DEVOTION
JAMES
ALL THE SAME
James 2:8-11
8 If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. 9 But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. 10 For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. 11 For he who said, "Do not commit adultery," also said, "Do not murder." If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker.
NIV
To love my neighbor as myself certainly requires self love to begin with. I must feel completely comfortable with who I am first. I cannot have bad feelings about myself for if I did how I would ever be able to love another. Maybe this favoritism toward me could be the sin talked about here. But then I am sure it also includes showing favoritism regarding other people. If I treat one person better than I treat another it is sin. If I love one person more then another it is sin. But wait, what about my family? Should I not love my wife more than anyone else? What about my daughters and granddaughters? Does this mean I should not show them more love than some stranger I come in contact with? Maybe I should ask who my neighbor is, but I already know it does in fact mean my fellow man. Maybe I should ask what kind of love this is. This is the agape love or love in a social or moral sense. That is different than the family love, so perhaps I can have a greater affection for my family and be alright. This is hard to comprehend. I am not sure I could ever accomplish this. Not loving everyone exactly same, as I love myself means I am guilty of all the law and deserve the penalty of death. Is that the point of these words? God must know it is impossible for any man to fulfill the whole law, in fact he does. That is why Jesus came. He came to fulfill the whole law so in him I too may do so. But I still must not ignore the law of God. I still must make every effort to love everyone equal. I still must not show one a greater affection than another. I must not treat anyone worse than I treat myself. This is not an easy task. I have much work to do yet within my being. There are some people who just rub me the wrong way. How do I love them? I get irritated with how some people behave, yet I have to love them. Wow! I need to allow the Holy Spirit to do more within me.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
One or the Other
DEVOTION
JAMES
ONE OR THE OTHER
James 2:5-7
5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
NIV
Do those who have so much of the world’s wealth not believe? Maybe that is true after all. If I compare myself to the wealth of this world, I certainly would have to say I am poor. But I am rich in comparison to so many of those in what is called the third world countries. Yet right here in America I have very little wealth compared to so many. I do think I am exploited by those rich politicians. I do think I really have to control of how I am taxed and burdened with whatever they desire to do for their own purpose. I do think they are the ones who are trying to remove God from the public arena. So in a sense this truth has some bearing on my life. Yet I am so blessed because of my faith in Jesus Christ. I know I would be absolutely lost and without and hope at all if I had not been saved. I can only imagine how magnificent the Kingdom of God is. Although I have a great picture described to me as to what it is like, it still must be far greater in person. Sometimes I wonder why God has been so good to me. Why did I even find him? I am so glad he did get through to me. I do not care for all the wealth of the world when I have the Kingdom. This world is going to be destroyed and all the wealth in it. The only lasting riches are the Kingdom of God. In fact I am already rich because of my salvation, and the great life God has blessed me with. I have a wonderful wife, great daughters and granddaughters; I have been reunited with my sister and have good friends. He has bestowed material blessings on me I am not worthy of. He has gifted me with talent and skills beyond my comprehension and my own abilities. I could never give any of this up for the wealth of this world. I believe I could not serve both for I cannot serve God and money.
JAMES
ONE OR THE OTHER
James 2:5-7
5 Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him? 6 But you have insulted the poor. Is it not the rich who are exploiting you? Are they not the ones who are dragging you into court? 7 Are they not the ones who are slandering the noble name of him to whom you belong?
NIV
Do those who have so much of the world’s wealth not believe? Maybe that is true after all. If I compare myself to the wealth of this world, I certainly would have to say I am poor. But I am rich in comparison to so many of those in what is called the third world countries. Yet right here in America I have very little wealth compared to so many. I do think I am exploited by those rich politicians. I do think I really have to control of how I am taxed and burdened with whatever they desire to do for their own purpose. I do think they are the ones who are trying to remove God from the public arena. So in a sense this truth has some bearing on my life. Yet I am so blessed because of my faith in Jesus Christ. I know I would be absolutely lost and without and hope at all if I had not been saved. I can only imagine how magnificent the Kingdom of God is. Although I have a great picture described to me as to what it is like, it still must be far greater in person. Sometimes I wonder why God has been so good to me. Why did I even find him? I am so glad he did get through to me. I do not care for all the wealth of the world when I have the Kingdom. This world is going to be destroyed and all the wealth in it. The only lasting riches are the Kingdom of God. In fact I am already rich because of my salvation, and the great life God has blessed me with. I have a wonderful wife, great daughters and granddaughters; I have been reunited with my sister and have good friends. He has bestowed material blessings on me I am not worthy of. He has gifted me with talent and skills beyond my comprehension and my own abilities. I could never give any of this up for the wealth of this world. I believe I could not serve both for I cannot serve God and money.
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Same
DEVOTION
JAMES
SAME
James 2:1-4
2:1 My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
NIV
Have I become a victim to this kind of thinking? Am I guilty of this kind of thinking? Maybe it is both. No, I really do not think I show favoritism at all except maybe to animals. I do have more compassion for them then I do people. Is that wrong? I don’t know. But I must deal with this idea thinking more of one person then another based on their outward appearance. Do I form an opinion about an individual based on how he presents himself? Maybe to a certain extent I might be guilty of this. But I do not think it has to do with his wealth or lack of it. I think the opinions I form are based on the person himself. How does he act, speak, and treat others are factors which influence my view of him. That may not even be right, and I suppose I need to examine myself more and think the same about all others, showing them the love of Christ no matter how or who they are. That is difficult. There are some individuals I have a difficult time with, and not those who would appear to be poorer then I, but rather those who are of equal or greater financial ability then me. Maybe it is because they threat me as that sit on the floor person. Maybe it is because they act as if they are better, richer, and thus greater than me. It is a sad commentary on all of us, but I must focus on me. I know I do not go out of my way to be involved with those who would be considered having far less then I do. Although I have in the past when I was offering opportunities to be self employed to anyone who wanted, using Amway as a method. But now I am not going to them, and in reality I do not see anyone who would fit that description coming in connect with me anywhere either. I really do think I am more a victim of this type of discrimination then an offender of it. Yet it is all relative. No matter how I am treated I need to make sure I treat each person the same. I need to be that salt, the light and the mirror reflecting the truth, hope, and love of Christ to all.
JAMES
SAME
James 2:1-4
2:1 My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. 2 Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. 3 If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, "Here's a good seat for you," but say to the poor man, "You stand there" or "Sit on the floor by my feet," 4 have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
NIV
Have I become a victim to this kind of thinking? Am I guilty of this kind of thinking? Maybe it is both. No, I really do not think I show favoritism at all except maybe to animals. I do have more compassion for them then I do people. Is that wrong? I don’t know. But I must deal with this idea thinking more of one person then another based on their outward appearance. Do I form an opinion about an individual based on how he presents himself? Maybe to a certain extent I might be guilty of this. But I do not think it has to do with his wealth or lack of it. I think the opinions I form are based on the person himself. How does he act, speak, and treat others are factors which influence my view of him. That may not even be right, and I suppose I need to examine myself more and think the same about all others, showing them the love of Christ no matter how or who they are. That is difficult. There are some individuals I have a difficult time with, and not those who would appear to be poorer then I, but rather those who are of equal or greater financial ability then me. Maybe it is because they threat me as that sit on the floor person. Maybe it is because they act as if they are better, richer, and thus greater than me. It is a sad commentary on all of us, but I must focus on me. I know I do not go out of my way to be involved with those who would be considered having far less then I do. Although I have in the past when I was offering opportunities to be self employed to anyone who wanted, using Amway as a method. But now I am not going to them, and in reality I do not see anyone who would fit that description coming in connect with me anywhere either. I really do think I am more a victim of this type of discrimination then an offender of it. Yet it is all relative. No matter how I am treated I need to make sure I treat each person the same. I need to be that salt, the light and the mirror reflecting the truth, hope, and love of Christ to all.
