This week we will finish James, read an ENTIRE BOOK in one day, and begin our study of Hebrews. Your assignments for the week are: Monday - James 5, Tuesday - Philemon, Wednesday - Hebrews 1, Thursday - Hebrews 2, and Friday - Hebrews 3.
Chapter 5 of James' letter begins with a scathing indictment of the rich. Many of us may read that thinking, "Yeah James! You tell those rich people!" Friends, let me let you in on a little secret. If you are logging on to read these words, there is a better than average chance you are rich in the eyes of the rest of the world. If you have Internet and computer access and leisure time that allows you to sit and read (oh yes, and if you can read!), you are likely in the top 10 or 15% of the wealthiest people in the world. I can hear the whining now, and if you don't want to believe that it's ok with me. But did you know almost 65% of the worlds people are illiterate? 50% are malnourished? 75%+ live in substandard housing? 33% do not have access to safe water?
I am thinking of having all of my shirts silk screened with the words "FREE PRAYER _ JUST ASK". I have found that if I am at all willing I come across people every day that desire prayer! We have great power and authority as James points out, "Are any among you suffering? They should pray. Are any cheerful? They should sing songs of praise. Are any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them, anointing them with oil in the name of the Lord. The prayer of faith will save the sick, and the Lord will raise them up; and anyone who has committed sins will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to one another, and pray for one another, so that you may be healed. The prayer of the righteous is powerful and effective." James 5:13-16.
We are wealthy and blessed and powerful in the things of God! How will you carry that Good News today?
Monday, August 11, 2008
Friday, August 8, 2008
James 4
James lets fly with another hard word that hits the bulls eye.
It is not pleasant to think of our behavior as adulterous, but when we look to anything or anyone other than God for our provision in ANY area we are whoring after other gods. James nails us when he writes, "Adulterers! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you suppose that it is for nothing that the scripture says, "God yearns jealously for the spirit that he has made to dwell in us"?" James 4:4&5 NRSV.
I do not like to think of my sin as infidelity to my covenant relationship with God, and yet that is precisely what it is, adultery. I prefer to dress it up and call it something other than sin, and for the most part, church folks will help me and cover for me. I think they may hope I will return the favor when it is their turn.
James sees the solution as simply as he does the problem, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." James 4:8-10 NRSV. I must repent and turn back again to God for healing and restoration. Why do I often think God won't mind or notice my infidelity? Would I notice broken marriage vows? Would I excuse the broken covenant and look the other way and pretend all was well? Lord, forgive me and restore me in our covenant.
James 4 ends with a clear definition of sins of Omission. "Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin." James 4:17 NRSV. I heard a young man try to define the difference between sins of CO-mission and O-mission once. He said the sins of CO-mission are the things we have done wrong, and the sins of O-mission are the sins we haven't gotten to yet. Cute, but wrong. When I know to do the right thing and fail to do it, I have sinned. Lord, give me wisdom and courage to stand for you.
It is not pleasant to think of our behavior as adulterous, but when we look to anything or anyone other than God for our provision in ANY area we are whoring after other gods. James nails us when he writes, "Adulterers! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. Or do you suppose that it is for nothing that the scripture says, "God yearns jealously for the spirit that he has made to dwell in us"?" James 4:4&5 NRSV.
I do not like to think of my sin as infidelity to my covenant relationship with God, and yet that is precisely what it is, adultery. I prefer to dress it up and call it something other than sin, and for the most part, church folks will help me and cover for me. I think they may hope I will return the favor when it is their turn.
James sees the solution as simply as he does the problem, "Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Lament and mourn and weep. Let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy into dejection. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you." James 4:8-10 NRSV. I must repent and turn back again to God for healing and restoration. Why do I often think God won't mind or notice my infidelity? Would I notice broken marriage vows? Would I excuse the broken covenant and look the other way and pretend all was well? Lord, forgive me and restore me in our covenant.
James 4 ends with a clear definition of sins of Omission. "Anyone, then, who knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, commits sin." James 4:17 NRSV. I heard a young man try to define the difference between sins of CO-mission and O-mission once. He said the sins of CO-mission are the things we have done wrong, and the sins of O-mission are the sins we haven't gotten to yet. Cute, but wrong. When I know to do the right thing and fail to do it, I have sinned. Lord, give me wisdom and courage to stand for you.
Thursday, August 7, 2008
James 3
James writes some very insightful and important words here about the tongue. I have struggled my whole life with the burden of having a fast mouth. Often, before I fully considered the impact of my words and all of the ramifications of what i would say I let the words fly. Often, they cause much harm and great time and energy is spent repairing and asking forgiveness. James says of the tongue, "The tongue is placed among our members as a world of iniquity; it stains the whole body, sets on fire the cycle of nature, and is itself set on fire by hell. For every species of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by the human species, but no one can tame the tongue--a restless evil, full of deadly poison." James 3:6b-8 NRSV.
