How is it that when we are doing our thing that we hear the clear small voice, or maybe that clear loud voice speaking to our soul? You know that voice, it's the one that convicts you/me of our wrong actions. It is amazing to think...I heard that voice when I was a small boy; I remember being 4 or 5 years of age and hearing that voice tell me, show me what was good and bad.
Now, years later...being a Christian I truly understand what or better said who that voice belongs to and what it means to do the right thing. The Father calling to us through the Holy Spirit wooing us to walk humbly with Him...our Father.
Today I have heard the Word...I have read the Word and the Word has changed my life.
James 1:22-27
22 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.
23 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;
24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.
25 But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does.
26 If anyone among you thinks he is religious, and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his own heart, this one's religion is useless.
27 Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep oneself unspotted from the world.
Remember who you are without Christ...keep your tongue in praise to Him and be useful. He calls us to minister to others...not self...caring for the orphans and widows in their troubles. Keep yourself unspotted or rather keep from the filth of the world. Cling to Him who is perfect and loose self from the flesh.
Proverbs 3:5-7
5 Trust in the LORD with all your heart, And lean not on your own understanding;
6 In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths.
7 Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and depart from evil.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Watch your mouth
Here in James we see him addressing the reader as "beloved brethren" a brother in the Lord. We see him exhorting us in a familiar way as in Proverbs 15:1 “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.”
In today's text we are told to be swift to hear and slow to speak...which tends to be the exact opposite in how we live our lives. We tend to be quick to speak, we are only interested in what we think and want to express to others our viewpoint. We likewise are told to be slow to wrath along with our speech, to be kind and listen.
James 1:19–21 NKJV
19 “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
The Bible is quite clear when it comes to our hearing or listening to others. We therefore need to lay aside all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness. To place or give importance to our actions, to put aside our foul mouth or rotten thoughts towards others which cause us to overflow with sinful disdain.
We can achieve this if and when we walk with God, through our knowledge and relationship in Christ.
Proverbs 17:27–28 NKJV
“He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.”
In today's text we are told to be swift to hear and slow to speak...which tends to be the exact opposite in how we live our lives. We tend to be quick to speak, we are only interested in what we think and want to express to others our viewpoint. We likewise are told to be slow to wrath along with our speech, to be kind and listen.
James 1:19–21 NKJV
19 “So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;
20 for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.
21 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.”
The Bible is quite clear when it comes to our hearing or listening to others. We therefore need to lay aside all filthiness and overflowing of wickedness. To place or give importance to our actions, to put aside our foul mouth or rotten thoughts towards others which cause us to overflow with sinful disdain.
We can achieve this if and when we walk with God, through our knowledge and relationship in Christ.
Proverbs 17:27–28 NKJV
“He who has knowledge spares his words, And a man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Even a fool is counted wise when he holds his peace; When he shuts his lips, he is considered perceptive.”
Monday, March 29, 2010
Enticed by the world?
When we look at what entices a person, we need to only look as far as our checkbook or credit card receipts.
Take a look: what were your last few purchases?
What did you buy? Where did you dine out this weekend? How many beverages did you purchase? What did you purchase on-line? What did you watch on-line? What movie did you watch/rent?
How many purchases were to benefit others?
We tempt ourselves, we are concerned only for self...
Turn to God, Look to Jesus. Every good thing is from Him, He died on the cross, and rose from the grave, gave us the Helper/Holy Spirit and sits at God's side interceding for you and me. We only but have to ask for Him to be the King of our lives, for Him to be our Savior.
The Perfect Gift from Heaven, Jesus Christ...what are you going to do with Him?
James 1:13-18
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.
Of His will He brought us forth...by the Word of truth, that we might be one of His. Worthy because we accept His Son and in doing so, we would be able to be a kind of First fruit.
Take a look: what were your last few purchases?
What did you buy? Where did you dine out this weekend? How many beverages did you purchase? What did you purchase on-line? What did you watch on-line? What movie did you watch/rent?
How many purchases were to benefit others?
We tempt ourselves, we are concerned only for self...
Turn to God, Look to Jesus. Every good thing is from Him, He died on the cross, and rose from the grave, gave us the Helper/Holy Spirit and sits at God's side interceding for you and me. We only but have to ask for Him to be the King of our lives, for Him to be our Savior.
The Perfect Gift from Heaven, Jesus Christ...what are you going to do with Him?
James 1:13-18
13 Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.
14 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.
15 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.
16 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.
