When it comes to how we spend our lives the Bible offers lots of guidance, wisdom, and even some practical advice. But there is one thing that God’s word makes very clear about life: Life is very short.

Consider this example in James 1:9-11.

Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

Be careful! Don’t miss the point here. James is not criticizing people for working hard or making money. Nor is James lifting up poverty as a requirement for following Christ or Godliness.

Rather, he is warning us not to get caught up in chasing dreams, achieving goals, checking off lists and spending our time on things that don’t have any eternal value. Why? Because life is very short.

James’ warning is very clear. If we focus all of our time and energy on the wrong things…life will suddenly pass us by.

What are your life pursuits?

If God could plan your days and arrange your calendar how would it be different?

From cover to cover, the Bible offers many great words of encouragement. Here are a few I would like to share in honor of Mother’s Day!

Proverbs 16:3

Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the LORD your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you.

Isaiah 41:10

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Jeremiah 29:11

For I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for good and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.

Matthew 11:28-29

Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.

Romans 8:28

And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

1 Peter 3:3-5a

Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves…

Titus 2:3-4

Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children…

1 John 5:14

And this is the confidence that we have toward him, that if we ask anything according to his will he hears us.

What Bible verses do you read for encouragement?

Happy Mother’s Day!

Inevitably, there are times we don’t know what to do, what to say, or which way to go.

James gives us clear instructions for what to do in times like this.

“If anyone of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

People can offer you advice, give you pointers, or make suggestions. But God gives us wisdom! Wisdom is more than knowledge. Wisdom is the ability to discern God’s will and the ability to determine what is good and true.

Wisdom, however, does have a price. In order to have wisdom, Godly wisdom, you have to have faith. James also makes this clear.

“But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.”

God offers his wisdom generously to those who have faith!

Do you need God’s wisdom? If so, seek it and he will give it to you generously!

You can read James 1:5-8 here.

Here are five free resources that just may help!

The Seven Baby Steps by Dave Ramsey

5 Money Lessons We Can Learn From Grandma and Grandpa

The Great Car Debate: New, Used or Leased?

The Need for a Spending Plan

250 Bible Verses About Money

Did you find one of these articles helpful? I’d like to hear from you! Please add your comment below or you can reach me on the Contact Page.