When Isaac was young, his father Abraham was tested and was asked to offer him to the Lord. What may seem like a testing became one of mankind’s greatest triumphs. But most importantly, his simple obedience pleased the very heart of God. Let’s read the story. Some time later God tested Abraham. He said to him, “Abraham!” “Here I am,” he replied. Then God said, “ Take your son, your only son, whom you love—Isaac —and go to the region of Moriah. Sacrifice him there as a burnt offering on a mountain I will show you.” (Genesis 22:1-2, NIV) Early the next morning Abraham got up and loaded his donkey. He took with him two of his servants and his son Isaac. When he had cut enough wood for the burnt offering, he set out for the place God had told him about. On the third day Abraham looked up and saw the place in the distance. He said t...
You and I will hear all sorts of advice. Giving advice is one of life’s gifts. We have heeded some advice, and some advice we did not. God wants us to be wise in which to receive. “ But 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. ” James 3:17 God’s wisdom will be pure. It will not lead us to sin. It will be peace-loving, shown in Jesus’ teaching to love our enemies and not retaliate. It is considerate of others. It is submissive, which means it is not always argumentative. The wisdom from God is full of mercy, based on the cross that forgives all sinners because God loves them. Good fruit means this wisdom when applied will lead to right living. Impartial is giving others their due reward. Sincerity is based on truthfulness and good intention of the person giving the advice. God contrasted wisdom from above with wisdom not from God (James 3:14-16). The opposite is wisdom of...