Hello again dear friends,

I pray you are well today. As we walk this earth may we always rely on the Lord of Wisdom. Without Him we can do nothing. Without Him our words mean nothing. Jesus came to save us from our sins and so we can be living witnesses for the people around us. Today we are going to look at James 3:13-18 where we will learn what the Holy Spirit of truth wants to teach us. I am using the Amplified Bible for greater understanding of the words in the text. Follow with me then, prayfully.

"Who is there among you who is wise and intelligent? Then let him by his noble living show forth his [good] works with the [unobtrusive] humility [which is the proper attribute] of true wisdom.

But if you have bitter jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry, selfish ambition) in your hearts, do not pride yourselves on it and thus be in defiance of and false to the Truth.

This [superficial] wisdom is not such as comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual (animal), even devilish (demoniacal).

For wherever there is jealousy (envy) and contention (rivalry and selfish ambition), there will also be confusion (unrest, disharmony, rebellion) and all sorts of evil and vile practices.

But the wisdom from above is first of all pure (undefiled); then it is peace-loving, courteous (considerate, gentle). [It is willing to] yield to reason, full of compassion and good fruits; it is wholehearted and straightforward, impartial and unfeigned (free from doubts, wavering, and insincerity).

And the harvest of righteousness (of conformity to God's will in thought and deed) is [the fruit of the seed] sown in peace by those who work for and make peace [in themselves and in others, that peace which means concord, agreement, and harmony between individuals, with undisturbedness, in a peaceful mind free from fears and agitating passions and moral conflicts]."

After reading this through a couple of times I really see the contrasts don't you? I am so glad for Jesus in my life! Without Him, I am nothing. So far from wisdom. Yet, all we have to do is call on Him and ask. Isn't that what we are told? Well, have you ever know someone who claims to be wise but acts like a fool? True wisdom can be measured by the depth of our character. By our fruit we are known. Foolishness leads to disorder. God is a God of order, as we can see in His peace and goodness. So, we need to be planters of peace and goodness, just our Lord Jesus.

I am ready to seek God for more wisdom, are you? We can do this at anytime, anywhere, in any circumstance. When we are with friends we will be able to see what kind of fruit they bear. And, they can see ours. We need to love godly wisdom and desire it for a great harvest of righteousness. This world is so needy for genuine wisdom. Our own hearts can deceive us, so we'd better seek the Lord each day. My prayer is Lord make me like You. Use my life, an instrument for Your glory. In the name of Jesus Christ, amen.

Thank you for taking time to come to Heartstrings. I am thrilled at what the Lord is doing in my life and yours as we are being prepared to meet Him one day. If you haven't asked Him to be Your Savior, now is the time. You might think you are living a good, moral life. Very well, but, that will not allow you to stand before God Almighty and walk into His arms of Love. Heaven is only a breath away for some of you. Maybe even me. Ask Jesus to be Lord of your life today, while there is time. Then you will have the assurance of your salvation and eternal life. Choose today who you will serve. God bless you in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, amen. I am excited for your decision! Patricia.

Abundance is...another wise choice