Friday - 9/28 - Read James 5:7-12
OK! Look around you as your read this blog. Is anyone in the room?
Why? Because I want you to be completely honest with yourself. Have you ever become so upset and exasperated that you were not being taken seriously with your words that you let out a swear word or two? It's OK to answer this--it's really between you and God.
That's what James is addressing in v. 12.
Do you feel that a couple of well placed curse words adds weight to what you're saying?
James says they don't, in fact, God condemns it.
James encourages us to simply allow our "Yes" to be "Yes" and our "No" to be "No."
This, again, requires faith. We trust God to use our words as He wishes, not as we wish.
What God wants to validate the truthfulness of your words with is your life being lived out for Christ.
Thursday, September 27, 2007
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
Join the club?
Thursday - 9/27- Read James 5:7-12
Are you hurting big time? Finances? Marriage problems? Medical or health issues? Relational problems?
Do you feel like you can't bear any more?
James basically says, "Join the club!" It's a pretty exclusive club, though. Charter members are the prophets (v. 10) and Job (v. 11).
Maybe that will help ease the "hurt" you're experiencing, maybe not!
Consider this, though. James states that at the core of everything God allows in our lives is a heart of "compassion and mercy (v. 11)."
Now, this is crucial--do you believe that?
There are times in the Christian life that make or break us spiritually. If you're hurting and you're wondering why God is allowing it, in order to continue persevering in your faith, you absolutely must believe that this is true about God--His compassion and mercy are behind what he's allowing in your life.
Would you like to join the club?
Are you hurting big time? Finances? Marriage problems? Medical or health issues? Relational problems?
Do you feel like you can't bear any more?
James basically says, "Join the club!" It's a pretty exclusive club, though. Charter members are the prophets (v. 10) and Job (v. 11).
Maybe that will help ease the "hurt" you're experiencing, maybe not!
Consider this, though. James states that at the core of everything God allows in our lives is a heart of "compassion and mercy (v. 11)."
Now, this is crucial--do you believe that?
There are times in the Christian life that make or break us spiritually. If you're hurting and you're wondering why God is allowing it, in order to continue persevering in your faith, you absolutely must believe that this is true about God--His compassion and mercy are behind what he's allowing in your life.
Would you like to join the club?
Projects under construction
Wednesday - 9/26 - James 5:7-12
Probably all of us, from time to time, have grumbled and complained about others.
Does that make it alright?
James tells us in v. 9 that the Lord takes this very seriously because He stands as a judge over this.
Have you ever grown so impatient with someone that you just gave up on them? People can exasperate us, can't they? It seems that God never gives up on us and that's why we shouldn't grumble or complain about others.
We discovered on Sunday that we are all "projects under construction." This requires patience.
Do you want others to be patient with you? Will you be patient with others?
Do you want others to be grumbling and complaining about you? Do you grumble and complain about others?
Grumbling and complaining about others tears apart the progress God is making in another believer's life. I would not want to be charged with spiritual vandalism by the Lord, would you?
Probably all of us, from time to time, have grumbled and complained about others.
Does that make it alright?
James tells us in v. 9 that the Lord takes this very seriously because He stands as a judge over this.
Have you ever grown so impatient with someone that you just gave up on them? People can exasperate us, can't they? It seems that God never gives up on us and that's why we shouldn't grumble or complain about others.
We discovered on Sunday that we are all "projects under construction." This requires patience.
Do you want others to be patient with you? Will you be patient with others?
Do you want others to be grumbling and complaining about you? Do you grumble and complain about others?
Grumbling and complaining about others tears apart the progress God is making in another believer's life. I would not want to be charged with spiritual vandalism by the Lord, would you?
Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Waiting for the harvest!
Tuesday - 9/25 - James 5:7-12
Did you grow up on a farm? James talks about the farmer's need for patience as he waits for the harvest. Do you remember the anticipation around harvest time?
How does that relate to the Lord's work in your life? Does God mature people as quickly as you'd like?
Ultimately, the harvest we wait for is the Lord's return. Is that worth waiting for?