Do you have your tongue under control? James says that such a person is prefect in all they do. Lord, help me to do no harm with my speech. Put a guard over my mouth and let my words be encouraging and a blessing to others.
James encourages us to take a more excellent way, the wisdom form God! "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace." James 3:17&18 NRSV. What is your speech and your life noted for friend? Are you known for mercy and good fruits, for being wise and pure and peaceable, or are you known as a mouth murderer with a cutting biting tongue. Submit your words along with me to the Lord today, let God guide and sweeten our words!
Do you have your tongue under control? James says that such a person is prefect in all they do. Lord, help me to do no harm with my speech. Put a guard over my mouth and let my words be encouraging and a blessing to others.
James encourages us to take a more excellent way, the wisdom form God! "But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without a trace of partiality or hypocrisy. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace for those who make peace." James 3:17&18 NRSV. What is your speech and your life noted for friend? Are you known for mercy and good fruits, for being wise and pure and peaceable, or are you known as a mouth murderer with a cutting biting tongue. Submit your words along with me to the Lord today, let God guide and sweeten our words!
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
James 2
James speaks out against showing partiality to the wealthy within the church. The Old Testament is full of admonitions to not only show no partiality to the rich, but also to show no partiality to the poor! Fairness and dealing with people from a point of grace is the hall mark of true Judeo -- Christian culture, at least ideally.
Next, James reminds us that their is no hierarchy in the law, but when we offend any of the laws we offend them all, "For the one who said, "You shall not commit adultery," also said, "You shall not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery but if you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law." James 2:11 NRSV.
The next portion of James is an excellent counter balance to the grace material we have just covered in Paul's writings! Paul has been speaking very convincingly to us for weeks that our salvation is all about grace and not the works of the law. James speaks up today with a counter balance that says, "So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith." James 2:17&18 NRSV.
In our journey of faith, faith and works must go hand in glove. It is not an either or situation, but both and! Works in the context of James letter, are the fruit that grows from the seed of grace planted within us! I believe every christian has a spirit given gifting that is useful in ministry. What is yours? Are you using it in ministry for the Kingdom of God? What would the local church look like if EVERY member of the fellowship was involved in some on going ministry?
Next, James reminds us that their is no hierarchy in the law, but when we offend any of the laws we offend them all, "For the one who said, "You shall not commit adultery," also said, "You shall not murder." Now if you do not commit adultery but if you murder, you have become a transgressor of the law." James 2:11 NRSV.
The next portion of James is an excellent counter balance to the grace material we have just covered in Paul's writings! Paul has been speaking very convincingly to us for weeks that our salvation is all about grace and not the works of the law. James speaks up today with a counter balance that says, "So faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead. But someone will say, "You have faith and I have works." Show me your faith apart from your works, and I by my works will show you my faith." James 2:17&18 NRSV.
In our journey of faith, faith and works must go hand in glove. It is not an either or situation, but both and! Works in the context of James letter, are the fruit that grows from the seed of grace planted within us! I believe every christian has a spirit given gifting that is useful in ministry. What is yours? Are you using it in ministry for the Kingdom of God? What would the local church look like if EVERY member of the fellowship was involved in some on going ministry?
Tuesday, August 5, 2008
James 1
The opening verses of James sound a lot like a combination of Romans 5 and other words from Paul. James calls upon the believer to be focused and steadfast in suffering so that we may be found to be mature and complete. It implies that maturity and completeness do not come any other way!
James cautions the double minded that they will be unstable in all their ways and will accomplish nothing! This hits home right now as I have felt conflicted and "double minded" in some areas. I need to focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith and lean only on his Word!
I have heard friends who are veterans of the 12 step programs claim James as their own. They say that his blunt honesty and his call to us to take responsibility for our own decisions would fit right in the best AA meetings of today. When James says, "No one, when tempted, should say, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death." James 1:13-15 NRSV, he is giving all of us a dose of tough love!
James turns early to a call to a social gospel - or at least a balanced life that includes social responsibility! Read the following passage again, "But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act--they will be blessed in their doing." James 1:22-25 NRSV. This is good writing probably resulting from good preaching!
This chapter of James closes with a call to bridal the tongue and to care for widows and orphans in their distress. I need help with bridling my tongue, and I rejoice in opportunities to help the need. Lord, help me to grow up!
James cautions the double minded that they will be unstable in all their ways and will accomplish nothing! This hits home right now as I have felt conflicted and "double minded" in some areas. I need to focus on Jesus, the author and finisher of my faith and lean only on his Word!