Friday, February 25, 2011
Worth
DEVOTION
JAMES
WORTH
James 1:26
26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
NIV
Is this all about gossip? Or maybe just spreading false rumors or could it be about false teaching? I think that might well be the case here. Sure I should not gossip, and sure I should not spread false rumors or even speak course language or off color jokes, and those kinds of things. But I am inclined here to consider this as a warning about false teaching because it speaks if I consider myself to be a religious person then I should keep a tight rein on what I teach. I must always be very sure to teach what is only in the inspired word of God and the truth of that content. I cannot interpret the word for my own use, or to manipulate others for my purpose. Sometimes I think the choice of topic some pastors pick during a certain upcoming event such as a fund raiser, or special guest are exactly that. It is an attempt to remind or manipulate the congregation in a certain way of thinking and acting for that special purpose. I cannot allow that to be a part of my ministry. I cannot allow my tongue to speak or to write false theology. Doctrine has no part of my messages, only teaching and writing about God is my concern. I don’t give a hoot about what church believes what, or does not believe. I must be true and true alone to the word of God. It has all the truth, not the church. Sure I cannot teach against the doctrine of the church I am attending for that would not be keeping a tight rein on my tongue either. But I don’t teach that doctrine either, I teach the word, only the word, and the pure word, without regard to doctrine. That is what I believe this warns me about. Doctrine and false teachings only serve to cause dissension and divide people. The word of truth causes love and brings people into fellowship with one another. I trust the Holy Spirit will continue to speak the truth into my being, and my religion, my belief has worth.
JAMES
WORTH
James 1:26
26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
NIV
Is this all about gossip? Or maybe just spreading false rumors or could it be about false teaching? I think that might well be the case here. Sure I should not gossip, and sure I should not spread false rumors or even speak course language or off color jokes, and those kinds of things. But I am inclined here to consider this as a warning about false teaching because it speaks if I consider myself to be a religious person then I should keep a tight rein on what I teach. I must always be very sure to teach what is only in the inspired word of God and the truth of that content. I cannot interpret the word for my own use, or to manipulate others for my purpose. Sometimes I think the choice of topic some pastors pick during a certain upcoming event such as a fund raiser, or special guest are exactly that. It is an attempt to remind or manipulate the congregation in a certain way of thinking and acting for that special purpose. I cannot allow that to be a part of my ministry. I cannot allow my tongue to speak or to write false theology. Doctrine has no part of my messages, only teaching and writing about God is my concern. I don’t give a hoot about what church believes what, or does not believe. I must be true and true alone to the word of God. It has all the truth, not the church. Sure I cannot teach against the doctrine of the church I am attending for that would not be keeping a tight rein on my tongue either. But I don’t teach that doctrine either, I teach the word, only the word, and the pure word, without regard to doctrine. That is what I believe this warns me about. Doctrine and false teachings only serve to cause dissension and divide people. The word of truth causes love and brings people into fellowship with one another. I trust the Holy Spirit will continue to speak the truth into my being, and my religion, my belief has worth.
Thursday, February 24, 2011
Doer
DEVOTION
JAMES
DOER
James 1:22-25
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does.
NIV
I find it hard to comprehend how I could do anything else but be a doing of the word. But how do I judge if in fact I am a doing and now just a listener? If I remember all that I have read and have hidden it in my heart, does that count as a doing? I surely do not forget about the word, but does that imply I am actually doing what it says? I think not so. I think that would be deceiving myself thinking that because I know the word I am doing what it says. I think if I talk the walk but do not walk the talk I am so far from being who I am suppose to be. So again, how do I judge if I am doing everything I have listened to? Am I being the man of God the word declares I should be? There is so much to do, the more I listen. What if I just listened to a little, would I still be responsible for the lot? But the fact is I have listened to a lot, I teach, and preach the word and do these daily devotions, and write books, and profess my faith out loud. So I have to be a big doer, because I have so much of the word within my being. Will God hold me to any higher standard than those who have only listened to a little? I think that is the case as the word does declare so. Even within this letter of James which I know I will have to deal with at the time I get to chapter three. I do not think there is anything I desire more than to be blessed in what I do. To have the Lord bless my teaching, my preaching, my writing, so that others may be strengthened, encouraged and exhorted in their journey with the Lord. I have to allow the Holy Spirit more access to my inner being so I am walk the talk more and more each day.
JAMES
DOER
James 1:22-25
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like a man who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But the man who looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues to do this, not forgetting what he has heard, but doing it — he will be blessed in what he does.
NIV
I find it hard to comprehend how I could do anything else but be a doing of the word. But how do I judge if in fact I am a doing and now just a listener? If I remember all that I have read and have hidden it in my heart, does that count as a doing? I surely do not forget about the word, but does that imply I am actually doing what it says? I think not so. I think that would be deceiving myself thinking that because I know the word I am doing what it says. I think if I talk the walk but do not walk the talk I am so far from being who I am suppose to be. So again, how do I judge if I am doing everything I have listened to? Am I being the man of God the word declares I should be? There is so much to do, the more I listen. What if I just listened to a little, would I still be responsible for the lot? But the fact is I have listened to a lot, I teach, and preach the word and do these daily devotions, and write books, and profess my faith out loud. So I have to be a big doer, because I have so much of the word within my being. Will God hold me to any higher standard than those who have only listened to a little? I think that is the case as the word does declare so. Even within this letter of James which I know I will have to deal with at the time I get to chapter three. I do not think there is anything I desire more than to be blessed in what I do. To have the Lord bless my teaching, my preaching, my writing, so that others may be strengthened, encouraged and exhorted in their journey with the Lord. I have to allow the Holy Spirit more access to my inner being so I am walk the talk more and more each day.
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Not Sure
DEVOTION
JAMES
NOT SURE
James 1:19-21
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
NIV
I surely do not think I am very quick to speak; in fact I am so slow people get tired of listening to me. But I do not think it is that kind of slow I am being encouraged to be here. I know I am not as good a listener as I should be, but on the other hand, I also am not very fast to offer any words. I am not sure why that is. Is it because I have been put down too many times or maybe it is because I feel insecure. I know my listening skills need work. Why do not I listen like I should? Am I not interested in what others have to say? Is that because I am so self-centered? I do not think so, but I know I always say I desire a two way conversation. I actually do desire to listen but also to be listened to. Maybe I have stopped both listening and speaking because I just am not in that situation much. I do have a couple of friends that I listen to, they listen to me. But again I think maybe this has more to do with insisting on my way so much and getting so upset because people will not hear what I have to say. If I become so self-centered I must be the center of attention in a group I am in trouble. I know people like that. No, I think I am, if anything a little stand offish, keeping to myself, not getting involved at all. That is not so good either. I neither listen nor speak, at least in many cases. I know when I do speak I get so passionate I get preachy and that is not good either because no one wants to listen. Am I ever wandering all over this idea? I know anger is all about self-centeredness I think I need some work still to be done by the Holy Spirit in that area. I have to ponder on this whole concept more. I need more time for god to give me more insight into my own being, who I am, what I do and should do and not do and such not do, but I do know I need to listen better, and talk less.