Could you identify areas of your life that are inconsistent with waiting properly for the Lord's return? What are you willing to do to bring these areas under the soon return of our Lord?
Read vv. 7,8 again. Think about these verses. How does James' illustration of a farmer waiting apply to you today?
Did you grow up on a farm? James talks about the farmer's need for patience as he waits for the harvest. Do you remember the anticipation around harvest time?
How does that relate to the Lord's work in your life? Does God mature people as quickly as you'd like?
Ultimately, the harvest we wait for is the Lord's return. Is that worth waiting for?
Could you identify areas of your life that are inconsistent with waiting properly for the Lord's return? What are you willing to do to bring these areas under the soon return of our Lord?
Read vv. 7,8 again. Think about these verses. How does James' illustration of a farmer waiting apply to you today?
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Open Season on Christians
Monday - 9/24 - Read James 5:7-12
Do you feel like it's open season on Christians?
James knew that the believers he was writing to did. He tells them to be patient. Do you find yourself in a situation that constantly requires patience on your part?
Do you believe that at the core of everything that God allows in your life is a heart of "compassion and mercy?" This requires faith.
Are you facing hostility, pressure or perhaps out and out suffering because of your Christian faith?
Is God sovereign over this hostility? Does that mean God knows about and care about what you're going through?
Is there something going on that is bigger than our limited perspective we have over situations in our lives?
Are you willing to trust God?
Do you feel like it's open season on Christians?
James knew that the believers he was writing to did. He tells them to be patient. Do you find yourself in a situation that constantly requires patience on your part?
Do you believe that at the core of everything that God allows in your life is a heart of "compassion and mercy?" This requires faith.
Are you facing hostility, pressure or perhaps out and out suffering because of your Christian faith?
Is God sovereign over this hostility? Does that mean God knows about and care about what you're going through?
Is there something going on that is bigger than our limited perspective we have over situations in our lives?
Are you willing to trust God?
Thursday, September 20, 2007
How about a test drive?
Friday - 9/21 - Read James 5:1-6
Giving liberally does something positive to your heart. What is that?
Luke 6:38 claims that "the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
What kind of measure do you use when giving to others in need?
Why does God use this measure with us in the way He gives to us?
Is this fair? Yes or no?
If it's fair, what does this mean as far as your giving of your money to others, the Lord's work, IRS, etc.?
Lastly, we looked at the problem of self-absorption. Do you wrestle with this as I do?
I asked you to test-drive the principles we learned to defeat self-absorption.
Did you take any of these principles out for a spin around the block?
Read James 5:7-12 for next Sunday
Giving liberally does something positive to your heart. What is that?
Luke 6:38 claims that "the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
What kind of measure do you use when giving to others in need?
Why does God use this measure with us in the way He gives to us?
Is this fair? Yes or no?
If it's fair, what does this mean as far as your giving of your money to others, the Lord's work, IRS, etc.?
Lastly, we looked at the problem of self-absorption. Do you wrestle with this as I do?
I asked you to test-drive the principles we learned to defeat self-absorption.
Did you take any of these principles out for a spin around the block?
Read James 5:7-12 for next Sunday
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Fingernails on a chalkboard?
Thursday - 9/20- Read James 5:1-6
Give your money liberally! That was the third point I made on Sunday morning. It came from James 5:5,6. Honestly, how did you react to this when I made this point?
Was it like fingernails on a chalkboard to you?
Why do you think we sometimes feel this way?
Why do you think we sometimes believe that money is the path to happiness?
When we think money is going to make us happy and we end up making a lot of money, we end up being selfish.
Do you agree or disagree?
If you agree, why does this happen?
On Sunday I suggested the antidote to selfishness is to open up our refrigerators (metaphor for wallets or money) and give.
How can you apply this principle today?
Read James 5:7-12 for next Sunday
Give your money liberally! That was the third point I made on Sunday morning. It came from James 5:5,6. Honestly, how did you react to this when I made this point?
Was it like fingernails on a chalkboard to you?
Why do you think we sometimes feel this way?
Why do you think we sometimes believe that money is the path to happiness?
