06/12/2026
Devotional from Pastor John Hartman, Friday, June 12, 2026.
“Godly Wisdom”
There is a wonderful passage that I just love from the book of James, that I will confess I do not apply nearly enough in my own life. In James 1:5, it says, “If any of you is lacking in wisdom, ask God, who gives to all generously and ungrudgingly, and it will be given you.” These words of James remind me of a few things that can be helpful in my personal life. First, I need to be always praying for “clarity,” and then, even when I pray for or with others, to ask God to give them clarity. Maybe, I’ve missed the boat in not praying for “wisdom” instead. Maybe, I should be asking God for wisdom, and then the wisdom will give me the clarity. It may sound like I am splitting hairs, but what if there is a difference between having “godly wisdom,” and “godly clarity?”
I believe it is about asking God to give us what we need to make wise choices in life. Jesus’ words to the woman caught in adultery was “Neither do I condemn you,” and paraphrasing I imagine Jesus saying to her, “Now go and make ‘wise choices’ in your life.”
Second, wisdom helps in having confidence, and believing that the decision made was of God, which helps all those doubts we have, the second-guessing, the waffling, and even the buyer’s remorse. It is exhausting and will leave us like a rag doll being thrown around, this way and that way.
Finally, I think with godly wisdom comes better decisions, and better decisiveness. Jesus never did anything contrary to the will of God, and every decision he made, he was firm about, even as he was moving towards a showdown in Jerusalem with the powers that be, and the cross looming on the horizon.
May the God of wisdom, help us to remember to ask Him for wisdom, because His desire for us is to be wise. May God’s wisdom guide us in all the areas of our lives. May God give us the right words, at the right time, and said in the right say that communicate the gospel of love and truth.
This Sunday, June 14, I continue my sermon series on the Top 40 Stories of the Bible. I will be preaching on an often-repeated phrase, “the wisdom of Solomon.” Please join us in the sanctuary at either 8:00 am or 10:30 am. We will also broadcast the 10:30 am service on Zoom, Facebook Live, and YouTube.
Pastor John
Worship Links
Join Zoom Meeting
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/87994584164?pwd=4WZwiOhYs9AutRZoKygn6SxavAbrXA.1
Meeting ID: 879 9458 4164Passcode: 886997
YouTube
https://www.youtube.com/results...
Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/.../www.../chestnutlevelpres
