As moms, we not only are responsible for where we are headed, but we have little prince and princesses watching and following the path that we set! They are stepping into the print we leave behind. No pressure!! Wise Jeremiah (the “Weeping Prophet”) in Jer. 10:23 makes this confession to God. “I know, Oh Lord, that a man’s life is not in himself, nor is it in a man who walks to direct his steps.” If it is not our own…whose is it? What is wrong with you or I directing our own steps? Who can find his/her own talent or purpose in life without God?
“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in humility that comes from gentleness and wisdom. But IF you harbor jealous and selfish ambition in your heart, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven, but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
BUT the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure, then peace loving, considerate, reasonable, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere, without hypocrisy. Peacemakers, who sow in peace, raise a harvest of righteousness.” James 3:13-18
What is your life currently producing?
How many wisdoms are there? What are the two sources of wisdom according to this verse?
Selfishness and pride are the most common evidences of wisdom from below… what follows a life of selfish ambition?
What is the difference between a peacemaker and a peace keeper (doesn’t “rock the boat”?
Godly desires are always pointed toward others… those who need help.
Isaiah asks, “Who among you fears the Lord and obeys the word of His servant? Let him who walks in the dark and has no light, trust in the name of the Lord and rely on his God”! Isaiah 50 10
1. What is in the dark or darkness in this verse? (Do you know the future?)
2. What does it mean to fear the Lord? (Do you hate and fear the consequence of sin?)
3. Why is obedience required? (God designed us to need a coach to guide us through life.)
“But now all of you who light (your own) fire and provide yourselves with flaming torches…go, walk in the light of the torches you have set ablaze. This is what you shall receive from my hand. You will lie down in torment”! Isaiah 50: 11
What are our choices? (Do you seek His direction?)
Is it natural to move towards God or away from Him?
Are we prone towards submission or rebellion?
Who’s currently directing your steps?
~Jackie Johnson - I am a former tribal missionary to the Kuna Indians on the Colombian border in Central America. Fluent in several languages, my husband and I currently pastor a Spanish-speaking church in Southern California. My passion is mentoring and equipping dedicated young women for life, marriage, motherhood, and beyond. I am the mother of two daughters and the grandmother of three Princesses and four young Knights.