When we think money is going to make us happy and we end up making a lot of money, we end up being selfish.
Do you agree or disagree?
If you agree, why does this happen?
On Sunday I suggested the antidote to selfishness is to open up our refrigerators (metaphor for wallets or money) and give.
How can you apply this principle today?
Read James 5:7-12 for next Sunday
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Toes sore?
Wednesday - 9/19 - James 5:1-6
Did James step on your toes on Sunday? That is, when we talked about how you were filling your fridge (lit. your wallet), did the Holy Spirit remind you of a dishonest way you are gaining income, if in fact, that's the case?
How did you react? Were you defensive and try to justify it?
Or did you repent?
Would you say the way you are working at your job is fulfilling the principles Paul laid down in 2 Thes. 3:6-13?
If you believe God's Word is to be applied to our lives, in what way(s) did you apply the instruction to gain your money legitimately according to James 5:4
People sometimes desire money so much they are willing to do anything to gain it (5:6).
What is the first step on the journey down this road to "murder" in order to have money?
Read James 5:7-12 for next Sunday
Did James step on your toes on Sunday? That is, when we talked about how you were filling your fridge (lit. your wallet), did the Holy Spirit remind you of a dishonest way you are gaining income, if in fact, that's the case?
How did you react? Were you defensive and try to justify it?
Or did you repent?
Would you say the way you are working at your job is fulfilling the principles Paul laid down in 2 Thes. 3:6-13?
If you believe God's Word is to be applied to our lives, in what way(s) did you apply the instruction to gain your money legitimately according to James 5:4
People sometimes desire money so much they are willing to do anything to gain it (5:6).
What is the first step on the journey down this road to "murder" in order to have money?
Read James 5:7-12 for next Sunday
Monday, September 17, 2007
Shelf life for money!
Tuesday - 9/18 - James 5:1-6
We discovered on Sunday that just as there is a shelf life for things in our refrigerator theres is a shelf life for what we put into our wallets (bank accounts).
How does money rot?
Our money, like food in a refrigerator, is meant to be used and invested.
How can we use our money properly so that it doesn't rot or corrode?
Luke 12:15 warns us that "a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
What does it "consist" in then?
Why do those who have a lot of money find it difficult to "put their hope in wealth" instead of the Lord (1 Tim. 6:17)?
Read James 5:7-12 for next Sunday
We discovered on Sunday that just as there is a shelf life for things in our refrigerator theres is a shelf life for what we put into our wallets (bank accounts).
How does money rot?
Our money, like food in a refrigerator, is meant to be used and invested.
How can we use our money properly so that it doesn't rot or corrode?
Luke 12:15 warns us that "a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions."
What does it "consist" in then?
Why do those who have a lot of money find it difficult to "put their hope in wealth" instead of the Lord (1 Tim. 6:17)?
Read James 5:7-12 for next Sunday
Sunday, September 16, 2007
Money is a root?
Monday - 9/17 - Read James 5:1-6
1 Timothy 6:9,10 says the "love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Why do you think this is true?
Have you ever seen this in your own life?
If the "love of money is a root of all kinds of evil," what grows from this kind of root?
What is the trunk or stalk? What are the branches and the fruit?
Does this concern that Paul had when he addressed Timothy sound somewhat familiar to James 5:1?
It what ways?
What kind of misery do you think James was warning against?
Read James 5:7-12 for next Sunday
1 Timothy 6:9,10 says the "love of money is a root of all kinds of evil." Why do you think this is true?
Have you ever seen this in your own life?
If the "love of money is a root of all kinds of evil," what grows from this kind of root?
What is the trunk or stalk? What are the branches and the fruit?
Does this concern that Paul had when he addressed Timothy sound somewhat familiar to James 5:1?
It what ways?
What kind of misery do you think James was warning against?
Read James 5:7-12 for next Sunday
Thursday, September 13, 2007
I will walk about in freedom.
Friday - 9/14 - Read James 4:13-17
Can we expect God to lead us into His will in the future if we are not following His revealed will through His Word now?
Psalm 119:45 says, "I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts." What kind of freedom is the psalmist talking about?
