The wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
Now I know why righteousness is so hard to find these days. We don't have many in our world who are full of heavenly wisdom - if that means being considerate, submitting to others' needs, living with mercy toward those who are different, bearing good fruit, treating others with impartiality, and demonstrating genuine concern for our neighbors. These traits of wisdom are hard to find in our world, probably because they are often associated with weakness. And, while many claim to love peace, so few are willing to make peace and to sow peace into the lives of others. Heavenly wisdom is full of sacrificial earthly action. That's a powerful reminder to me that wisdom is not what we know but what we sow! We don't produce "a harvest of righteousness" by spewing hate and seeking our own way at the expense of others.
My Prayer...
Holy and Wise Father, thank you for demonstrating purity, peace-making, impartiality, submissiveness, mercy, good fruit, and sincerity in the life of Jesus. I ask for the power and courage to demonstrate these Christlike qualities as I seek to live a more JESUShaped life. In the name of Christ Jesus, my Lord, I pray. Amen.
"This was a strange question for Job to ask of the Lord. He felt himself to be too insignificant to be so strictly watched and chastened, and he hoped...."
"Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned."
"And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today....."
"Dear Follower,
Wake up. It's nearly dawn. Put on your clothes. It's time for living in the daylight.
Paul chose powerful images for today's passage...."
About This Devotional
Today's Verse is a free daily devotional that includes a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
The Thoughts and Prayer on Today's Verse are written by Phil Ware.
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