September 16, 2012

Scriptures for September 16th: Proverbs 1:20-33; Psalm 19; James 3:1-12; Mark 8:27-38 Theme: The wisdom of God in our life; Hymn: Be Thou My Vision UMH 451 Proverbs: Legend has it that when God was creating the world, wisdom was at his side. Jesus says that he was present since the beginning of time. But in the book of John, it says that wisdom was there with Jesus, instructing him on the ways of God. In Proverbs, wisdom is crying out in the streets – trying to give humans the same advice. But she is having a hard time, because even though she speaks at the top of her lungs; no one is really listening. Wisdom is Sophia- a womanly form of God. In the beginning of the book of Proverbs, she is trying to tell people that there will be consequences for not listening. There are consequences for not living a godly life, there are consequences for not taking care of the earth, there are consequences for not following the directions of Jesus. But for those who stop and listen, there is eternal life. James: James also continues his words of wisdom. His message is not the same as the book of Proverbs. James message is about our mouths. The words that we use make a difference. What we listen to and see with our eyes, effects what comes out of our mouth. But once it is out of our mouth, we can’t take it back. Faith without works is dead- be careful how your faith affects what comes out of your mouth. Most of us don’t know how to control our mouths, especially when we are upset. We cannot do it alone, we need help. We need a group of people who hold us accountable, and tell us when we are wrong. James is not written to a specific congregation, and it is not written to address a certain situation. It is general advice that we all can use. James wants us to know that we are what we say, we can never say that we don’t mean it. Make sure that what comes out of your mouth is what you hear from God. . Questions: What voice of wisdom is out in the world, but we are not paying attention to? What words of wisdom did your parents give that you wish you listened to? How do we determine who to listen to for good advice? What do you do when you say things to people and you regret that you said it? Who has said positive words to you that have made a big difference in your life? Who is to that holds you accountable and watches what you say?