What does it mean to seek out God's precepts?
Read Psalm 37:4. What happens to your desires when you "delight yourself in the LORD?"
Are desires that are shaped by a heart delighting in God able to direct us into God's best for our lives?
When our desires and God's match up, we can only expect God's best for our lives.
Read James 5:1-6 for next Sunday
Can we expect God to lead us into His will in the future if we are not following His revealed will through His Word now?
Psalm 119:45 says, "I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts." What kind of freedom is the psalmist talking about?
What does it mean to seek out God's precepts?
Read Psalm 37:4. What happens to your desires when you "delight yourself in the LORD?"
Are desires that are shaped by a heart delighting in God able to direct us into God's best for our lives?
When our desires and God's match up, we can only expect God's best for our lives.
Read James 5:1-6 for next Sunday
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
"If the Lord is willing..."
Thursday - 9/13 - Read James 4:13-17
Was James against making plans about the future (4:15?)?
What is the key phrase in v. 15?
"If the Lord is willing..." is so much more than a catchy religious phrase. What does it imply in our plans for the future and seeking God's will?
2 Cor. 5:7 talks about walking by faith and not by sight. What does this mean?
If we are to walk by faith what does this mean as we pursue God's direction in life? Will we clearly know where God wants us to be in the process of discovering His will?
Why is this difficult at times?
Whose business is it to get you to where you should be in the Christian walk?
Are you trusting God to get you there?
Read James 5:1-6 for next Sunday
Was James against making plans about the future (4:15?)?
What is the key phrase in v. 15?
"If the Lord is willing..." is so much more than a catchy religious phrase. What does it imply in our plans for the future and seeking God's will?
2 Cor. 5:7 talks about walking by faith and not by sight. What does this mean?
If we are to walk by faith what does this mean as we pursue God's direction in life? Will we clearly know where God wants us to be in the process of discovering His will?
Why is this difficult at times?
Whose business is it to get you to where you should be in the Christian walk?
Are you trusting God to get you there?
Read James 5:1-6 for next Sunday
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
Is tomorrow guaranteed?
Wednesday - 9/12 - James 4:13-17
To make matters worse, James reminds those who were bragging and boasting about what they were going to do to consider that they might not even be alive tomorrow.
How can they make plans about the future when they might not even be alive in the future?
We need to recognize how utterly foolish it is to boast and brag about tomorrow when we might not even be alive tomorrow.
So, how are we suppose to make plans, or are we supposed to make plans?
James confronts the notion of making plans to make money only for oneself. What about others?
Read James 5:1-6 for next Sunday
To make matters worse, James reminds those who were bragging and boasting about what they were going to do to consider that they might not even be alive tomorrow.
How can they make plans about the future when they might not even be alive in the future?
We need to recognize how utterly foolish it is to boast and brag about tomorrow when we might not even be alive tomorrow.
So, how are we suppose to make plans, or are we supposed to make plans?
James confronts the notion of making plans to make money only for oneself. What about others?
Read James 5:1-6 for next Sunday
Monday, September 10, 2007
How's the view?
Tuesday - 9/11 - James 4:13-17
Our side of the fence, with our restricted view of life, offers a view of only what is happening in the present. Even the rest of the day, only minutes or hours away, is something we can't see.
All we can say we are certain about is what has happened and what is happening right now in our lives. Other than this, we can't make certain plans that we know are going to come to pass.
Yet, James is addressing people who wanted to go to a certain city, make money and after a year come home.
Do you make plans like this? Is this right or wrong?
How can you make plans about the future when you can't even rely on a weather forecast for tomorrow?
Is there someway we can make plans about the future in a way that honors Christ?
Read James 5:1-6 for next Sunday
Our side of the fence, with our restricted view of life, offers a view of only what is happening in the present. Even the rest of the day, only minutes or hours away, is something we can't see.
All we can say we are certain about is what has happened and what is happening right now in our lives. Other than this, we can't make certain plans that we know are going to come to pass.
Yet, James is addressing people who wanted to go to a certain city, make money and after a year come home.
Do you make plans like this? Is this right or wrong?