JAMES
NOT SURE
James 1:19-21
19 My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
NIV
I surely do not think I am very quick to speak; in fact I am so slow people get tired of listening to me. But I do not think it is that kind of slow I am being encouraged to be here. I know I am not as good a listener as I should be, but on the other hand, I also am not very fast to offer any words. I am not sure why that is. Is it because I have been put down too many times or maybe it is because I feel insecure. I know my listening skills need work. Why do not I listen like I should? Am I not interested in what others have to say? Is that because I am so self-centered? I do not think so, but I know I always say I desire a two way conversation. I actually do desire to listen but also to be listened to. Maybe I have stopped both listening and speaking because I just am not in that situation much. I do have a couple of friends that I listen to, they listen to me. But again I think maybe this has more to do with insisting on my way so much and getting so upset because people will not hear what I have to say. If I become so self-centered I must be the center of attention in a group I am in trouble. I know people like that. No, I think I am, if anything a little stand offish, keeping to myself, not getting involved at all. That is not so good either. I neither listen nor speak, at least in many cases. I know when I do speak I get so passionate I get preachy and that is not good either because no one wants to listen. Am I ever wandering all over this idea? I know anger is all about self-centeredness I think I need some work still to be done by the Holy Spirit in that area. I have to ponder on this whole concept more. I need more time for god to give me more insight into my own being, who I am, what I do and should do and not do and such not do, but I do know I need to listen better, and talk less.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Eternally Grateful
DEVOTION
JAMES
ETERNALLY GRATEFUL
James 1:16-18
16 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
NIV
It would seem the world has a certain temptation of what would seem to be good things. I know it is easy to be distracted by my eyes, seeing something I think would be good for me, but I would be deceived if I actually thought it would be good for me and pursue it with all my efforts. For nothing in this world is good for me unless God provides it for me and the greatest thing he has provided is the word of truth. This word of truth is the way God decided to allow me to be born again, a new birth as a child of God. As such I know not to be deceived by all the fluff and puff of the world. I know it is all just stuff which can become way too important if I allow it to. Oh such I try to take care of my stuff, especially the stuff God has provided for me. I don’t want to be ungrateful and take advantage by allowing those things to simply fall apart. But then maybe He does not care and will simply provide me newer stuff. He always has in the past, but I also have always tried to take care of that which he has given me. I especially have tried to take care of the word of truth. I have tried to keep it in good shape within my being, allowing it to do what it is intended to do. Although I surely appreciate all the creature comfort my God has supplied for me, I am most thankful for the word of truth. Without it I would simply be without any hope of eternal life at the conclusion of this physical one. What value would this one be if there was not one after it? Just to be born, strive for all I can get, die and leave it all behind seems to be a real waste of time. But I am not deceived because God saw fit to make sure I was inspirited by his Holy Spirit to look into and see his word of truth. For this I am and will be eternally grateful.
JAMES
ETERNALLY GRATEFUL
James 1:16-18
16 Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.
NIV
It would seem the world has a certain temptation of what would seem to be good things. I know it is easy to be distracted by my eyes, seeing something I think would be good for me, but I would be deceived if I actually thought it would be good for me and pursue it with all my efforts. For nothing in this world is good for me unless God provides it for me and the greatest thing he has provided is the word of truth. This word of truth is the way God decided to allow me to be born again, a new birth as a child of God. As such I know not to be deceived by all the fluff and puff of the world. I know it is all just stuff which can become way too important if I allow it to. Oh such I try to take care of my stuff, especially the stuff God has provided for me. I don’t want to be ungrateful and take advantage by allowing those things to simply fall apart. But then maybe He does not care and will simply provide me newer stuff. He always has in the past, but I also have always tried to take care of that which he has given me. I especially have tried to take care of the word of truth. I have tried to keep it in good shape within my being, allowing it to do what it is intended to do. Although I surely appreciate all the creature comfort my God has supplied for me, I am most thankful for the word of truth. Without it I would simply be without any hope of eternal life at the conclusion of this physical one. What value would this one be if there was not one after it? Just to be born, strive for all I can get, die and leave it all behind seems to be a real waste of time. But I am not deceived because God saw fit to make sure I was inspirited by his Holy Spirit to look into and see his word of truth. For this I am and will be eternally grateful.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Tempted
DEVOTION
JAMES
TEMPTED
James 1:13-15
13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
NIV
Well there it is right smack in my face. I have never ever thought God would tempt me to do evil or that God himself could ever be tempted to do evil. I can’t even understand why God would want me to know that, I would think it is a given. Yet I suppose some people might say God tests. But testing is for good, tempting is for evil. I have also said, and as sure as I am who I am, I do not need the devil to tempt me to do evil, I can handle that all by myself. That is exactly what God tells me here. When I am tempted to do something I such not, it is not the devil who it tempting me but my own evil desires which drag me away from being right. It is those things, the old nature within which tries to entice me. My selfish own being. Those self serving thoughts which tempt me to behave in a manner I should not. When I get upset or angry about how I am treated, it is my own self which has tempted me toward those emotions. If I were being Christ-like I would not give in to those feelings. Those temptations are from within my own being, and I cannot allow them to conceive and give birth to them, that would be sin. I cannot hide from the temptations or ignore them either. I cannot pretend they do not exist. That applies to those external temptations as well. The only reason they are temptations is because I desire them, my own self is the one desiring them. If I did not desire anything material then they would not be temptations. But knowing that it is me who causes them to be temptations, I also have the will to resist them, to not give in to not allow them to be conceived within me and thus be given birth to either. As long as they simply remain temptations it is not a problem. The problem is when I allow them birth and then allow the new birth of sin to continue to grow up and become a regular part of my life, I am done for. But that will not happen, I will continue to fail, to fall short of the mark, but I seek forgiveness and commit myself to further resistance against such behavior. I will not allow those things to live. Tempted yes, but not dragged away.
