheek way Jim Packer describes what may be God's design when He permits us to go through trials: "Perhaps he means to strengthen us in patience, good humor, compassion, humility, or meekness by giving us some extra practice in exercising these graces under specially difficult situations." "Some extra practice." Some of us, myself included, sorely need it.</p><p class="center-it italic bold mlr40 mtb20">Father, help me grasp this truth once and for all, that Your wisdom ensures the trials I go through are worth far more than they cost. You are more committed to making me like Jesus than I am myself. It hurts sometimes, but deep down I am grateful. Amen.</p><div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="isa+48:1-10">Isaiah 48:1-10</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="ps+66:10">Psalm 66:10</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="mal+3:3">Malachi 3:3</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="1pe+1:7">1 Peter 1:7</span></li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>What process is God's testing likened to?</li><li>What is the end result?</li></ul></div></div>

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds " (v. 2)

<p><span class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold">For Reading and Meditation:</span><br><span class="italic">     <span class="scriptRef" ref="heb+10:19-31">Hebrews 10:19-31</span></span></p><p>The Bible is a veritable mine of information on the fact of God's faithfulness. More than 4,000 years ago He said: "As long as the earth endures, seedtime and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night will never cease"  (<span class="scriptRef" ref="ge+8:22">Genesis 8:22</span>). Every year furnishes us with fresh evidence that He has not gone back on His Word. In  <span class="scriptRef" ref="ge+15:13-14">Genesis 15:13-14</span>God declared to Abraham: "Know for certain that your descendants will be strangers in a country not their own, and they will be enslaved and ill-treated four hundred years. But  afterwards they will come out with great possessions." Did that happen?  <span class="scriptRef" ref="ex+12:41">Exodus 12:41</span> says: "At the end of the 430 years, to the very day, all the Lord's divisions left Egypt." The prophet Isaiah predicted that a virgin should conceive and bear a son whose name would be Immanuel  (<span class="scriptRef" ref="isa+7:14">Isaiah 7:14</span>). Centuries later the prediction came to pass. In  <span class="scriptRef" ref="ga+4:4">Galatians 4:4</span> we read: "But when the time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a woman ." I wish I had the space to take you through the pages of Scripture and show you how faithful God has been to His Word. But you have a Bible for yourself; study it. Read it to know God. It is absolutely imperative that we who live in an age when unfaithfulness abounds, should acquaint ourselves with the fact of God's faithfulness. This is the basis of our confidence in Him. And this is why the Bible fairly bulges with this great and gripping truth. The more of God's truth we pack into our souls, the better equipped we are for the road that lies ahead.</p><p class="center-it italic bold mlr40 mtb20">Gracious and loving Father, the more I learn about Your nature and character the more I want to know. Just these glimpses I am getting set my soul on fire to know You more intimately. Take me deeper, dear Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen.</p><div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="mal+3:7">Malachi 3:7</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="ps+103:17">Psalm 103:17</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="ps+102:27">Psalm 102:27</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="jas+1:1-17">James 1:1-17</span></li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>What did the Lord declare to Israel?</li><li>How did James put it?</li></ul></div></div>

"Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful." (v. 23)

<p><span class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold">For Reading and Meditation:</span><br><span class="italic">     <span class="scriptRef" ref="jas+1:1-12">James 1:1-12</span></span></p><p>We are meditating on the second of Christ's Beatitudes: "Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted." Yesterday we saw that the meaning of this statement is that when we are willing to experience sorrow and grief, then God is able to use these encounters to sensitise our spirits and make our ministry to others more effective and more fruitful. I am afraid, however, that the majority of Christians, myself included, greatly fear this truth. Some years ago after I had expressed this same truth a woman wrote to me thus: "I am terribly afraid of what you said concerning grief and sorrow being the means in God's hands of deepening our sensitivity to others. I have not found this to be so. I find that grief and sorrow make me more concerned about myself than about others. Thus I cannot pray the prayer you suggested: 'Lord, put all the pressure on me You want; I know that the pressure You permit is all part of Your purpose - to make me the kind of person You want me to be.' " We must always be careful that we do not interpret Biblical truth by human experiences; we must interpret human experiences by Biblical truth. Scripture tells us that God permits pressure for a purpose, and that sorrow and grief will produce tremendous benefits in our lives - providing we let them. There's the rub! Whenever Biblical principles don't seem to work for us, then don't question the principle - question whether or not you are open to it, and whether you are applying it in the way God directs. There is very little point in arguing with God - He's always right. </p><p class="center-it italic bold mlr40 mtb20">O Father, help me to see that when things are not working out the way Your Word decrees, the problems are not on Your side - but on mine. And help me to side with You and against myself in such issues - for You are always right. Amen.</p><div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="job+23:10">Job 23:10</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="1pe+1:1-9">1 Peter 1:1-9</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="isa+48:10">Isaiah 48:10</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="2co+4:17">2 Corinthians 4:17</span></li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>What was Job's testimony?</li><li>What does our suffering bring about?</li></ul></div></div>

