FRIDAY - October 9

Read. James 3:14-17
14 However, if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your heart, then stop bragging and living in ways that deny the truth. 15 This is not the wisdom that comes down from above. Instead, it is from the earth, natural and demonic. 16 Wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there is disorder and everything that is evil. 17 What of the wisdom from above? First, it is pure, and then peaceful, gentle, obedient, filled with mercy and good actions, fair, and genuine.

Reflect. James devoted a good part of his letter to the effects, positive and negative, of our speech and the inner sources from which that speech springs. He noted that “bitter jealousy and selfish ambition” can wreck any relationship, including those in a family. But he was equally convinced that true wisdom comes “from above,” and that divine wisdom will surely shape our souls in ways that create peaceful, generous living.
• Scholar William Barclay noted, “There is a kind of person who is undoubtedly clever, with
acute brain and skilful tongue; but his effect, nevertheless, in ... any group, is to cause trouble and to disturb personal relationships. It is sobering thing to remember that the wisdom he possesses is devilish rather than divine.” Have you ever known (or been) a person like that? What does it take to turn that kind of intelligence and skill in speech to more positive purposes?

• Barclay also observed that the true wisdom described in verse 17 “at all times brings men closer to one another and to God.” What are some of the daily practices that most help you to remember and internalize “the wisdom from above”? In what ways can you sense that wisdom reshaping your life and relationships for the better?

Pray.  Lord Jesus, too many times already my own wisdom has let me down, and hurt me and people I love. Keep sending me your wisdom from above, and keep me receptive and open to it. Amen.

COMMUNITY PRAYER LIST


Doug Lawson. Collier. Glenn Ethridge. Adam Funderburk.  Mary Reber.  Linda Harmon. Betty Carolyn Ward. Albert Rasanke. Lois Robinson. Ross Henley. Tiny & Donald Creasman. Bill and Barbara Buchanan. Bonnie Brenner. Baker Family. Robert McKenzie Family. Kibler family. Carolyn Harlow. Jeff Green. Earl Graves. Mickey Huff. Huff & Welch families. Helen Leigh. Paul Huffman. Schools, Teachers, Staff, Parents, Students. Church regathering plans. Layman family. Charlene Withrow. Brandon Casteel. Dirk Orr family. Smith family. Crowder family. Lillard family. Family of Floyd Eaton. Family of Eddie Rynes. Robertson Family. Harmon Family. Nancy Ryan & family. Bobby Roberts. Elizabeth May & family. Melvin Rinehart. Susan Rogers. Brandon Haugh.


Acknowledgement:
Our current teaching series, The Power of Words, was adapted from a series developed by our partners at The United Methodist Church of the Resurrection and used with permission. Many of the resources and graphics are provided by our partners. During this series, our Read.Reflect.Pray guide publishes the daily devotional guide (called Grow, Pray, Study) from our partners with minor adaptation.