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.”
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
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.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
The US-Israel enduring partnership
I don't know how to start this but to say...
Oh, how I would have liked to have heard what was said by father Biden to a young Joe Biden as they gathered around the family dinner table when he discussed support for Israel. During VP Binden's 30-minute speech at Tel Aviv University; VP Biden referred to his father as being a righteous Christian, and with that being said; I have to wonder if faith might have been a key part to his discussion of why it was proper for the United States of America to support Israel. This Old nation of people (Jews) being brought back to their promised land. see article here
BUT, VP Joe Biden states: "Israel owes this remarkable and yet improbable success, I believe, to your democratic traditions, to its patriotic and pioneering citizens, and as with my own country, to its willingness to welcome the persecuted and the downtrodden from far-flung corners of the globe. All this gives life to Theodor Herzl’s famous slogan, which I was reminded of this week while visiting his grave on this 150th anniversary of his birth. He said, “If you will it, it is no dream.”
Joe (VP Biden) how lost are you? In your own words we see your beliefs. We see that you credit Israel's IMPROBABLE success to: it's democratic traditions, patriotism, pioneering citizens and the ability to be persecuted and downtrodden.
Wow, VP Biden, you see that Israel succeeded only because they were persecuted, downtrodden, patriotic, and pioneers with traditions.
Really? Where has a nation ever been lost and driven from the land as the Jews were and come back, restored to it's land?
Would the answer be Never?
Only by the grace of God did Israel return!
Ezekiel 36:1-37:28
Pray for our leadership, pray for our country, pray for our Military, pray for our loved ones, pray for those who hate us, pray for forgiveness, pray for restoration to Christ Jesus, pray for the saints to be bold in their praise, worship and witness, PRAY!
Oh, how I would have liked to have heard what was said by father Biden to a young Joe Biden as they gathered around the family dinner table when he discussed support for Israel. During VP Binden's 30-minute speech at Tel Aviv University; VP Biden referred to his father as being a righteous Christian, and with that being said; I have to wonder if faith might have been a key part to his discussion of why it was proper for the United States of America to support Israel. This Old nation of people (Jews) being brought back to their promised land. see article here
BUT, VP Joe Biden states: "Israel owes this remarkable and yet improbable success, I believe, to your democratic traditions, to its patriotic and pioneering citizens, and as with my own country, to its willingness to welcome the persecuted and the downtrodden from far-flung corners of the globe. All this gives life to Theodor Herzl’s famous slogan, which I was reminded of this week while visiting his grave on this 150th anniversary of his birth. He said, “If you will it, it is no dream.”
Joe (VP Biden) how lost are you? In your own words we see your beliefs. We see that you credit Israel's IMPROBABLE success to: it's democratic traditions, patriotism, pioneering citizens and the ability to be persecuted and downtrodden.
Wow, VP Biden, you see that Israel succeeded only because they were persecuted, downtrodden, patriotic, and pioneers with traditions.
Really? Where has a nation ever been lost and driven from the land as the Jews were and come back, restored to it's land?
Would the answer be Never?
Only by the grace of God did Israel return!
Ezekiel 36:1-37:28
Pray for our leadership, pray for our country, pray for our Military, pray for our loved ones, pray for those who hate us, pray for forgiveness, pray for restoration to Christ Jesus, pray for the saints to be bold in their praise, worship and witness, PRAY!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Offer Praise and Worship to Him!
Hebrews 13:8-19
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat.
11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp.
12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.
13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.
14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.
19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tent have no right to eat.
11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy places by the high priest as a sacrifice for sin are burned outside the camp.
12 So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood.
13 Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.
14 For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.
15 Through him then let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge his name.
16 Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
17 Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you.
18 Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things.
19 I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Live a life of Love
In this last chapter of Hebrews we find Paul exhorting us to love one another, to remember to entertain strangers, to remember the prisoners and to remember those who rule over us.
He is reminding us of to be a true witness of our Faith in Christ by expressing our love in the way that we entertain strangers. Genesis 19:1-3.
We likewise see how we are to remember the prisoners, Colossians 4:18, as if you were chained with them. Notice this is one who is part of the body of Christ, a believer.
He also exhorts us who are married to honor our covenant with our wives, and to conduct ourselves without coveting, being content in our Faith. We need to live in our faith...not thinking of our current situations, not showing care to our position in today's life, but living in Faith, in the promise that we are finished in Christ Jesus. Live in Him, forsake earthly desires, He will not forsake us or leave us!
Lastly, we see how we are to remember those that rule over us, that would be our pastors that lead us, that teach us the Word of God.
Hebrews 13:1-7
1 Let brotherly love continue.
2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them--those who are mistreated--since you yourselves are in the body also.
4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
6 So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.
He is reminding us of to be a true witness of our Faith in Christ by expressing our love in the way that we entertain strangers. Genesis 19:1-3.
We likewise see how we are to remember the prisoners, Colossians 4:18, as if you were chained with them. Notice this is one who is part of the body of Christ, a believer.
He also exhorts us who are married to honor our covenant with our wives, and to conduct ourselves without coveting, being content in our Faith. We need to live in our faith...not thinking of our current situations, not showing care to our position in today's life, but living in Faith, in the promise that we are finished in Christ Jesus. Live in Him, forsake earthly desires, He will not forsake us or leave us!
Lastly, we see how we are to remember those that rule over us, that would be our pastors that lead us, that teach us the Word of God.
Hebrews 13:1-7
1 Let brotherly love continue.
2 Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.
3 Remember the prisoners as if chained with them--those who are mistreated--since you yourselves are in the body also.
4 Marriage is honorable among all, and the bed undefiled; but fornicators and adulterers God will judge.
5 Let your conduct be without covetousness; be content with such things as you have. For He Himself has said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you."