How can you make plans about the future when you can't even rely on a weather forecast for tomorrow?
Is there someway we can make plans about the future in a way that honors Christ?
Read James 5:1-6 for next Sunday
Sunday, September 9, 2007
wrestling with the future
Monday - 9/10 - Read James 4:13-17
Most of us wrestle from time to time with some important decisions that will affect our future. For some of us this can be very nerve wracking and difficult.
Are you currently going through something like this?
James recognizes that planning and strategizing about the future can be done in a right way and a wrong way. How are you doing?
We used the analogy of a fence on Sunday. One side of the fence has a restricted view of life, the other doesn't.
God's view of the future is not restricted at all. His side of the fence sees the end from the beginning. We can trust Him and depend on Him for what we need to know.
Which side of the fence are you on?
Read James 5:1-6 for next Sunday
Most of us wrestle from time to time with some important decisions that will affect our future. For some of us this can be very nerve wracking and difficult.
Are you currently going through something like this?
James recognizes that planning and strategizing about the future can be done in a right way and a wrong way. How are you doing?
We used the analogy of a fence on Sunday. One side of the fence has a restricted view of life, the other doesn't.
God's view of the future is not restricted at all. His side of the fence sees the end from the beginning. We can trust Him and depend on Him for what we need to know.
Which side of the fence are you on?
Read James 5:1-6 for next Sunday
Thursday, September 6, 2007
Worship=forgiveness
Friday - 9/7 - Read Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Worship! Contemporary? Traditional? How about forgiveness?
When we forgive others we are saying, "God, I hold your forgiveness of me in such regard that I am willing to forgive others." This exalts God.
This brings glory to God.
Is God worthy of this kind of worship?
Are you willing to exalt Him this way?
Read James 4:13-17 for next Sunday
Worship! Contemporary? Traditional? How about forgiveness?
When we forgive others we are saying, "God, I hold your forgiveness of me in such regard that I am willing to forgive others." This exalts God.
This brings glory to God.
Is God worthy of this kind of worship?
Are you willing to exalt Him this way?
Read James 4:13-17 for next Sunday
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
It all boils down to love
Thursday - 9/6 - Read Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Isn't this amazing. It all boils down to love.
We can try to skirt around love as the motivating factor but eventually if we have Christ's love in our hearts and lives we will forgive others.
We can talk all day long about following Jesus and being His disciple, but eventually if we aren't willing to forgive others, even for big, hurtful and grievous sins, do we really have God's love in our lives?
And notice, this isn't about a feeling...it's about volition...a choice. We can't let this important decision to be ruled by our hearts that sometimes are all over the place.
This is a love that is ruled by the will...choices must be made.
Are you following up on your choice to write someone's name on a piece a paper on Sunday?
Have you made the call? Have you visited the person?
If personal contact is out of the question, have your released the debt this person owes you in your heart to God?
If Christ's love is in your heart it has to be demonstrated in a tangible way...forgiveness.
Read James 4:13-17 for next Sunday
Isn't this amazing. It all boils down to love.
We can try to skirt around love as the motivating factor but eventually if we have Christ's love in our hearts and lives we will forgive others.
We can talk all day long about following Jesus and being His disciple, but eventually if we aren't willing to forgive others, even for big, hurtful and grievous sins, do we really have God's love in our lives?
And notice, this isn't about a feeling...it's about volition...a choice. We can't let this important decision to be ruled by our hearts that sometimes are all over the place.
This is a love that is ruled by the will...choices must be made.
Are you following up on your choice to write someone's name on a piece a paper on Sunday?
Have you made the call? Have you visited the person?
If personal contact is out of the question, have your released the debt this person owes you in your heart to God?
If Christ's love is in your heart it has to be demonstrated in a tangible way...forgiveness.
Read James 4:13-17 for next Sunday
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
God forgave ALL your sin!
Wednesday - 9/5 - Ephesians 4:32-5:2
When we read Col. 2:13,14 on Sunday, and it stated that God "forgave ALL YOUR SIN," was that the first time you heard that? Even if it wasn't, how does that truth impact you?