JAMES
TEMPTED
James 1:13-15
13 When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
NIV
Well there it is right smack in my face. I have never ever thought God would tempt me to do evil or that God himself could ever be tempted to do evil. I can’t even understand why God would want me to know that, I would think it is a given. Yet I suppose some people might say God tests. But testing is for good, tempting is for evil. I have also said, and as sure as I am who I am, I do not need the devil to tempt me to do evil, I can handle that all by myself. That is exactly what God tells me here. When I am tempted to do something I such not, it is not the devil who it tempting me but my own evil desires which drag me away from being right. It is those things, the old nature within which tries to entice me. My selfish own being. Those self serving thoughts which tempt me to behave in a manner I should not. When I get upset or angry about how I am treated, it is my own self which has tempted me toward those emotions. If I were being Christ-like I would not give in to those feelings. Those temptations are from within my own being, and I cannot allow them to conceive and give birth to them, that would be sin. I cannot hide from the temptations or ignore them either. I cannot pretend they do not exist. That applies to those external temptations as well. The only reason they are temptations is because I desire them, my own self is the one desiring them. If I did not desire anything material then they would not be temptations. But knowing that it is me who causes them to be temptations, I also have the will to resist them, to not give in to not allow them to be conceived within me and thus be given birth to either. As long as they simply remain temptations it is not a problem. The problem is when I allow them birth and then allow the new birth of sin to continue to grow up and become a regular part of my life, I am done for. But that will not happen, I will continue to fail, to fall short of the mark, but I seek forgiveness and commit myself to further resistance against such behavior. I will not allow those things to live. Tempted yes, but not dragged away.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Proved
DEVOTION
JAMES
HAVE OR HAVE
James 1:9-11
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
NIV
Ok so this is the whole of the idea I started yesterday but did not get all of it. It certainly is a warning to not be so concerned with the accumulation of worldly wealth. There is so many other scriptures about not being about to serve two masters, God and money. I know there are so many of my fellow believers who are so cheap, storing up as much as they can to for retirement and because I speak out about this I think I am looked down at or at least looked at as a fool because I trust God for my daily needs. Sometimes I wonder if I am wrong, if I have it all wrong about this wealth thing, but then I read verses like this and am reaffirmed in my beliefs. I know worldly wealth offers the opportunity of great creature comforts, and being able to have whatever my heart desires, but I have to believe life is more than that. I have so much now, sure not a lot of money, nothing stored up, but I have a lot of creature comforts that God has provided for me. I cannot conceive of being so focused on wealth I forget about what God says about it. This stuff, this worldly stuff will all pass away, when I die, I die, and I cannot take one bit of it with me. The Pharaohs’ tried that and lost, the emperors of china tried it too and they also lost. I am not going to lose. I am not going to be so bent on getting and saving as much as I can in order to simply have it. No, I want more of God. I want whatever God desires for me, whatever that is I am more than content with. I see all the stuff, especially those fancy high powered cars and wonder how what it would be like to have enough to get one. Is that lust? There are all forms of temptations regarding worldly things, but that is all there are, temptations and that is not sin, unless I start going about a way to obtain those temptations, yearning for them, doing things to get them and the like. I know I deal with temptations but I will not allow them to rule over me. I will remained focused on God and believe he will provide all my needs according to his riches in glory.
JAMES
HAVE OR HAVE
James 1:9-11
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. 10 But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. 11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business.
NIV
Ok so this is the whole of the idea I started yesterday but did not get all of it. It certainly is a warning to not be so concerned with the accumulation of worldly wealth. There is so many other scriptures about not being about to serve two masters, God and money. I know there are so many of my fellow believers who are so cheap, storing up as much as they can to for retirement and because I speak out about this I think I am looked down at or at least looked at as a fool because I trust God for my daily needs. Sometimes I wonder if I am wrong, if I have it all wrong about this wealth thing, but then I read verses like this and am reaffirmed in my beliefs. I know worldly wealth offers the opportunity of great creature comforts, and being able to have whatever my heart desires, but I have to believe life is more than that. I have so much now, sure not a lot of money, nothing stored up, but I have a lot of creature comforts that God has provided for me. I cannot conceive of being so focused on wealth I forget about what God says about it. This stuff, this worldly stuff will all pass away, when I die, I die, and I cannot take one bit of it with me. The Pharaohs’ tried that and lost, the emperors of china tried it too and they also lost. I am not going to lose. I am not going to be so bent on getting and saving as much as I can in order to simply have it. No, I want more of God. I want whatever God desires for me, whatever that is I am more than content with. I see all the stuff, especially those fancy high powered cars and wonder how what it would be like to have enough to get one. Is that lust? There are all forms of temptations regarding worldly things, but that is all there are, temptations and that is not sin, unless I start going about a way to obtain those temptations, yearning for them, doing things to get them and the like. I know I deal with temptations but I will not allow them to rule over me. I will remained focused on God and believe he will provide all my needs according to his riches in glory.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Low and High
DEVOTION
JAMES
LOW AND HIGH
James 1:9-10
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.
NIV
I am not sure I have ever been a poor believer. I am not sure about humble or lowly circumstances either. Have I ever considered myself in that kind of position? I know I have much less then manner of my fellow believers in regard to material possessions or wealth, yet I have so much more than many others. How is it determined as to being in a humble or lowly circumstance? Is it only the lowest of the lowly? Or does the middle of the lowly count? What about the top of the bottom? I am not sure just how I am to see this. What difference does it make how much or how little anyone has when it comes to the cross. I suppose that if I compare myself to those who have far more of the worldly things then I do I can take heart I have a great position in Christ. But then when I consider how much I have in compared to so many believers around the world I can also rejoice because they have just as high a position as I do in Christ. I also do not understand why anyone who is in humble circumstances would not be delighted because of Christ. All I can think of is lowly conditions are in compared to higher conditions, and then we are looking at each other rather than Christ. What a shame it would be if I ever got myself into that kind of thinking. I do not care how much anyone has. Oh sure sometimes I think it would be nice to have a better or bigger or more of, but really I know I have so much and I am so content with who I am, what I have, and where I am, how could I ever think like that. I just do not consider myself in humble of lowly circumstances. So applying this verse to my life is difficult, but then I have to deal with the next statement about those who have so much, although that I do not have either. In the realm of God nothing having a relationship with him matters.
JAMES
LOW AND HIGH
James 1:9-10
9 The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position.
NIV
I am not sure I have ever been a poor believer. I am not sure about humble or lowly circumstances either. Have I ever considered myself in that kind of position? I know I have much less then manner of my fellow believers in regard to material possessions or wealth, yet I have so much more than many others. How is it determined as to being in a humble or lowly circumstance? Is it only the lowest of the lowly? Or does the middle of the lowly count? What about the top of the bottom? I am not sure just how I am to see this. What difference does it make how much or how little anyone has when it comes to the cross. I suppose that if I compare myself to those who have far more of the worldly things then I do I can take heart I have a great position in Christ. But then when I consider how much I have in compared to so many believers around the world I can also rejoice because they have just as high a position as I do in Christ. I also do not understand why anyone who is in humble circumstances would not be delighted because of Christ. All I can think of is lowly conditions are in compared to higher conditions, and then we are looking at each other rather than Christ. What a shame it would be if I ever got myself into that kind of thinking. I do not care how much anyone has. Oh sure sometimes I think it would be nice to have a better or bigger or more of, but really I know I have so much and I am so content with who I am, what I have, and where I am, how could I ever think like that. I just do not consider myself in humble of lowly circumstances. So applying this verse to my life is difficult, but then I have to deal with the next statement about those who have so much, although that I do not have either. In the realm of God nothing having a relationship with him matters.
Friday, February 18, 2011
No Doubt
DEVOTION
JAMES
NO DOUBT
James 1:6-8
6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
NIV
As sure is this is the remainder of the statement about asking for wisdom, it also speaks to my heart about asking for anything from the Lord and doing so without doubt. What good does it do me if I am not sure about God? What good comes of my life if I am not sure what God says if true? If I question him on one point then how can I be sure about the other points? If I doubt that he will bestow upon me wisdom, then I have to doubt about him giving me eternal life. If I vacillate back and forth about whether God will or will not, what good is anything? I cannot be double-minded in my journey with him. I have to good all out or nothing at all. I have to be one hundred percent in my believing for all things from him or nothing is what I will receive. How could I ever go back? God has provided so many things for me, spiritually, physically and materially. I have been healed spiritually, I have been healed physically, and I have been blessed materially, all beyond my wildest imagination. I cannot conceive I would ever doubt him. Why would I? He has been immeasurably good to me since I turned my life over to him. He has shown himself to me in so many ways, always there, always at my side, within, and surrounding me with his protection, his guidance, his correction, and discipline, with all his love. I have no doubt whatever I ask of him he will give. Now, I know I should not ask for things that I might spent on myself or selfish ways, but those things I ask of him are for the Kingdom. I ask him for wisdom, for direction, for his provisions for my life as he sees fit to provide. I am extremely content with all he has done for me, in me and is doing through me. There is within me no doubt.
