James 1:5-8 NKJV If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. 6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is
Why Ask God? The Answer Is Rooted In God’s Character.
His character reflects the following traits:
- His ___________________.
Mark 4:38 – “Teacher, don’t you care if drown?” NIV
Have you ever felt like those disciples? You’re overwhelmed with trials and you wonder, does God care?
When the Lord is in your boat, there’s nothing to ____________.
How do we know that God cares? That God would send his Son, Jesus, to earth, to ultimately go the cross and bear our biggest problem – sin and to then be buried and raised back to life on the third day, conquering for us the one thing that we most fear – death, is the greatest demonstration of care. Ever.
Matthew 7:11 NKJV If you then, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father who is in heaven give good things to those who ask Him! - His _______________________.
God, James said, “gives generously to all.” In giving his grace and forgiving us, he held nothing back.
1 John 3:1 NKJV Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore the world does not know us, because it did not know Him.
James 1:17 NKJV Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning. - God’s ______________________.
James said God “gives generously to all without finding fault.”
In scripture we see God:- Like a bridegroom adorning his bride with jewels and rejoicing over her beauty Isaiah 62:5 NKJV For as a young man marries a virgin, So shall your sons marry you; And as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, So shall your God rejoice over you.
- As shepherd singing for joy as he carries his lost sheep home Luke 15:3-7 NKJV So He spoke this parable to them, saying: 4″What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it? 5 And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ 7 I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.
- Like a father running to us, kissing us, putting a ring on our finger, robing us, killing the fatted calf, and dancing all night Luke 15:20-23 NKJV And he arose and came to his father. But when he was still a great way off, his father saw him and had compassion, and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him. 21 And the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight, and am no longer worthy to be called your son.’ 22 But the father said to his servants, ‘Bring out the best robe and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet. 23 And bring the fatted calf here and kill it, and let us eat and be merry;
God’s character evokes real, sincere, genuine ________________.
Our faith can only be deep and strong if we have a correct __________________of God.
Last week’s fill in the blank (Our Greatest Resource):
- Wisdom
- Opportunity
- Help
- Wisdom
- Word
- People
- Holy Spirit
- Response
QUESTIONS & EXERCISES
For Daily Devotionals or Bible Study Group
- In the podcast, Kevin shared the story of a woman undergoing trials who asked her pastor when praying for her to: “Pray that I’ll have the wisdom not to waste any of this!” • What are ways that we waste trials? • What does God desire to produce in your life through the trials that come your way?
- This podcast focused on God’s character. What do you think of the statement made that “our faith can only be deep and strong if we have a correct perception of God?” What are some incorrect perceptions you’ve had of God? How does this passage alter or deepen your understanding of God’s nature?
- On a boat during a violent storm, Jesus was sleeping in the stern, and the disciples were experiencing fear brought on by strong winds and raging water. They asked Jesus: “Don’t you care that we are about to die?” (Mark 4:38) Why are we tempted at times to think Jesus doesn’t care? How have you experienced his care in adverse circumstances?
- In I John 3:1, the apostle said that the Father has “lavished” his love on us, that we “should be called children of God” (NIV). Why do you suppose John chose the word “lavished?” What does that word tell you about God’s character? Spend time as an individual or a group and describe ways that God has been generous with you.
- Why was it so important for James to tell us that God gives wisdom generously, “without finding fault?” We often feel unworthy to approach God in prayer (certainly he sees all our faults). What does it mean to you that God isn’t finding fault but rather dispensing grace? Why is God not finding fault with us when we pray?