18 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.
Of His will He brought us forth...by the Word of truth, that we might be one of His. Worthy because we accept His Son and in doing so, we would be able to be a kind of First fruit.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
We give Him Praise and Him alone
I want to pose a few questions to you.
Who do we praise and why?
Who gets the glory?
What is the ultimate outcome?
James 1:9-11
11 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,
10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.
11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.
Here in James we see the lowly or poor brother (Christian) and how he is to glory in the cross of Christ, in the knowledge of his salvation, in the hope and promise from God. But the rich...in his humiliation...burnt up by the sun...who will fade away in his pursuits....in his hunger to make history.
We see in Jeremiah that we would glorify Him because we know Him.
(Jeremiah 9:23-24) Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. (NKJV)
Likewise: Psalms 71:8 Let my mouth be filled with Your praise And with Your glory all the day.
Before you read this article...remember that if someone turns away from or is without God, he is a fool: Psalms 14:3 They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one.
If the President does his job by serving the people to the best of his ability, then good for him. I expect him to do his job...I expect him to persevere, I expect him to be held to a higher standard.
Luke 17:9-10
9 "Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.
10 "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do."
Psalm 119:175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me.
All praise and glory to God the Father, The One and only Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit! Praise God! Praise God! We Praise God and Him alone!
Who do we praise and why?
Who gets the glory?
What is the ultimate outcome?
James 1:9-11
11 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,
10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.
11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.
Here in James we see the lowly or poor brother (Christian) and how he is to glory in the cross of Christ, in the knowledge of his salvation, in the hope and promise from God. But the rich...in his humiliation...burnt up by the sun...who will fade away in his pursuits....in his hunger to make history.
We see in Jeremiah that we would glorify Him because we know Him.
(Jeremiah 9:23-24) Thus says the LORD: "Let not the wise man glory in his wisdom, Let not the mighty man glory in his might, Nor let the rich man glory in his riches; But let him who glories glory in this, That he understands and knows Me, That I am the LORD, exercising lovingkindness, judgment, and righteousness in the earth. For in these I delight," says the LORD. (NKJV)
Likewise: Psalms 71:8 Let my mouth be filled with Your praise And with Your glory all the day.
Before you read this article...remember that if someone turns away from or is without God, he is a fool: Psalms 14:3 They have all turned aside, They have together become corrupt; There is none who does good, No, not one.
If the President does his job by serving the people to the best of his ability, then good for him. I expect him to do his job...I expect him to persevere, I expect him to be held to a higher standard.
Luke 17:9-10
9 "Does he thank that servant because he did the things that were commanded him? I think not.
10 "So likewise you, when you have done all those things which you are commanded, say, 'We are unprofitable servants. We have done what was our duty to do."
Psalm 119:175 Let my soul live, and it shall praise You; And let Your judgments help me.
All praise and glory to God the Father, The One and only Son Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit! Praise God! Praise God! We Praise God and Him alone!
Thursday, March 18, 2010
James 1:2-12
As we look into the Epistle of James, we see that the writer expressed that we are to stay strong in our faith. He is exhorting us to look to Jesus and not to our situation. It is through trials that we are perfected and completed. We see that if any of us lacks wisdom, (which is Proverbs 2:6, ) all we need to do is ask God for His wisdom and He will give abundantly and without disapproval. If the one who has no knowledge comes to God with no doubts and is honest with God, then God will give all, but if he doubts he cannot expect the blessing.
James 1:2-12
1 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
5 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.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,
10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.
11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Praise God, Praise God! He has promised the Crown of Life to those who love Him. Endure and Love, Praise and Glorify the Lord. Love Him!
James 1:2-12
1 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials,
3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.
4 But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.
5 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.
6 But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.
7 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;
8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
9 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,
10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.
11 For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.
12 Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.
Praise God, Praise God! He has promised the Crown of Life to those who love Him. Endure and Love, Praise and Glorify the Lord. Love Him!
Wednesday, March 17, 2010
Epistle of James
James:
Let us first ask: who is this James? And to whom it is written? Since the name of James is popular because(James is the Greek name for Jacob) here we have 4. We have James the son of Zebedee but he has been put to death by Harod (Acts 12:2) We then have James the son of Alphaeus in (Mark 3:18) We have the Son of Mary, and brother of Christ James (Mark 6:3) and we have James the Less (Mark 15:40)
It is thought that since James the son of Zebedee, John's brother has been put to death by Herod (disqualifies him), that the Son of Mary, James who is referred to as Christ's half brother would be the writer of this book. This James was the The other two James mentioned were not active in the early church. In the text we see that James is a bondservant which is to say that he elected to be the slave of the Lord Jesus Christ. Freely giving Him his life as a living sacrifice in service and love. We also see that this book is directed to the twelve tribes, or the Jewish tribes, scattered as they were.