JAMES
NO DOUBT
James 1:6-8
6 But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. 7 That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does.
NIV
As sure is this is the remainder of the statement about asking for wisdom, it also speaks to my heart about asking for anything from the Lord and doing so without doubt. What good does it do me if I am not sure about God? What good comes of my life if I am not sure what God says if true? If I question him on one point then how can I be sure about the other points? If I doubt that he will bestow upon me wisdom, then I have to doubt about him giving me eternal life. If I vacillate back and forth about whether God will or will not, what good is anything? I cannot be double-minded in my journey with him. I have to good all out or nothing at all. I have to be one hundred percent in my believing for all things from him or nothing is what I will receive. How could I ever go back? God has provided so many things for me, spiritually, physically and materially. I have been healed spiritually, I have been healed physically, and I have been blessed materially, all beyond my wildest imagination. I cannot conceive I would ever doubt him. Why would I? He has been immeasurably good to me since I turned my life over to him. He has shown himself to me in so many ways, always there, always at my side, within, and surrounding me with his protection, his guidance, his correction, and discipline, with all his love. I have no doubt whatever I ask of him he will give. Now, I know I should not ask for things that I might spent on myself or selfish ways, but those things I ask of him are for the Kingdom. I ask him for wisdom, for direction, for his provisions for my life as he sees fit to provide. I am extremely content with all he has done for me, in me and is doing through me. There is within me no doubt.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wisdom
DEVOTION
JAMES
WISDOM
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
NIV
Wisdom is one of the greatest needs in my life. I do not seek wisdom regarding the world and how to achieve great things or become successful in the ways of the world, but to have wisdom regarding the things of God. I want to know him more than I do now. It is not a matter for me to spend all my energy to be holy, but to know God. I think the more I know him the more I will live according to his will. He has already made me holy, he has already set me apart, and I cannot be holy because of my life. It is impossible for me to set myself apart, he must do that, but I can gain wisdom and yet that is from him as well. Solomon was considered the wisest man to live, yet I do not understand why I cannot be as wise. God says if I lack wisdom and ask him he will give me wisdom and give it to me generously and he will not find any fault. So why can’t I have as much wisdom as Solomon? Maybe I have not truly been asking God for it. No, I have asked and I believe he is in the process of giving me that wisdom. Is that prideful? No, it is God who gives; it is his wisdom, not mine. But still is that prideful to say I have God’s wisdom? Why would he tell me to ask for it and say he will generously give it, not just to me, but to all who ask? I certainly do not look for wisdom from other men. I do not seek it from any other source then God. He is the author of wisdom and he is the giver of wisdom and all I need to do is ask him for it because I know without any doubt I do not have enough wisdom.
JAMES
WISDOM
James 1:5
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him.
NIV
Wisdom is one of the greatest needs in my life. I do not seek wisdom regarding the world and how to achieve great things or become successful in the ways of the world, but to have wisdom regarding the things of God. I want to know him more than I do now. It is not a matter for me to spend all my energy to be holy, but to know God. I think the more I know him the more I will live according to his will. He has already made me holy, he has already set me apart, and I cannot be holy because of my life. It is impossible for me to set myself apart, he must do that, but I can gain wisdom and yet that is from him as well. Solomon was considered the wisest man to live, yet I do not understand why I cannot be as wise. God says if I lack wisdom and ask him he will give me wisdom and give it to me generously and he will not find any fault. So why can’t I have as much wisdom as Solomon? Maybe I have not truly been asking God for it. No, I have asked and I believe he is in the process of giving me that wisdom. Is that prideful? No, it is God who gives; it is his wisdom, not mine. But still is that prideful to say I have God’s wisdom? Why would he tell me to ask for it and say he will generously give it, not just to me, but to all who ask? I certainly do not look for wisdom from other men. I do not seek it from any other source then God. He is the author of wisdom and he is the giver of wisdom and all I need to do is ask him for it because I know without any doubt I do not have enough wisdom.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Finish Line
DEVOTION
JAMES
FINISH LINE
James 1:1-4
1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
NIV
The beginning of James and I will accept this greeting. These trials of many kinds are troubling in the sense it could imply going through good experiences or bad ones in the form of temptations. I am inclined to believe it is the latter which James refers to here. Now I am not so sure about counting it pure joy when I face all sorts of temptations yet that is exactly what I should be considering it. I suppose the more temptations I face and successfully navigate past them it would be a joyous occasion in which I could celebrate in Christ. Those temptations do absolutely test my faith. Yet how is my faith tested when I fail to resist the temptation and give in, even when I don’t really want to? Or do I want to and just use my unwillingness and weakness as an excuse? If I keep failing what kind of perseverance does that develop? I suppose in thinking about running the race, I would never reach the finish line if I fell and never got back up and started running again. So even though I keep failing, or falling I have to get back up and start running again and that would develop perseverance. Is it the more I do this, the more mature and complete I am going to be? Because I fail, I am going to be more mature because I don’t give up, or give in and quit running this race. I will press toward the mark; keep pressing even though I fail all too often. I cannot quit, I cannot give in, even if I have to go back to the starting line and start all over, but praise God I don’t have to do that, he just picks me up where I am and sets me back on the track to run from where I fell. Sometimes I get tired of running, especially with all those people in the stands watching me, waiting for me to fall again, maybe even hoping I do. But I must keep on running because I do want to get to that finish line. The prize if great!
JAMES
FINISH LINE
James 1:1-4
1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. 4 Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
NIV
The beginning of James and I will accept this greeting. These trials of many kinds are troubling in the sense it could imply going through good experiences or bad ones in the form of temptations. I am inclined to believe it is the latter which James refers to here. Now I am not so sure about counting it pure joy when I face all sorts of temptations yet that is exactly what I should be considering it. I suppose the more temptations I face and successfully navigate past them it would be a joyous occasion in which I could celebrate in Christ. Those temptations do absolutely test my faith. Yet how is my faith tested when I fail to resist the temptation and give in, even when I don’t really want to? Or do I want to and just use my unwillingness and weakness as an excuse? If I keep failing what kind of perseverance does that develop? I suppose in thinking about running the race, I would never reach the finish line if I fell and never got back up and started running again. So even though I keep failing, or falling I have to get back up and start running again and that would develop perseverance. Is it the more I do this, the more mature and complete I am going to be? Because I fail, I am going to be more mature because I don’t give up, or give in and quit running this race. I will press toward the mark; keep pressing even though I fail all too often. I cannot quit, I cannot give in, even if I have to go back to the starting line and start all over, but praise God I don’t have to do that, he just picks me up where I am and sets me back on the track to run from where I fell. Sometimes I get tired of running, especially with all those people in the stands watching me, waiting for me to fall again, maybe even hoping I do. But I must keep on running because I do want to get to that finish line. The prize if great!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
personal note
No devotion this morning, chaos ruled within, an early, early start to the day including not sure as to which book I should spend time seeking truths for my life.
So if you have any insights that would be helpful if no insights prayer as to the direction I should go would be great as well.
