#BIBLELESSON Expressions of Faith. James Ch 1. What NOT to do if you lack wisdom


5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. 6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. 8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.
James 1:5-8

The last EOF explained what to do if you were lacking wisdom. This EOF explains what NOT to do.
  • The answer is doubt.
James uses an ocean wave as an analogy for a person who doubts.
  • Once, when a Pacific Ocean storm raged far offshore, I decided to relive my body surfing days and ended up being blown and tossed until I didn't know up from down and doubting my decision and my ability to get out of the situation.
  • In at least one respect, I was double-minded. 
  • Those are the waves of the sea James is talking about because they change your mental focus as you’re tossed to and fro.
The following bullet points are from Dan Delzell’s article, “7 Characteristics of a Double-Minded Believer.” 
  • A double-minded believer is someone who is constantly living in a state of compromise. Half of you lives for God, while the other half lives for your bad habit. Hence, you are "double-minded."
  • As you consider whether or not that experience describes your current situation, here are 7 characteristics of a double-minded believer:
  • Two major influences fuel your thought life.
  • You have a history with both of your major influences.
  • You find yourself compromising your thought life in one primary area.
  • You are led by the Holy Spirit, except when that other issue is driving your thinking.
  • You only experience real peace in your heart when your mind is under God's control.
  • You find yourself giving in to old habits very easily.
  • You would love to only be drawn to the things of God.
If you recognized one or more of Delzell’s characteristics as you read the list, now is the time to get out of the storm-tossed waves in the ocean of double-mindedness.
Express Your Faith this Week
  • Pray every day. Ask God to help you focus on Him and thank Him for His presence in all areas of your life. If double-mindedness isn't an issue for you, thank God for His faithfulness. 
  • Think. Follow the URL above and read Dan Delzell’s entire article. 
  • Do. Consider your response to “Pray every day,” and write prayer either asking the Holy Spirit to remove the “other issue” from your life or praising God for His presence that helps you be single-minded in your Christian life.


My prayer


















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