Hello, my friend Dr. Brad Miller here with the Daily Bible Refresh.

This is your daily reading of the Bible from a progressive point of view.

In a bit I will read the New Testament lessons selected from the Revised Common Lectionary for this very day.

The reading is understandable.

I use the Message version Relatable.

Please listen to the points to ponder and applicable with action steps you can take.

We pray and are done in less than 10 minutes.

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Here's today's Reading Reading today From James chapter 3, verses 13 through 18 from the Message Live well, Live Wisely do you want to be counted wise to build a reputation for wisdom?

Here's what you do.

Live well, live wisely.

Live humbly.

It's the way you live, not the way you talk that counts.

Mean spirited ambition isn't wisdom.

Boasting that you are wise isn't wisdom.

Twisting the truth to make yourself sound wise isn't wisdom.

It's the furthest thing from wisdom.

It's animal cunning, devilish plotting.

Whenever you're trying to look better than others or get better of others, things fall apart and everyone ends up at the other's throats.

Real Wisdom God's wisdom begins with a holy life and is characterized by getting along with others.

It is gentle and reasonable, overflowing with mercy and blessings.

Not hot one day and cold the next.

Not two faced.

You can develop a healthy, robust community that lives right with God and enjoys its results only if you do the hard work of getting along with each other, treating each other with dignity and honor.

Well my friend, thank you for joining me today as we kind of gather around the table, around a cup of coffee or just in a just a moment of conversation about the Scriptures.

Our reading today is from James 3, 13:18 and the message and James asked do you want to be wise?

Then live it humbly, gently, mercifully.

Wisdom isn't a mic drop moment.

It's a way of life that builds peace.

So let's get into some points to ponder here from a progressive point of view.

The first is Wisdom is embodied justice, not clever words.

It's the way you live, not the way you talk is what it says in a Culture that treats hot takes like wisdom.

James points to humble practice, mercy, dignity, honor.

Progressive faith pushes wisdom from abstraction to action, standing with the marginalized, telling the truth without cruelty and shaping systems that care for the least.

If our theology sounds wise but leaves our neighbors hungry, unheard or unsafe, James would say that's not wisdom, it's spin.

Lived wisdom looks like equitable policies, accessible health care, anti racist practices and everyday kindness.

A second point to ponder Ambition without mercy fractures community.

James warns against mean spirited ambition and truth twisting.

When the goal is to win, not to love, everyone ends up at each other's throats.

I see this in sports cultures at some times where people get really nasty about sports.

And I love sports, believe me.

But some people get really nasty.

You know, it can even happen in church meetings and other places like that.

Certainly happens in politics.

Progressive wisdom reframes success.

Not did I get my way but did we grow in dignity, honor and care in my cancer podcast community, the wisest voices aren't always the loud, they're the present.

They make room.

They share lives, share rides, organize meals and tell the truth gently.

They build a healthy, robust community where people can heal.

Third point to ponder Peace is hard work.

Peace is holy work.

James says you only enjoy the results of right living if you do the hard work of getting along with each other.

Peace isn't passive, it's practice.

Progressive Christians take reconciliation seriously.

We repair harm, center those wounded by our words or systems and commit to steady, non violent courage.

Think of a good team, Indiana University's football team, the great Pacer team from this past.

From this past year.

Trust consistently and unselfish play.

When more than hero ball, God's wisdom plays the long game.

Gentle, reasonable, not two faced.

It's integrity over image.

Let's talk about an action step for this week.

Practice a mercy rep. That is choose one relationship or space where attention or performative wisdom shows up.

It might be in your family or workplace or social media post, perhaps church.

Do one concrete act that builds dignity and peace, that is Such things as listen without interrupting, apologize specifically for any harm you may have done, share credit publicly or offer practical help.

Childcare rides, something to eat maybe, and add a justice thread.

Support one local initiative that promotes your the health of your community.

Maybe fair housing or food or mutual aid or healthcare advocacy.

Wisdom grows where mercy is repeated.

We're going to come back and have a prayer.

Just a minute.

Did want you to head over to our website voiceofgoddaily.com that's where you can find all our helpful Bible Study guide.

It's called the ABC 123 Bible Study Guide.

Free for you.

Let's pray.

God of gentle wisdom, teach us to live what we say.

When ambition gets loud, quiet us with humility.

When truth feels sharp, speak to us with dignity and mercy.

Make our homes and churches places of dignity and honor.

Bless our families, our teams, our favorite trails.

Let laughter remind us that joy and wisdom belong together.

Be close to those facing illness.

Give them companions who show up with hope and humor and shape us into people who build peace one small act at a time.

Amen.

My friend, I am delighted you chose to join me for today's reading.

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Thanks much.

My name is Dr. Brad Miller and I'll be right here tomorrow with your Daily Bible Refresh.

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Remember, God's loyal love doesn't run out.

His merciful love hasn't dried up, it's created new every morning.