Thanks for reading and still loving me.
So if you have any insights that would be helpful if no insights prayer as to the direction I should go would be great as well.
Thanks for reading and still loving me.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
New
DEVOTION
GALATIONS
NEW
Gal 6:15-16
15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God.
NIV
There is no question regarding having been made a new creation, because it was not dependent on me but on God. He is the one who made me a new creation. I certainly had no ability to do it. I am also very thankful for being made into a new creation for the old one would never be able to enter into the Kingdom of God. As Adam was before the fall I am now. Adam was able to walk in the presence of God before he sinned and lived in Gods paradise. Having been made into that new creation by the sole action of God and God alone I now have the right and the privilege to be in his presence. That is the only this which counts. It does not matter if I follow all those church rules or not. I can follow as many of those rules devised by men as I want and that gains me nothing. I can be opposed to all this rules and that gains me nothing. I can appear as righteous as I can and it gains me nothing. I can look so good on the outside, doing all the right things and it gains me nothing. I can even be the saltiest salt and the brightest light and the shiniest mirror and it would gain me nothing, if I were not a new creation made by God and God alone. What good is anything if I do not have eternal life? Of what value is any good deed if I do not eternal life? Oh sure I can help my fellow man, which is surely a good thing, any that might gain me some praise in the process, but if I am not a new creation it is but a humanistic endeavor and does not count for the Kingdom of God. Now if I am a new creation, which I am, then I should act in accordance with who I am. That means I will be the saltiest salt and the brightest light and the shiniest mirror. That means I will assist my fellow man, doing good to others, not causing any harm to anyone, and being willing to set aside my own self for the benefit of others. Yes it means being Jesus to a lost and dying world. It means spending my energy for the benefit of my fellow believers, encouraging them in their journey with God. It means fulfilling my calling to teach and preach his word, instructing, correcting, and even rebuking those who need it. And I will do this not for any praise from men, for I seek not that, but only have God praised for the new creation he has made. I do not want the applause of men, if fact I never understand applause in church for anything other than God. Applause and praise of men only feeds pride. I do not want that, give God all the glory for I have been made new!
GALATIONS
NEW
Gal 6:15-16
15 Neither circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything; what counts is a new creation. 16 Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule, even to the Israel of God.
NIV
There is no question regarding having been made a new creation, because it was not dependent on me but on God. He is the one who made me a new creation. I certainly had no ability to do it. I am also very thankful for being made into a new creation for the old one would never be able to enter into the Kingdom of God. As Adam was before the fall I am now. Adam was able to walk in the presence of God before he sinned and lived in Gods paradise. Having been made into that new creation by the sole action of God and God alone I now have the right and the privilege to be in his presence. That is the only this which counts. It does not matter if I follow all those church rules or not. I can follow as many of those rules devised by men as I want and that gains me nothing. I can be opposed to all this rules and that gains me nothing. I can appear as righteous as I can and it gains me nothing. I can look so good on the outside, doing all the right things and it gains me nothing. I can even be the saltiest salt and the brightest light and the shiniest mirror and it would gain me nothing, if I were not a new creation made by God and God alone. What good is anything if I do not have eternal life? Of what value is any good deed if I do not eternal life? Oh sure I can help my fellow man, which is surely a good thing, any that might gain me some praise in the process, but if I am not a new creation it is but a humanistic endeavor and does not count for the Kingdom of God. Now if I am a new creation, which I am, then I should act in accordance with who I am. That means I will be the saltiest salt and the brightest light and the shiniest mirror. That means I will assist my fellow man, doing good to others, not causing any harm to anyone, and being willing to set aside my own self for the benefit of others. Yes it means being Jesus to a lost and dying world. It means spending my energy for the benefit of my fellow believers, encouraging them in their journey with God. It means fulfilling my calling to teach and preach his word, instructing, correcting, and even rebuking those who need it. And I will do this not for any praise from men, for I seek not that, but only have God praised for the new creation he has made. I do not want the applause of men, if fact I never understand applause in church for anything other than God. Applause and praise of men only feeds pride. I do not want that, give God all the glory for I have been made new!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Persecuted
DEVOTION
GALATIONS
PERSECUTED
Gal 6:12-13
12 Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh.
NIV
Trying to make an outward impression for the reasons these people did would be absolutely ridiculous. To avoid being persecuted for the cross would seem like not being a real Christian. If I lived so much like the world lives then I would not have to worry being persecuted for the cross. I think if I truly lived as Christ would have me live the world would not enjoy me much. Even though I love them, I think they would feel uncomfortable being around me. How can I be the salt of the earth and the light to the world and be a mirror reflecting Christ if I live in a manner which does not make them uncomfortable? If all I am doing is to make myself look good in their eyes, to appease them, to become so much like them so they will like me, accept me, not persecute me, I have failed at taking up my cross and following Christ. If I pursue after the same things they do in order to blend in, I have failed. If I am looking for the same material gain as the world does, so I am making a good outward impression, I have failed. If I do not take a stand against their humanistic approach to live in order not to make waves, then I have failed. In order to be the salt, the light and the mirror I have to be in contact with the people of the world. I have to engage with them, in activities, in social settings, being involved with their lives, their struggles and pains, their desires and goals, being a friend to them, showing them the love of Christ. Yet their need to know I stand for the cross of Christ. They need to know I am different in my approach to live. They need to know I am a follower of Christ and if that keeps them from wanting me around them, then I am persecuted for the cross of Christ. What good does it do to be accepted by them as a friend if all I am doing is for an outward impression? Sooner or later I am compelled to tell them about Jesus, about my life as a Christian, what that means to me and the value Jesus is to me. I cannot condemn them, nor can I accuse them of wrong thinking, I can only love them and show them the love of Christ, but they must know my position else all is lost. I cannot concern myself with any fellow believers who think otherwise and try to look good on the outside in order to make good impressions. I can only concern myself with the call God has placed on my life and how the Spirit directs my steps. I will not boast of how good of a Christian I am either. How can I? So am I persecuted?
GALATIONS
PERSECUTED
Gal 6:12-13
12 Those who want to make a good impression outwardly are trying to compel you to be circumcised. The only reason they do this is to avoid being persecuted for the cross of Christ. 13 Not even those who are circumcised obey the law, yet they want you to be circumcised that they may boast about your flesh.
NIV
Trying to make an outward impression for the reasons these people did would be absolutely ridiculous. To avoid being persecuted for the cross would seem like not being a real Christian. If I lived so much like the world lives then I would not have to worry being persecuted for the cross. I think if I truly lived as Christ would have me live the world would not enjoy me much. Even though I love them, I think they would feel uncomfortable being around me. How can I be the salt of the earth and the light to the world and be a mirror reflecting Christ if I live in a manner which does not make them uncomfortable? If all I am doing is to make myself look good in their eyes, to appease them, to become so much like them so they will like me, accept me, not persecute me, I have failed at taking up my cross and following Christ. If I pursue after the same things they do in order to blend in, I have failed. If I am looking for the same material gain as the world does, so I am making a good outward impression, I have failed. If I do not take a stand against their humanistic approach to live in order not to make waves, then I have failed. In order to be the salt, the light and the mirror I have to be in contact with the people of the world. I have to engage with them, in activities, in social settings, being involved with their lives, their struggles and pains, their desires and goals, being a friend to them, showing them the love of Christ. Yet their need to know I stand for the cross of Christ. They need to know I am different in my approach to live. They need to know I am a follower of Christ and if that keeps them from wanting me around them, then I am persecuted for the cross of Christ. What good does it do to be accepted by them as a friend if all I am doing is for an outward impression? Sooner or later I am compelled to tell them about Jesus, about my life as a Christian, what that means to me and the value Jesus is to me. I cannot condemn them, nor can I accuse them of wrong thinking, I can only love them and show them the love of Christ, but they must know my position else all is lost. I cannot concern myself with any fellow believers who think otherwise and try to look good on the outside in order to make good impressions. I can only concern myself with the call God has placed on my life and how the Spirit directs my steps. I will not boast of how good of a Christian I am either. How can I? So am I persecuted?