This book is a call to the tribes and those that have been grafted in to His people. That "a dead faith is worse than no faith at all". Faith is freely given to us. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Faith produces separation from the world and submission to god. It give us the ability to resist the Devil and all that he brings to bear. As we read we will see issues of Faith, ethics, suffering, love, mercy, the law, wisdom, sin, being rich, being poor, our human nature and of course...God and Jesus.
No matter what we think in human wisdom, we need to look to God for the truth. No matter what we do, we need to look to God for guidance. We see changes in the acceptance of "lifestyles" and "living styles". We are not to bend the Word of God to these sins. We are to preach God's Word and provide true hope through God's love for the lost. Do Not try to make God's Word fit your situation. DO fit your life to conform with God's Word.
James 1:1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.
Today we have a greeting from James. I want to identify with James in being a Bondservant of Christ. I want to serve Him for His glory.
Let us first ask: who is this James? And to whom it is written? Since the name of James is popular because(James is the Greek name for Jacob) here we have 4. We have James the son of Zebedee but he has been put to death by Harod (Acts 12:2) We then have James the son of Alphaeus in (Mark 3:18) We have the Son of Mary, and brother of Christ James (Mark 6:3) and we have James the Less (Mark 15:40)
It is thought that since James the son of Zebedee, John's brother has been put to death by Herod (disqualifies him), that the Son of Mary, James who is referred to as Christ's half brother would be the writer of this book. This James was the The other two James mentioned were not active in the early church. In the text we see that James is a bondservant which is to say that he elected to be the slave of the Lord Jesus Christ. Freely giving Him his life as a living sacrifice in service and love. We also see that this book is directed to the twelve tribes, or the Jewish tribes, scattered as they were.
This book is a call to the tribes and those that have been grafted in to His people. That "a dead faith is worse than no faith at all". Faith is freely given to us. Ephesians 2:8 For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God. Faith produces separation from the world and submission to god. It give us the ability to resist the Devil and all that he brings to bear. As we read we will see issues of Faith, ethics, suffering, love, mercy, the law, wisdom, sin, being rich, being poor, our human nature and of course...God and Jesus.
No matter what we think in human wisdom, we need to look to God for the truth. No matter what we do, we need to look to God for guidance. We see changes in the acceptance of "lifestyles" and "living styles". We are not to bend the Word of God to these sins. We are to preach God's Word and provide true hope through God's love for the lost. Do Not try to make God's Word fit your situation. DO fit your life to conform with God's Word.
James 1:1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.
Today we have a greeting from James. I want to identify with James in being a Bondservant of Christ. I want to serve Him for His glory.
Monday, March 15, 2010
I Love you!
We have seen through the book of Hebrews how:
Christ is superior to the Angels,
Christ is superior to Moses,
Christ is superior to Aaron,
We see the superiority of Christ as our High Priest.
We see how we are called to persevere in our faith, enduring and standing strong in our Lord Christ Jesus.
Here we close with the writer blessing us...His Benediction. I pray that each of you would be blessed with the Word of God. In that you would know Him and Love Him. Let us have His peace, being complete in the work of God, through Jesus and let us praise Him forever and ever!
Hebrews 13:20-25
20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.
23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.
24 Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.
25 Grace be with you all. Amen.
Christ is superior to the Angels,
Christ is superior to Moses,
Christ is superior to Aaron,
We see the superiority of Christ as our High Priest.
We see how we are called to persevere in our faith, enduring and standing strong in our Lord Christ Jesus.
Here we close with the writer blessing us...His Benediction. I pray that each of you would be blessed with the Word of God. In that you would know Him and Love Him. Let us have His peace, being complete in the work of God, through Jesus and let us praise Him forever and ever!
Hebrews 13:20-25
20 Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant,
21 make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is well pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.
22 And I appeal to you, brethren, bear with the word of exhortation, for I have written to you in few words.
23 Know that our brother Timothy has been set free, with whom I shall see you if he comes shortly.
24 Greet all those who rule over you, and all the saints. Those from Italy greet you.
25 Grace be with you all. Amen.
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