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 reap a harvest of righteousness.

James 3

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. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. v17-18

James covers several topics in chapter3, including introductory remarks on how teachers are held to a higher standard of behavior than others, and how "the tongue also is a fire...".  Indeed James words and similar scripture have pricked my heart many times during study and I've posted about it here.

In v13-18 James covers envy, selfish ambition and earthly wisdom that "unspiritual" and "demonic".  He writes about how envy and selfish ambition lead to "disorder and every evil practice" (v16).

We need to avoid chasing temptations from the prince of this age and instead chase Jesus Christ.

V17 and the promise in v18 give believers hope so that we don't feel the need to chase the
temptations from the prince of this age.  Scripture gives us so much hope, including gems such as:

Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled. Matthew 5:6

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God who loves me and who HAS FILLED ME!  Thank You Jesus!  My cup overflows.  I am not deserving for how You have so richly blessed me.  I gossip, worry, and have other sins.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.

But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves? Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and his skin was leprous—it had become as white as snow. v26-27

2 Kings 5

But Elisha said to him, “Was not my spirit with you when the man got down from his chariot to meet you? Is this the time to take money or to accept clothes—or olive groves and vineyards, or flocks and herds, or male and female slaves? Naaman’s leprosy will cling to you and to your descendants forever.” Then Gehazi went from Elisha’s presence and his skin was leprous—it had become as white as snow. v26-27

Once again we see parallels between the Old Testament and the New Testament.

With Naaman, we have a "highly regarded" commander who through him God brings a great victory (v1). Naaman also has leprosy. Elisha initially provides indirect instructions (through a messenger v10) to wash in the Jordan River seven times.  Naaman initially scoffs at such instructions but ultimately follows the instructions and is healed.

In Matthew 8:5-8, Jesus encounters a centurion of great faith whose servant is quite ill.  The centurion has such great faith that he says that a direct in person healing is not necessary and that Jesus need only assure the centurion that his servant will be healed.  Of course the servant is healed that very moment.

When we ask for God's assistance and He responds - we often do not like His response or we may not be aware that He even responded because we are looking for a specific type of response.  God ALWAYS hear our prayers and when we cry out - He will respond....in His timing and method.

“For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways,” declares the Lord. Isaiah 55:8

There is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under the heavens[.] Ecclesiastes 3:1

In 2 Kings 5 we also see parallels between Gehazi and the servant from the Parable of the Gold Coins (or Talents). Gehazi and the lazy servant seek selfish gain instead of using earthly wealth to glorify Him.  Notice in 2 Kings 5:24 how Gehazi "put [his gain] away in the house".

We should understand that every good and perfect gift comes from above (James 1:17) and that we are be good stewards of how He blesses us with time, treasure, and talents.

My Prayer: Lord Jesus, what an amazing God You are!  You bless me abundantly with Your Son, Your Word, the Holy Spirit, the church, my family, job, health, home, etc.  My cup certainly overflows.  I am not deserving.  I worry far too much.  Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You do.  Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo.  Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.