Brightest October Greetings, Dear Family and Friends!
Wisdom!
As Election Day USA approaches, the need for God’s wisdom to prevail is paramount. I embrace this word from James 1: 5, “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” James 1: 5 (NRSVUE)
God is so good to supply the wisdom we need, not only in voting wisely, but in our everyday decisions. Yes, divisive issues may trouble us. As we mature in faith, we realize it’s God’s divine power and promises that help us live and speak in a way that honors Him (2 Peter 1: 3-4).
The Holy Spirit supplies everything we need to shine for Him like a star in the dark night (Philippians 2:15).
Let us be encouraged, knowing that our Lord graciously and generously gives us wisdom as we ask God for this gift. God is faithful to fulfill God’s promises.
Some food for thought: “In a classic Peanuts comic strip, Linus’ friend berates him for his belief in the Great Pumpkin. Walking away dejectedly, Linus says, “There are three things I have learned never to discuss with people…religion, politics and the Great Pumpkin!”
“The great pumpkin existed only in Linus’ head, but the other two topics are oh-so-real—dividing nations, families and friends. The problem occurred in Jesus’ day as well. The Pharisees were deeply religious and tried to follow the Old Testament law to the letter. The Herodians were more political, yet both groups wanted to see the Jewish people freed from Roman oppression. Jesus didn’t seem to share their goals. So they approached him with a politically charged question: should the people pay taxes to Caesar (Mark 12: 14-15)? If Jesus said yes, the people would resent him. If he said no, the Romans could arrest him for insurrection.
Jesus asked for a coin. “Whose image is this? he asked. Everyone knew it was Caesar’s. Jesus words resonate today.: “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s”. His priorities in order, Jesus avoided their trap. Jesus came to do his Father’s will. Following his lead, we too can seek God and his kingdom above all else, directing the focus away from all the dissension and toward the one who is the Truth.” Contributed by Tim Gustafson, Our Daily Bread Ministries. October 31, 2024
Are there divisive issues that trouble you? How might keeping your eyes on Jesus help guide your conversations today.
Prayer: Dear Father, How we need your wisdom and guidance for all our interactions. You welcome us to come to you with our troubling questions and concerns. Thank you for supplying us with wisdom from above. Through Christ we pray, Amen.
God bless you, dear Friends!
Pastor Maureen
“It is because of him that you are in Christ Jesus, who has become for us wisdom from God—that is—our righteousness, holiness & redemption” (1 Corinthians 1: 30 NIV).
