Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
July 19, 2022: SOAP #4611: 2Kings 17; 2Chronicles 28; Psalm 46; James 3

SCRIPTURE: James (NIV) 3:13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.  14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. 17 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. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

OBSERVATION:  In the passage above we see the same thing.  Worldly “wisdom” is compared to heavenly wisdom.  Worldly wisdom is motivated by “bitter envy” and “selfish ambition.”  Worldly wisdom results in disorder and unlawful activity.  It comes from the devil. 

True wisdom comes from heaven.  It is pure and works for peace.  It treats other appropriately.  It responds to authority properly.  It quickly forgives.  It does not show favorites.  People can trust such wisdom.  It results in many righteous deeds.  A nation who has leaders using true wisdom is indeed blest! 

APPLICATION: In the USA we seem to have two different type of news stations.  Both report the news, and both give their opinion as to how people should think.  Sometimes the opinion is bigger than the news.  One side has commonly been called “fake news.”  Sometimes “fake news” ignores important stories that present narratives they do not want considered by the public. They cover up stories that make people who agree with them look bad while promoting stories that make the other side look bad. 

Citizens need the Holy Spirit and heavenly wisdom to understand the news today, not only in the USA but around the world.  The Holy Spirit can quicken our hearts and minds to signs of our returning Savior. 

PRAYER:  Heavenly Father, when we lack wisdom, you tell us to ask for wisdom. (James 1:5) Today wisdom is greatly needed.  Answer my prayer for wisdom.  Amen

Pastor Leon
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