I have heard friends who are veterans of the 12 step programs claim James as their own. They say that his blunt honesty and his call to us to take responsibility for our own decisions would fit right in the best AA meetings of today. When James says, "No one, when tempted, should say, "I am being tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil and he himself tempts no one. But one is tempted by one's own desire, being lured and enticed by it; then, when that desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and that sin, when it is fully grown, gives birth to death." James 1:13-15 NRSV, he is giving all of us a dose of tough love!
James turns early to a call to a social gospel - or at least a balanced life that includes social responsibility! Read the following passage again, "But be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the word and not doers, they are like those who look at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget what they were like. But those who look into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act--they will be blessed in their doing." James 1:22-25 NRSV. This is good writing probably resulting from good preaching!
This chapter of James closes with a call to bridal the tongue and to care for widows and orphans in their distress. I need help with bridling my tongue, and I rejoice in opportunities to help the need. Lord, help me to grow up!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Galatians 6
This week we will finish Galatians and turn to the Book of James. This weeks reading assignments are: Monday -- Galatians 6, Tuesday -- James 1, Wednesday -- James 2, Thursday -- James 3, and Friday -- James 4.
Paul closes this contentious letter by encouraging those who have the Spirit to help those who have been detected in a transgression.
One of my favorite verses in Galatians, and most quoted sermon topics follows, "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit." Galatians 6:7&8 NRSV. I have preached on this concept many times and I remind myself of the impact my decisions have long term often. It frequently keeps me from sin, as I know God is not mocked and I may well reap what I sow. It also reminds me of my dependence on Grace - a common theme I suppose.
I wonder what Paul meant when he said, "From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body." Galatians 6:17 NRSV. Could it be the frequent beatings and suffering that had taken their toll on him, or was it a "stigmata" - a mysterious unexplainable mark on the body similar to the marks of Chris's crucifixion? Whichever of these is the case, it seems obvious that Paul is tired and warn.
How is your Spirit holding up? As summer streaks by I encourage you to take time to play and enjoy the days we have. May God bless you on the journey my friends!
Paul closes this contentious letter by encouraging those who have the Spirit to help those who have been detected in a transgression.
One of my favorite verses in Galatians, and most quoted sermon topics follows, "Do not be deceived; God is not mocked, for you reap whatever you sow. If you sow to your own flesh, you will reap corruption from the flesh; but if you sow to the Spirit, you will reap eternal life from the Spirit." Galatians 6:7&8 NRSV. I have preached on this concept many times and I remind myself of the impact my decisions have long term often. It frequently keeps me from sin, as I know God is not mocked and I may well reap what I sow. It also reminds me of my dependence on Grace - a common theme I suppose.
I wonder what Paul meant when he said, "From now on, let no one make trouble for me; for I carry the marks of Jesus branded on my body." Galatians 6:17 NRSV. Could it be the frequent beatings and suffering that had taken their toll on him, or was it a "stigmata" - a mysterious unexplainable mark on the body similar to the marks of Chris's crucifixion? Whichever of these is the case, it seems obvious that Paul is tired and warn.
How is your Spirit holding up? As summer streaks by I encourage you to take time to play and enjoy the days we have. May God bless you on the journey my friends!
Friday, August 1, 2008
Galatians 5
In chapter 5 we can see Paul's outrage with the Judaisers that are leading the Christians in Galatia astray. He is furious with them and actually wishes them harm in vs. 12!
Paul speaks of the freedom we are called to, and I wonder friends if I have ever been truly free. This may make you nervous, and I apologize in advance for the offense, but have you ever been really free? Paul writes, "For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another." Galatians 5:13-15 NRSV. So the key here for Paul is freedom guided by Love.
Next Paul describes the lives led by either the flesh or the Spirit. Read them again carefully, which fruit are you surrounded by in your life? "Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things." Galatians 5:19-23 NRSV.
Let's decide to live in freedom in the Spirit. What a beautiful life this could be friends. Live free in love.
Paul speaks of the freedom we are called to, and I wonder friends if I have ever been truly free. This may make you nervous, and I apologize in advance for the offense, but have you ever been really free? Paul writes, "For you were called to freedom, brothers and sisters; only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for self-indulgence, but through love become slaves to one another. For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, "You shall love your neighbor as yourself." If, however, you bite and devour one another, take care that you are not consumed by one another." Galatians 5:13-15 NRSV. So the key here for Paul is freedom guided by Love.
Next Paul describes the lives led by either the flesh or the Spirit. Read them again carefully, which fruit are you surrounded by in your life? "Now the works of the flesh are obvious: fornication, impurity, licentiousness, idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, anger, quarrels, dissensions, factions, envy, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these. I am warning you, as I warned you before: those who do such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. By contrast, the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against such things." Galatians 5:19-23 NRSV.
Let's decide to live in freedom in the Spirit. What a beautiful life this could be friends. Live free in love.
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