A word not used in contemporary culture much is the word wisdom. Has it left us? It seems people are moved by feelings and opinions and not true wisdom these days. The art of decision making is the essence of wisdom. We make many decisions everyday. We need wisdom to make the right decisions. Some of the prerequisites to wisdom are prudence, understanding and knowledge. To gain understanding we really need to consider what God as designer intended. Many people try to go on their own understanding and end up confused.  Their understanding only reaches 5'6", 5'8, 6'1" or whatever their height. We desperatly need God's wisdom. How do we get it? Easy, James says we simply ask God who will give it liberally to you! Do you have decisions to make today? It doesn't matter how big or small. This is one of God's promises that he will give it generously to those who are humble enough to ask for it! Wisdom has two foundations, one is from below and the other from heaven above. Which source of wisdom do you walk in? 

This wisdom does not descend from above, but is earthly, sensual, demonic. For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits... James 3:15-17

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. James 1:5

Answered Prayer

How does God answer prayer and act on our behalf? Is there a word to define God showing up and intervening in our lives? It is Glory, God's tangible presence. Abraham and Sarah prayed 100 years for a child. God in His glory showed up in their lives answered their prayer and gave them a child late in life. Noah pounded nails and built the Ark for 100 years. God in His glory delivered Noah's family dramatically from the great flood. At times our prayers are answered after long seasons of prayer and perseverance. Even though these answers to prayer took many years, the only way the prayers were answered is that His Glory showed up in their lives to change their situation. These stories appear in the book of Genesis. We are calling this the "Genesis Glory"

God however is moving our congregation to understand God's "Exodus glory." When you study the book of Exodus you are introduced to God's instantaneous acts on people’s behalf. God delivers His people through miraculously parting the Red Sea in one night. God appears before Moses at the Burning Bush. God supplies meat out of the sky through the quail, manna on the ground and water from a rock. God is causing us to understand God's miracles as introduced in Exodus. As a congregation we are trying to discern actions of God's glory in our daily lives. In August, Crosspoint had two such miracles. Ruth a 15 year old girl experienced God's healing power. She had poor eyesight and wore glasses for years - but not anymore! Jeff and Lisa's marriage has been restored after living separated and not speaking for months. God has healed their marriage and family. God in His glory can visit your life. Are you watching for Him?