6 So we may boldly say: "The LORD is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?"
7 Remember those who rule over you, who have spoken the word of God to you, whose faith follow, considering the outcome of their conduct.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
The American dream
As I look back at the time that I have spent striving to live the American dream I wonder...yes wonder why it took so long for me to realize that to strive for self is not fulfilling.
The widespread aspiration of Americans to live better than their parents did.
See article
Roschelle Nelson wrote that:
The American dream is defined as the faith that through hard work, courage, and determination one can achieve a better life for oneself, usually through financial prosperity. Read more...
I define it as: To get all that You can get at work and play no matter the price. Gain to gain, achieve to achieve, get the most out of whatever, whomever for me.
Yes, I love America and the dreams this great country allows, But the real American dream can be found in the second line of the United States Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
If we look to the news we see how many high profile figures (Governors, Representatives, Congressmen, Teachers, Presidents, & staff) that seems to have the world by the (Tiger) tail. Many of these famous people have had their lives shattered by self indulgence and corruption. If I look to my own life (prior to being saved) I see the same issue of selfish desires driving me. Then when our transgressions are found out, our infidelities and actions look ugly and raw and people say..."how could he/she done that?
My pursuit given me by my Creator is not for money or fame. My pursuit is for life...given to my by God, for freedom given me by His Son Jesus and happiness by living a full life through Christ Jesus as my savior. Therefore:
As it says in Hebrews 12:1-29 Therefore I can lay aside every weight and sin which ensnares me and run the race set before me...my life. Looking to Jesus who is the author and finisher of my faith, who joyfully took my sins upon Himself and endured the cross giving me access to God the Father. I can through Christ Jesus obtain happiness through Him and endure all things...even my failures because He is with me, the Holy Spirit is in me and I have a personal relationship with the Father.
If you read Hebrews 12:1-29 you will see that if we accept Jesus, that we still must lay aside our sins. It is our choice to do this, and if we do we still need to walk humbly with our God. So when you have trials we must not be faint of heart, when we sin and we are rebuked; we must not be crushed under our trials, but bear up with faith and perseverance. He will correct and help His sons and daughters, training us in His ways because He like a good Father wants the best for His children.
The widespread aspiration of Americans to live better than their parents did.
See article
Roschelle Nelson wrote that:
The American dream is defined as the faith that through hard work, courage, and determination one can achieve a better life for oneself, usually through financial prosperity. Read more...
I define it as: To get all that You can get at work and play no matter the price. Gain to gain, achieve to achieve, get the most out of whatever, whomever for me.
Yes, I love America and the dreams this great country allows, But the real American dream can be found in the second line of the United States Declaration of Independence: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness.
If we look to the news we see how many high profile figures (Governors, Representatives, Congressmen, Teachers, Presidents, & staff) that seems to have the world by the (Tiger) tail. Many of these famous people have had their lives shattered by self indulgence and corruption. If I look to my own life (prior to being saved) I see the same issue of selfish desires driving me. Then when our transgressions are found out, our infidelities and actions look ugly and raw and people say..."how could he/she done that?
My pursuit given me by my Creator is not for money or fame. My pursuit is for life...given to my by God, for freedom given me by His Son Jesus and happiness by living a full life through Christ Jesus as my savior. Therefore:
As it says in Hebrews 12:1-29 Therefore I can lay aside every weight and sin which ensnares me and run the race set before me...my life. Looking to Jesus who is the author and finisher of my faith, who joyfully took my sins upon Himself and endured the cross giving me access to God the Father. I can through Christ Jesus obtain happiness through Him and endure all things...even my failures because He is with me, the Holy Spirit is in me and I have a personal relationship with the Father.
If you read Hebrews 12:1-29 you will see that if we accept Jesus, that we still must lay aside our sins. It is our choice to do this, and if we do we still need to walk humbly with our God. So when you have trials we must not be faint of heart, when we sin and we are rebuked; we must not be crushed under our trials, but bear up with faith and perseverance. He will correct and help His sons and daughters, training us in His ways because He like a good Father wants the best for His children.
Monday, March 1, 2010
Let us serve with Grace acceptable to God
Here the writer goes on to engage the professing Jews to perseverance in their Christian course and trials, and not to backslide again into Judaism. He shows how much the Christian church differs from the Jewish synagogue. Both salvation and vengeance are now getting nearer. Therefore let us, receive, willingly and joyful in faith. A kingdom more glorious than we know is at hand. For our God is a consuming fire in the strictness of his justice, and purity of his holiness. Let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
Hebrews 12:18-29 For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest,
19 and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore.
20 (For they could not endure what was commanded: "And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow."
21 And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.")
22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels,
23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.
25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven,
26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven."
27 Now this, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
29 For our God is a consuming fire.
Hebrews 12:18-29 For you have not come to the mountain that may be touched and that burned with fire, and to blackness and darkness and tempest,
19 and the sound of a trumpet and the voice of words, so that those who heard it begged that the word should not be spoken to them anymore.
20 (For they could not endure what was commanded: "And if so much as a beast touches the mountain, it shall be stoned or shot with an arrow."
21 And so terrifying was the sight that Moses said, "I am exceedingly afraid and trembling.")
22 But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, to an innumerable company of angels,
23 to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect,
24 to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.
25 See that you do not refuse Him who speaks. For if they did not escape who refused Him who spoke on earth, much more shall we not escape if we turn away from Him who speaks from heaven,
26 whose voice then shook the earth; but now He has promised, saying, "Yet once more I shake not only the earth, but also heaven."
27 Now this, "Yet once more," indicates the removal of those things that are being shaken, as of things that are made, that the things which cannot be shaken may remain.
28 Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear.
29 For our God is a consuming fire.
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