I Corinthians 8;1 "Wherefore, if meat make my brother to offend, I will eat no flesh while the world standeth, lest I make my brother to offend."

 

When we must determine if something is  "right or wrong" there are many common and biblical questions that come into play. 

 

What does the bible teach? (II Timothy 3:16-17)

 

What doe the authority in my life demand? (Romans 13:1-6)

 

What  does the ministry that God has called me to demand? (Acts 16:1-4)

 

Yet one of the most ignored questions is in our text for today.

 

How will this decision impact my fellow believer?

 

Today, let us remember, that each of us has a circle of influence.

 

Within that circle  other believers are watching and responding to the choices we make in action, attitude and speech.

 

Let us make the "right" choice that will encourage and strengthen. And certainly avoid anything that will harm them.

 

Before you choose for yourself, think about others! 

James 1:5-8 If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways

 

Wisdom has been defined as the best means to the best end.

 

We all face situations in our lives, on a regular basis, in which we need the wisdom that only comes from God.

 

To receive what we need requires: 

 

1. Specificity  - "Let him ask" is repeated twice. Just thinking, talking about or worrying about your need for wisdom is not praying! Praying involves us talking to God about that which is on our hearts.

 

2. Faith  - "ask in faith" Trusting that God wants to and will answer the prayer of His children. God knows the wisdom you need to day. He is willing and able to give it to you.

 

3. Right thinking  - "double minded man" Do not allow your uncertainty about what the next step to make move your mind (and heart) all over the board. So many people allow what they dont' know to cause them to doubt what they do know. II Corinthians 10:5 tells us to bring every thought into captivity.

 

Today - if you need wisdom - let me encourage you to set aside a specific amount of time to pray - a specific place in which to pray - and a specific list of what you are asking for.

 

What we will find is that our loving heavenly Father is waiting - eager - and willing to give us the wisdom we need when we need it!

Psalm 39:7 And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.

 

The word "hope" means expectation. The psalmist is saying that all he expects to need or find comes ultimately from God.

 

Today, who or what are we ultimately looking to in order to make life work?

 

Our lives are filled with daily duties and obligations. We realize that before God and man we must be faithful to the tasks at hand.

 

Yet the danger is that while we focus on our responsibilities or those of others, we lose sight of our dependence upon God.  

 

Today may we faithfully discharge the duties of our lives with our hope clearly and completely resting in the Lord.

 

When all we have is God - we find His is all we need!

 

Pastor Tony

 

P.S. Thanks for your prayers while Karen and I were in South Korea. We had a great time and are excited to be back.