When I sat down to do my quiet time yesterday morning, I started reading James. Our pastor told us in church on Sunday that James contains over 50 imperative statements. James doesn't suggest some ideas of what we might want to do with our lives. He doesn't ask us politely to make a few changes. He's a straight shooter. We'd say, he tells it like it is.

I read a verse that blew me away. "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5 NIV

What?!

Seriously?!

I've been trying to figure out for years how to be wise. I've had wise friends and I wonder how they got that way. I think, "I'm book smart, but how do I become more wise?"

And all the while, there was a verse in which I am told, if I believe he will/can, that God will give me wisdom.

I called a friend and told him about this, and that I've now started praying for wisdome. He said, "Of course he will. He already has. How else do you think you found that verse?"

Hmmm...

I just joyed in that verse yesterday and when I sat down to do my quiet time this morning...God blew me away all over again.

"...Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry." James 1:19 NIV

It was like God whispered, "DING DING DING! Here it is!! Here's where you start!"

So, that's what I'm working on. I'm praying that God shut my lips and open my ears.

If you need some guidance (or straight forward commands) in how to live life...or how to love God more than you already do, James is your man.