"Dear brothers, is your life full of difficulties and temptations? Then be happy." (v. 2, TLB)

<p><span class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold">For Reading and Meditation:</span><br><span class="italic">     <span class="scriptRef" ref="ec+7:19-24">Ecclesiastes 7:19-24</span></span></p><p>Wisdom provides us with an inner strength. That is the point Solomon is making in this passage. One who operates with wisdom possesses more strength than ten city officials. And those who have come up against officialdom and bureaucracy will know that this is some strength! When we have wisdom, we have the inner strength to cope with whatever comes - tensions, stresses, and problems that are not easily resolved. Solomon goes on to point out, however, that the possession of wisdom does not mean we become popular. You will still get criticized, he tells us, but don't let that throw you. "You may hear your servant cursing you ... many times you yourself have cursed others" (vv. 21-22). "When people criticize me," a friend told me, "I am thankful they don't know how bad I really am, or they would have much worse to say." As Chuck Swindoll puts it: "Give God thanks that people are just hitting the visible, not the whole truth." Solomon's next statement about wisdom is: "'I [was] determined to be wise' - but this was beyond me" (v. 23). Solomon found in seeking wisdom that wisdom was not easy to find. Why is that? Because while we have an innate ability to gather knowledge, we cannot be wise without the help of God. Solomon did not make this next statement, but nevertheless, this is what he is saying: "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault" (<span class="scriptRef" ref="jas+1:5">James 1:5</span>). You can find knowledge in the world, but wisdom - true wisdom, that is - comes only from God.</p><p class="center-it italic bold mlr40 mtb20">O God, I bow before You and acknowledge that the wisdom I need to handle life I just haven't got. I fail to see the things I ought to see and value the things I ought to value. Give me Your wisdom, dear Father - heavenly wisdom. In Jesus' Name I ask it. Amen.</p>

"Whatever wisdom may be, it is far off and most profound - who can discover it?" (v. 24)

<p><span class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold">For Reading and Meditation:</span><br><span class="italic">     <span class="scriptRef" ref="php+2:5-11">Philippians 2:5-11</span></span></p><p>We continue meditating on the importance of learning to think spiritually. It is sometimes interesting to listen to Christians discussing together both earthly and heavenly issues. Take politics, for example. When involved in a discussion on this subject, many Christians seem to put their Christianity on one side and bring out all the prejudices and worldly arguments which they have been accustomed to use over the years. What does this say to us? It reveals the great need we have to break with the idea that life can be viewed on two levels - the natural and the spiritual. The Christian must learn to view everything from a spiritual viewpoint or otherwise he will fall prey to the same problems that the psalmist had. The great preacher C.H. Spurgeon once told a group of theological students that after they entered the ministry they should not be surprised to find that people who prayed like angels in a church prayer meeting could act like devils in a church business meeting. Unfortunately the history of the Church proves his statement to be true. How can this happen? It's because in a prayer meeting people think spiritually, but in a business meeting they revert to their natural thinking, with all its prejudices and worldly assumptions. They have a party spirit within them and as soon as any one bumps against them - out it comes. Our Lord, as our text for today shows so clearly, saw everything from a spiritual point of view. This is why, in the hour of overwhelming testing, He was able to say: "Not my will, but yours be done" (<span class="scriptRef" ref="lu+22:42">Luke 22:42</span>). </p><p class="center-it italic bold mlr40 mtb20">My Father and my God, forgive me that so often my thinking is based on natural, rather than spiritual, perspectives. I think spiritually about some matters, but not all. Help me, dear Lord. In Jesus' Name. Amen.</p><div class="tl-lightgrey mt20 pt20 flexbox-row-wrap jc-around"><div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">AdditionalVerses</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="jas+1:1-8">James 1:1-8</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="mt+6:22">Matthew 6:22</span></li><li><span class="scriptRef" ref="1co+2:16">1 Corinthians 2:16</span></li></ul></div>

<div><div class="fs-17 fg-mustard bold center-it">Questions to Consider</div><ul style="margin-top:0px"><li>What makes us unstable?</li><li>What happens when we are single-minded?</li></ul></div></div>

"Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus." (v. 5, NKJ) 

<p><i>"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."</i>   <span class="scriptRef" ref="jas+1:5">James 1:5</span></p><p> If any of you lack wisdom. There is no "if" in the matter, for I am sure I lack it. What do I know? How can I guide my own way? How can I direct others? LORD, I am a mass of folly, and wisdom I have none.</p><p> Thou sayest, "Let him ask of God." LORD, I now ask. Here at Thy footstool I ask to be furnished with heavenly wisdom for this day's perplexities, ay, and for this day's simplicities; for I know I may do very stupid things, even in plain matters, unless Thou dost keep me out of mischief.</p><p> I thank Thee that all I have to do is to ask. What grace is this on Thy part, that I have only to pray in faith and Thou wilt give me wisdom. Thou dost here promise me a liberal education, and that, too, without an angry tutor or a scolding usher. This, too, Thou wilt bestow without a fee  bestow it on a fool who lacks wisdom. O LORD, I thank Thee for that positive and expressive word "It shall be given him." I believe it. Thou wilt this day make Thy babe to know the hidden wisdom which the carnally prudent never learn. Thou wilt guide me with Thy counsel and afterwards receive me to glory.</p>

Another classic from the pen of C.H. Spurgeon that will challenge and inspire you on your daily path to Heaven.

Charles Spurgeon's Faith's Checkbook

Wisdom for the Asking

<p>Wisdom is the last thing of the need of which men become sensible. Worldly wisdom indeed they desire to have in larger measure; but it is the rarest thing in the world to see a man who is deeply sensible of his need of that wisdom which God gives in answer to prayer. This only shows how amazingly unwise men are. It is because they have not this wisdom at all, that they are conscious of no need. Yet, would they but know it, this wisdom would give them virtually all that they so impetuously seek in the world. They long for a power by which they may rise superior to the ills of life. They long to lift themselves on high above their enemies. They long to possess themselves of all the good things of life. But as the world is constituted, it is impossible for man by dint of getting to satisfy this desire; or by quaffing the cup of pleasure to attain unto happiness; or by clothing himself with authority to escape all human enmity. Let God however breathe upon his soul, let heavenly wisdom become the tenant of his heart, and lo! " the slings and arrows of outrageous fortune" fall harmless at his feet. </p><p>What causes most of the misery of men, is that their minds are chafed and vexed by something in their condition. With this repugnant something they enter into conflict thinking that if they can only banish it, all will be well. Perhaps they do not succeed. There it remains, frowning upon them; and in their souls abideth torment. Perhaps after many struggles, they get rid of this repugnant thing; but scarcely have they begun to congratulate themselves upon their victory, when lo, on the opposite side, a new circumstance wearing the same scowl, enters into the circle. Yes, this earth would get rid of almost all her burden, and spring forward like an unyoked Pegasus, if men would cease from battling with their external condition, and seek from God wisdom; even wisdom to outweigh in the balances of heaven, the offers, illusions, dignities, comforts, discomforts, losses, trials, troubles of every day. </p>

A daily devotional written by a Baptist Missionary to India, Reverend George Bowen (1816-1888) over 150 years ago.

Bowen's Daily Meditations

"If any of you lack wisdom let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally." - James 1:5. 

<p>You are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption. § Can you search out the deep things of God? Can you find out the limits of the Almighty? They are higher than heaven—what can you do? Deeper than Sheol—what can you know?<br><br>We speak the wisdom of God in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which God ordained before the ages for our glory. § The mystery, which from the beginning of the ages has been hidden in God who created all things through Jesus Christ; to the intent that now the manifold wisdom of God might be made known by the church to the principalities and powers in the heavenly places.<br><br>If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. § The wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, wiling to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.</p>

Daily Light on the Daily Path or Daily Light is a Christian daily devotional scripture reading published by Bagster & Sons about 1875. It has been reprinted continually since then. It consists of brief groupings of scripture passages which speak to prominent Biblical themes—two themes (morning and evening) for each day of the year. It appends no commentary, but simply allows scripture to speak for itself.

Morning Daily Light

 To God our Savior, who alone is wise. 

<p>Trusting in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding. § If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. § The foolishness of God is wiser than men, and the weakness of God is stronger than men… God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise… that no flesh should glory in His presence.<br><br>The entrance of Your words gives light; it gives understanding to the simple. § Your word I have hidden in my heart, that I might not sin against You.<br><br>All bore witness to Him, and marveled at the gracious words which proceeded out of His mouth. § No man ever spoke like this Man! § Of Him you are in Christ Jesus, who became for us wisdom from God– and righteousness and sanctification and redemption.</p>

 The Lord gives wisdom; from His mouth  come knowledge and understanding. 

