Godly Wisdom

No one would claim to prefer to live his or her life without wisdom. There is no more perfect wisdom than that bestowed upon us by God. We are told in James 1:5-8 that God will give us wisdom if we ask for it. He reminds us that although He freely gives it to us, we must believe it to be wisdom or it insults God and does us no good.

In, James 3:17, we are told that "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." God cannot be in the presence of sin. We therefore cannot receive, understand or practice godly wisdom while harboring sin in our lives. Some sins are easily recognizable and very public. Some can be camouflaged quite well, however. Forgiveness is one such sin. To truly forgive requires more than human will. It necessitates supernatural power to which we have access as believers--again only if we ask believing.

"Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12:1-2 is the answer to living for and with God. Get His wisdom and live His will so you can share the hope you have in HIm (I Peter 3:8-17) and others will believe what you say to be real.

Week 11 The Praise

My being an excellent woman does not really depend on anyone else; it depends on my deciding that I will be God’s woman who fears Him, who derives her worth and security from Christ, and who is then free to serve and love others. p.108
Proverbs 31
Note the characteristics of excellence that the Proverbs 31 woman exemplifies.
Romans 8:28,29 What is our assurance?
I Corinthians 1:4-9 How does this assure us?
Phil 1:6 How does this assure us?
Phil 2:12,13 How does this help us in life?
Make these personal to your life today.
Determine what you need to work on.

The Story of A Tomb

The Story of A Thumb

It is fitting that this story be told on Easter. It seems just like yesterday, that I was asking for prayer because Fred chopped off the end of his thumb. Many times in the last six weeks, the prognosis seemed questionable. There were times as I looked at the injury, that my faith was not believing what my eyes saw. How like God to teach me once again that faith is not sight. God does not do things because we believe. He does things to increase our faith and to be glorified. I stand amazed. Today as I looked at Fred’s thumb, there were no visible signs of stitches. The thumb has reattached and is growing back. As the dead skin scabs and peels off, new skin is growing underneath.

This reminds me of the story of Easter. In fact it could be called the Story of the Tomb. It was then that God showed us that He could take what was dead and give it new life. The blood of my Savior crucified and resurrected gave us opportunity for life with Him for all eternity. That same Savior forced blood from a thumb that was living to a part that was dead and made it alive again. Our family has witnessed God’s power in a miracle that we will never forget. What could have discouraged and depressed us pushed us to be blessed by the Healer and Comforter. My God reigns.

As the thumb heals and the story is told, there will continue to be many more paragraphs and chapters to be written of other God stories in the life of the Gratto family. Blessings to you all and many thanks for your prayers and concern for us.

Week 10 Wisdom

Wisdom is our greatest tool for our quest of excellence.
James 1:2-8 Asking and not believing is offensive to God. Have you ever done this?
I Samuel 17:45 How can this verse help us in life.
Numbers 11:23 What does this mean to you?
Discuss the chart on p. 102-103 and its relevance in your life.
Note what you are willing to do to gain and operate with wisdom.

Week 9 Purity

Discuss a verse or section that had special meaning to you.
God can see what man cannot.
I Samuel 16:4-7 How can you use this principle in your life?
Psalm 51:10-17 How can you get and use a pure heart?
Psalm 139:23,24 Make this your prayer this week.

Week 8 Gentle and Quiet Spirit

This characteristic is not exemplified in the absence of trouble.
Acts 16:22-36 Discuss the attitudes of Paul and Silas and the results.
Acts 7:51-8:3 Contrast this story with the previous one.
Remember this week, we are to display Christ’s character regardless of the outcome or circumstances.

The Cost of Being a Good Samaritan

As you read Luke 10:25-37 you will recognize the story of the good Samaritan. You may be familiar with the principles in the parable that Jesus told. Jesus made it very clear that living in obedience meant we were to love God completely and then love our neighbor completely. This sounds like a fairly simple task. He noted in his story that those who knew the biblical principles for living were the very ones who chose to ignore their "neighbor" in distress while the man from the despised people group lived out what the others preached. I have learned under painful circumstances that we don't get to choose who our neighbor is. I must love and forgive the person God puts in my life at my workplace, my neighborhood and yes, my family. Strive to live out caring for your neighbor for God loves obedience most of all. Saying and doing are very different. Words without actions are empty.