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Own
DEVOTION
GALATIONS
OWN
Gal 6:11
11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
NIV
So what kind of devotion comes from this small verse about such large letters with his own hand? What is it about his own hand? I think it is also his own mind and own spirit who write this letter as they are directed by the Spirit of God. All too often I think peopke of today do not think or believe based on what the Spirit of the Lord is speaking into their hearts. Instead there are volumes of commentaries and hoards of television preachers telling people what the Word of God says. Paul heard from God, that is what I desire the most. I do not want all those other people telling me what to believe or what they think God said, or is saying. Yet what am I in the midst of doing? Writing books to explain what God has said to me. Is that any different? Maybe it is in the sense I am not trying to convince people to believe the same as I believe based on the Word, but simply explaining what I believe. Maybe that is what those commentaries and preachers are doing as well. Yet I still am convinced I cannot base my faith on what they write or preach. I must base my faith on the Word of God and what the Spirit speaks into my heart regarding it. It is my faith, the faith God has given me and not someone else’s faith he gave them. I read the Word and simply allow the Spirit to speak. True I did in my early walk with Christ read some of those commentaries and books about the Word, I may have even in my early lessons teaching Bible studies regurgitated what those writers penned instead of listening to the Spirit. Oh sure they may be useful, but I cannot help thinking once reading those thoughts written by another, how difficult it is to think anything else. Am I being so narrow minded about this idea? It is a pride issue for me? Some of these individuals are great people of faith and received marvelous truths from God regarding His Word. Yet, I cannot help think how so many people today are divided into opposing camps. Why do I have to be in Calvin’s or Wesley’s camp? Then others are in the Catholic camp, and still others in the Pentecostal camp. The list of camps could go on and I believe it is all due to not reading the Word and allowing the Spirit to speak directly into a heart. There is one God and one Faith. God has established a personal relationship with me and He desires to speak directly with me. I will listen to Him and Him alone. I hear what others say, but I listen to God. What ramblings today, but they are my own.
GALATIONS
OWN
Gal 6:11
11 See what large letters I use as I write to you with my own hand!
NIV
So what kind of devotion comes from this small verse about such large letters with his own hand? What is it about his own hand? I think it is also his own mind and own spirit who write this letter as they are directed by the Spirit of God. All too often I think peopke of today do not think or believe based on what the Spirit of the Lord is speaking into their hearts. Instead there are volumes of commentaries and hoards of television preachers telling people what the Word of God says. Paul heard from God, that is what I desire the most. I do not want all those other people telling me what to believe or what they think God said, or is saying. Yet what am I in the midst of doing? Writing books to explain what God has said to me. Is that any different? Maybe it is in the sense I am not trying to convince people to believe the same as I believe based on the Word, but simply explaining what I believe. Maybe that is what those commentaries and preachers are doing as well. Yet I still am convinced I cannot base my faith on what they write or preach. I must base my faith on the Word of God and what the Spirit speaks into my heart regarding it. It is my faith, the faith God has given me and not someone else’s faith he gave them. I read the Word and simply allow the Spirit to speak. True I did in my early walk with Christ read some of those commentaries and books about the Word, I may have even in my early lessons teaching Bible studies regurgitated what those writers penned instead of listening to the Spirit. Oh sure they may be useful, but I cannot help thinking once reading those thoughts written by another, how difficult it is to think anything else. Am I being so narrow minded about this idea? It is a pride issue for me? Some of these individuals are great people of faith and received marvelous truths from God regarding His Word. Yet, I cannot help think how so many people today are divided into opposing camps. Why do I have to be in Calvin’s or Wesley’s camp? Then others are in the Catholic camp, and still others in the Pentecostal camp. The list of camps could go on and I believe it is all due to not reading the Word and allowing the Spirit to speak directly into a heart. There is one God and one Faith. God has established a personal relationship with me and He desires to speak directly with me. I will listen to Him and Him alone. I hear what others say, but I listen to God. What ramblings today, but they are my own.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Doing Good
DEVOTION
GALATIONS
DOING GOOD
Gal 6:9-10
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
NIV
I know no better good to do for all people than sharing the joy of the Lord with them. That of course requires I have the joy of the Lord. I cannot go around with a sad continence complaining about my lot in life or any aches and pains I might have in my body. If I am to do good to others especially those who belong to the family of believers I also need a genuine concern for their well being. Not just a physical well being, but their spiritual well being also. Now if I am not doing good I must be doing bad. I do not think I can remain neutral or simply ignore others. That would not be doing them any good, or maybe it would if they did not like me. But that is not an option, if I am to be the salt, the light, and the mirror reflecting Christ to a lost and dying world, I have to be doing something for their good and that would mean being an active part of their life. I must live in community; I cannot be an isolated individual just doing my own thing. This is by far one of the most difficult things for me to do. By my own nature, I am an introvert, a recluse, an island onto myself capable of living without contact with others, especially intimate community type contact. I have to rely solely on the power of God to be involved in a caring way toward my fellow believers and not go weary of doing good. Sure, I am active in my calling to preach and teach, but I do forget the everyday mundane stuff. If someone asks for my help I am right there, no problem, but most of the time I do not see the need on my own. I would like to be more thoughtful, seeing their need and responding without being asked, but I simply miss that mark. I need more of the power of God working in me so I will be able to make that kind of change happen in me. I believe by my preaching and teaching and even my writing is doing some good for others, but I also believe I have to go beyond that. I think I have to be able to see the opportunities to do good for others. Maybe I just can’t see well enough, or maybe I am simply so involved in my own life, I am blinded to the lives of others. However this shakes out I know I cannot grow weary in my efforts to be the man god desires me to be. I am still learning, still growing, still in need of changing and becoming more like Jesus. I will not grow weary in that effort and in doing good.
