“Now Joshua the son of Nun was full of the spirit of wisdom, for Moses had laid his hands on him” (Deut. 34:9).
Throughout my life I have met many people who were full of wisdom and I have met some who were lacking wisdom. Wisdom is an attribute of God.
In the same way that light, love, peace, hope, and goodness are qualities that come from God, wisdom is a God-quality. Some people seem to feel that wisdom is attained when you become a Christian.
However, that is not true. If you were a “dummy” before you got saved, then when you accepted Jesus, you became a “saved dummy.” Righteousness is imparted at the time of salvation. When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we are made righteous. However, we are not made wise. Wisdom is attained.
According to James chapter one, the Bible says that if any of us lack wisdom (and this is speaking to Christians, so it must be possible for a Christian to not be wise), then all we have to do is ask God in faith and He will give us wisdom liberally.
As a Christian we have the ability to receive wisdom from God and to think with the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:16). However, it is a choice. As a Christian we can walk in wisdom or we can walk without it. It is available and all it takes is asking in faith and receiving, but we must ask.
Also in James the Word tells us that sometimes we don’t have what we desire and then it goes on to say that many times the reason we don’t have is because we don’t ask. If you desire wisdom, then I recommend that you ask God in faith and with the right motives and according to His Word, you will receive that wisdom.
When the decisions of life seem perplexing, we have no reason to be confused. Wisdom is available. Ask God for it and you will receive it.
Joshua was full of the spirit of wisdom because he knew God and Moses laid hands on him. Associate with God and associate with wise people and wisdom will be close to you. “He who walks with wise men will be wise, but the companion of fools will be destroyed” (Prov. 13:20).
All rights reserved. Used by permission.
Dr. Larry Ollison is founder and Senior Pastor of Walk on the Water Faith Church and founder of Larry Ollison Ministries. With over forty years in the ministry, he is a very popular speaker nationally and internationally and ministers the Word of Faith through radio, television, Internet, and daily e-mail devotionals. As the author of twelve books (including The Power of Grace, The Practical Handbook for Christian Living, Breaking the Cycle of Offense, Life is in the Blood, and recently released The Paradise of God), he is in frequent demand for radio/TV interviews, book signings, and magazine publications.
Dr. Ollison was raised a Southern Baptist. While majoring in theology at Southwest Baptist University, he received the baptism of the Holy Spirit. For many years he traveled extensively speaking at Full Gospel Business Men's meetings and conventions. He later earned an M.A. in Theology and a Ph.D. and Th.D. from Life Christian University.
Currently President of International Convention of Faith Ministries (ICFM), Dr. Ollison is also Vice-President of Spirit FM Christian Radio Network, Missouri State Director of Christians United for Israel (CUFI), and a Trustee on the boards of several international ministries. He is also the host of The Cutting Edge Radio Broadcast and authors The Cutting Edge Daily Devotional.
As the owner of a marine dealership, his extensive business background brings a unique flavor to his teaching. He founded and served as chairman of the Missouri State Marine Board, President of the Marine Dealers’ Association, Vice-President of a bank holding company, along with holding several directorships in various corporations.
Dr. Ollison's strongest areas of teaching are the blood of Jesus, faith, relationships, the Hebrew language, the Holy Spirit, the end times, and heaven. During ministry, he operates freely in the gifts of the Holy Spirit. His use of humor and his ability to make a theological concept simple makes it enjoyable and easy for everyone to understand. Countless testimonies have been received from people who say their lives have been changed after experiencing Dr. Ollison's unique ministry.
Dr. Ollison is a pastor, pilot, teacher, and author. His number one goal is to meet the needs of the people through the teaching of faith in God's Word. He and his wife, Loretta, have two children and six grandchildren.