09.21.22 | Wisdom
In James 3, the author describes two kinds of wisdom: earthly and heavenly. Today, we will be utilizing our time of fasting and prayer to dive deeper into this passage from our BREAD reading.
James describes earthly wisdom in this way:
If you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.
He then goes on to describe heavenly wisdom as such:
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 reap a harvest of righteousness.
Use the four movements of FAST to ask for God’s guidance in discerning the places in your life that you lead out of earthly wisdom. Then ask him where he desires for you to grow in heavenly wisdom.
Here are the four movements of FAST:
- Focus: Find a quiet place to settle your mind and open yourself to the Holy Spirit’s presence.
- Adoration: Spend time honoring and exalting God, tell him what you appreciate about him. Contemplate on who he is and what he has done. You might even be able to get a sense of his presence with you.
- Speak: Commune with God, taking moments to both speak to him about what’s on your heart and to pause and listen for his voice. Use journals to write down what you hear him say. Ask simple follow up questions like, “is there anything else you’d like me to know about [fill in the topic]” to really get to the heart of what Jesus wants to communicate to you and what you want to say to him or plead for while you fast.
- Transform: Commit to taking active steps to change or address what the Lord revealed during your time of fasting.