It's easy for us to understand how God no longer condemns His children as we found out about in Rom. 8:1. He forgave us all our sins. He forgave us all our sins He no loner holds these sins against us.
Do you forgive others this way?
How could we without the knowledge that God forgave our eternal debt?
Knowing God forgave us is huge! Our debt to Him was so much bigger than any debt that anyone could owe us...so there is no room not to hold a grudge and withhold forgiveness.
Are you struggling in your desire to forgive someone? Look to the Cross!!!
Read James 4:13-17 for next Sunday
When we read Col. 2:13,14 on Sunday, and it stated that God "forgave ALL YOUR SIN," was that the first time you heard that? Even if it wasn't, how does that truth impact you?
It's easy for us to understand how God no longer condemns His children as we found out about in Rom. 8:1. He forgave us all our sins. He forgave us all our sins He no loner holds these sins against us.
Do you forgive others this way?
How could we without the knowledge that God forgave our eternal debt?
Knowing God forgave us is huge! Our debt to Him was so much bigger than any debt that anyone could owe us...so there is no room not to hold a grudge and withhold forgiveness.
Are you struggling in your desire to forgive someone? Look to the Cross!!!
Read James 4:13-17 for next Sunday
Monday, September 3, 2007
Struggling with forgiveness?
Tuesday - 9/4 - Ephesians 4:32-5:2
Maybe you're struggling with forgiving someone because you've forgotten the first step?
What is that according to the first part of Eph. 4:32?
How do you look upon those who have done your wrong? Do you exhibit kindness and compassion to them?
How did the Lord look upon you when you were wallowing in your own sin against Him?
Are compassion and kindness active strategies you employ in relationships with people who have hurt you severely in your heart?
As you partook of the Lord's Supper Sunday, did the compassion and kindness of the Lord impact your heart? Why not let Jesus' compassion and kindness make a difference in the lives of those who have hurt you and you need to forgive?
Read James 4:13-17 for next Sunday
Maybe you're struggling with forgiving someone because you've forgotten the first step?
What is that according to the first part of Eph. 4:32?
How do you look upon those who have done your wrong? Do you exhibit kindness and compassion to them?
How did the Lord look upon you when you were wallowing in your own sin against Him?
Are compassion and kindness active strategies you employ in relationships with people who have hurt you severely in your heart?
As you partook of the Lord's Supper Sunday, did the compassion and kindness of the Lord impact your heart? Why not let Jesus' compassion and kindness make a difference in the lives of those who have hurt you and you need to forgive?
Read James 4:13-17 for next Sunday
Sunday, September 2, 2007
Follow up
Monday - 9/3 - Read Ephesians 4:32-5:2
God's forgiveness is so complete and thorough. He looks upon His children as those whose sins have been washed away and their hearts have been made white like snow.
Yet, we know we sin daily. How often we just plain turn our backs on God and rebel against Him.
This sin we continue to struggle with after we've found Christ as our Savior has been washed away. God sees us as clean through the blood of Christ.
How do we react to others who hurt us and grieve us in our lives.
God wants us to offer forgiveness, even to those who are annoying, upsetting and just plain get under our skin.
On Sunday did you fill out one of the red sheets indicating, as an act of worship to God, that you were going to forgive and seek reconciliation with someone.
What are your plans to follow up on this?
Do you need to make a phone call?
Read James 4:13-17 for next Sunday
God's forgiveness is so complete and thorough. He looks upon His children as those whose sins have been washed away and their hearts have been made white like snow.
Yet, we know we sin daily. How often we just plain turn our backs on God and rebel against Him.
This sin we continue to struggle with after we've found Christ as our Savior has been washed away. God sees us as clean through the blood of Christ.
How do we react to others who hurt us and grieve us in our lives.
God wants us to offer forgiveness, even to those who are annoying, upsetting and just plain get under our skin.
On Sunday did you fill out one of the red sheets indicating, as an act of worship to God, that you were going to forgive and seek reconciliation with someone.
What are your plans to follow up on this?
Do you need to make a phone call?
Read James 4:13-17 for next Sunday
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