<p>You do not have because you do not ask.<br><br>Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. § This is the confidence that we have in Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us. And if we know that He hears us, whatever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him. § If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. § Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it. § Men always ought to pray and not lose heart.<br><br>The eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their cry… The Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles. § You will ask in My name, and I do not say to you that I shall pray the Father for you; for the Father Himself loves you, because you have loved Me… Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full.</p>

 “I will also let the house of Israel inquire of Me to do this for them.” 

<p>Blessed are the meek.<br><br>I returned and saw under the sun that—the race is not to the swift, nor the battle to the strong, nor bread to the wise, nor riches to men of understanding, nor favor to men of skill. § A man’s heart plans his way, but the Lord directs his steps.<br><br>Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens. Behold, as the eyes of servants look to the hand of their masters, as the eyes of a maid to the hand of her mistress, so our eyes look to the Lord our God. § Cause me to know the way in which I should walk, for I lift up my soul to You.<br><br>O our God, will You not judge them? For we have no power against this great multitude that is coming against us; nor do we know what to do, but our eyes are upon You. § If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. § When He, the Spirit of truth, has come, He will guide you into all truth.</p>

 The humble He teaches His way. 

<p>If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting. § Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths. § God … alone is wise. § Do not be wise in your own eyes.<br><br>“Ah, Lord God! Behold, I cannot speak, for I am a youth.” But the Lord said to me: “Do not say, ‘I am a youth,’ for you shall go to all to whom I send you, and whatever I command you, you shall speak. Do not be afraid of their faces, for I am with you to deliver you,” says the Lord.<br><br>Whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you. Until now you have asked nothing in My name. Ask, and you will receive, that your joy may be full. § And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.</p>

 Where can wisdom be found? 

<p>When my heart is overwhelmed; lead me to the rock that is higher than I. O Lord, I am oppressed; undertake for me! § Cast your burden on the Lord, and He shall sustain you.<br><br>I am a little child; I do not know how to go out or come in. § If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God … and it will be given to him.<br><br>Who is sufficient for these things? § I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells. § My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.<br><br>Son, be of good cheer; your sins are forgiven you. Be of good cheer, daughter; your faith has made you well.<br><br>My soul shall be satisfied as with marrow and fatness. When I remember You on my bed, I meditate on You in the night watches.</p>

Evening Daily Light

 In the multitude of my anxieties within me,  Your comforts delight my soul. 

<p>Woman, where are those accusers of yours? Has no one condemned you?” She said, “No one, Lord.” And Jesus said to her, “Neither do I condemn you; go and sin no more.”<br><br>The grace of God and the gift by the grace of the one Man, Jesus Christ, abounded to many … The free gift which came from many offenses resulted in justification.<br><br>God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.<br><br>He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?</p>

 God … gives … liberally and without reproach. 

<p>The Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord. His delight is in the fear of the Lord.<br><br>Does not wisdom cry out, and understanding lift up her voice? “To you, O men, I call, and my voice is to the sons of men. O you simple ones, understand prudence, and you fools, be of an understanding heart. Listen, for I will speak of excellent things, and from the opening of my lips will come right things … Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom; I am understanding, I have strength.”<br><br>The Lord of hosts … is wonderful in counsel and excellent in guidance. § If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. § Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.</p>

 His name will be called . . . Counselor. 

<p><span class="bible-text "> <sup class="verse-num ">5 </sup>If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,   who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.   </span></p>

If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,<cr>1</cr>  who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.<cr>2</cr> 

James 1:5

 5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,   who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  

From Wikipedia: 

The New International Version (NIV) is an English translation of the Bible first published in 1978 by Biblica (formerly the International Bible Society). The NIV was published to meet the need for a modern translation done by Bible scholars using the earliest, highest quality manuscripts available. Of equal importance was that the Bible be expressed in broadly understood modern English.

The NIV is published by Zondervan in the United States and Hodder & Stoughton in the UK. The NIV was updated in 1984 and 2011 and has become one of the most popular and best-selling modern translations.

OT: Biblia Hebraica Stuttgartensia; additional sources;
NT: UBS Greek New Testament; Novum Testamentum Graece; additional sources;

New International Version

 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,  who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 

<p><span class="bible-text ">If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,   who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.   </span></p>

 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God,   who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.  

Bible Verse of the Day

January 31, 2020

James 1:5 NIV

Verse by Verse Bible Study

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