GALATIONS
DOING GOOD
Gal 6:9-10
9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
NIV
I know no better good to do for all people than sharing the joy of the Lord with them. That of course requires I have the joy of the Lord. I cannot go around with a sad continence complaining about my lot in life or any aches and pains I might have in my body. If I am to do good to others especially those who belong to the family of believers I also need a genuine concern for their well being. Not just a physical well being, but their spiritual well being also. Now if I am not doing good I must be doing bad. I do not think I can remain neutral or simply ignore others. That would not be doing them any good, or maybe it would if they did not like me. But that is not an option, if I am to be the salt, the light, and the mirror reflecting Christ to a lost and dying world, I have to be doing something for their good and that would mean being an active part of their life. I must live in community; I cannot be an isolated individual just doing my own thing. This is by far one of the most difficult things for me to do. By my own nature, I am an introvert, a recluse, an island onto myself capable of living without contact with others, especially intimate community type contact. I have to rely solely on the power of God to be involved in a caring way toward my fellow believers and not go weary of doing good. Sure, I am active in my calling to preach and teach, but I do forget the everyday mundane stuff. If someone asks for my help I am right there, no problem, but most of the time I do not see the need on my own. I would like to be more thoughtful, seeing their need and responding without being asked, but I simply miss that mark. I need more of the power of God working in me so I will be able to make that kind of change happen in me. I believe by my preaching and teaching and even my writing is doing some good for others, but I also believe I have to go beyond that. I think I have to be able to see the opportunities to do good for others. Maybe I just can’t see well enough, or maybe I am simply so involved in my own life, I am blinded to the lives of others. However this shakes out I know I cannot grow weary in my efforts to be the man god desires me to be. I am still learning, still growing, still in need of changing and becoming more like Jesus. I will not grow weary in that effort and in doing good.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Sowing to Please Who
DEVOTION
GALATIONS
SOWING TO PLEASE WHO
Gal 6:7-8
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
NIV
What field I am in certainly matters a great deal in this saying of God. It also matters just exactly where I am buying my seed that I will be planting. I really do not want to be in the position of sneering at God or turning up my nose to him. That would be the last thing I would want to do. But when I fail him and do what I should not or fail to do what I should is that mocking him? Is that sowing to please my sinful nature? Or is this taking about a lifestyle? Is this speaking to the choice between living for the world and living for God? Is this actually talking about living under the law or under grace? In the case of those Galatians, I think Paul was talking about living under Judaism or Christianity which is that choice between the flesh and the spirit. Not counting in circumcision of the flesh for salvation but rather of the heart. But it still boils down to a choice as to how I must live. I have chosen to sow to please the Spirit, yet I still please my own sinful nature as well. How can that be? Why do I fail him? Should I not be able to restrain my attitude, my reactions, my behavior from that which certainly cannot please the Spirit. I do not want to reap destruction that is for sure. But I do have to come back to the grace of God. He knows I desire to please him and he knows I am weak and unable to be perfect otherwise Jesus would not have had to die on that cross. But are my failures sowing to please the sinful nature? I think it still comes back to, where am I buying my seed to sow? Do I buy in the world or in the Word? Do I spend my efforts trying to gain insight in the world’s way of life or insight into the Spirits way of life? Do I spend my efforts trying to abide by all the rules and regulations of a certain denomination or do I spend my efforts trying to abide by the law of God? I have to come to the conclusion I am going to reap eternal life from the Spirit because I have turned my life over to him. I am trying my level best to be the man he desires me to be. Yes I fail at that, but that is not the way I want to be, I want to be a man after Gods own heart. I am sowing to please the Spirit.
GALATIONS
SOWING TO PLEASE WHO
Gal 6:7-8
7 Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. 8 The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life.
NIV
What field I am in certainly matters a great deal in this saying of God. It also matters just exactly where I am buying my seed that I will be planting. I really do not want to be in the position of sneering at God or turning up my nose to him. That would be the last thing I would want to do. But when I fail him and do what I should not or fail to do what I should is that mocking him? Is that sowing to please my sinful nature? Or is this taking about a lifestyle? Is this speaking to the choice between living for the world and living for God? Is this actually talking about living under the law or under grace? In the case of those Galatians, I think Paul was talking about living under Judaism or Christianity which is that choice between the flesh and the spirit. Not counting in circumcision of the flesh for salvation but rather of the heart. But it still boils down to a choice as to how I must live. I have chosen to sow to please the Spirit, yet I still please my own sinful nature as well. How can that be? Why do I fail him? Should I not be able to restrain my attitude, my reactions, my behavior from that which certainly cannot please the Spirit. I do not want to reap destruction that is for sure. But I do have to come back to the grace of God. He knows I desire to please him and he knows I am weak and unable to be perfect otherwise Jesus would not have had to die on that cross. But are my failures sowing to please the sinful nature? I think it still comes back to, where am I buying my seed to sow? Do I buy in the world or in the Word? Do I spend my efforts trying to gain insight in the world’s way of life or insight into the Spirits way of life? Do I spend my efforts trying to abide by all the rules and regulations of a certain denomination or do I spend my efforts trying to abide by the law of God? I have to come to the conclusion I am going to reap eternal life from the Spirit because I have turned my life over to him. I am trying my level best to be the man he desires me to be. Yes I fail at that, but that is not the way I want to be, I want to be a man after Gods own heart. I am sowing to please the Spirit.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Not Sure
DEVOTION
GALATIONS
NOT SURE
Gal 6:6
6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
NIV
It would seem right to support those who have made the preaching of the gospel their vocation. I do, however, have some problem with the system which now produces job applicants in the ministry. I have to admit I am a bit critical and that may not be right. But then maybe it is not so much critical but rather discernment of this system. I have always thought that when God calls a man to preach the gospel, this man should simply rely on God as men of the New Testament did and speak from their hearts regarding the truth of the sayings of God. But I see today the church has made a business of selling that right to preach to people who are looking for jobs in the ministry rather than in the world. Sure, there may well be many of these people who feel they are called by God; I am not casting any aspersions in their direction at all. I just feel this has become such a farce. Men simply have to buy the right to apply for a position within the church, a license to preach and spend even more money on courses in order to be ordained by the church. Now they can apply for the job and receive a set salary for their efforts of convincing their congregation that tithing is a New Testament principle which needs to be adhered to in obedience to the Word so the church can afford to pay them. It is a system which stinks to high heaven. At least that is how I see it and I do not believe I am ever going to change my thinking. I do not believe this is how God intended it to be. I believe it is right to cheerfully give to those who have given their life to serving others in the instruction of the Word of God. I also believe, if those who have given their live to this task should give it freely not expecting anything in return, nor should they have to pay for that right either. If a man is called by God to be a preacher or teacher of the Word then God will also instruct him as to what to how and what to preach and teach. That is one of the gifts God has bestowed on his people. Man merely has to acknowledge the call of God on that person, not hamper that call, delay that call, and most of all sell the right to follow that call. I am disappointed the church operates more like a worldly business than a house of God. In fact I am not sure there should be all these churches at all. Yes, God gave the Israelites a command to construct a temple in Jerusalem as a place for him to meet with the people. But that temple veil was torn in two giving the right for every man to have direct access to God through the cross of Christ. Where am I headed with all this? What does this mean to me? I know God has called me to preach and teach his Word and I do that without the license or the ordination of men, but of God. I do it freely not expecting anything in return and I suppose that is all I should concern myself with. I am sure about his call, and how that should function, it is all this church business system that I am not sure of.
GALATIONS
NOT SURE
Gal 6:6
6 Anyone who receives instruction in the word must share all good things with his instructor.
NIV
It would seem right to support those who have made the preaching of the gospel their vocation. I do, however, have some problem with the system which now produces job applicants in the ministry. I have to admit I am a bit critical and that may not be right. But then maybe it is not so much critical but rather discernment of this system. I have always thought that when God calls a man to preach the gospel, this man should simply rely on God as men of the New Testament did and speak from their hearts regarding the truth of the sayings of God. But I see today the church has made a business of selling that right to preach to people who are looking for jobs in the ministry rather than in the world. Sure, there may well be many of these people who feel they are called by God; I am not casting any aspersions in their direction at all. I just feel this has become such a farce. Men simply have to buy the right to apply for a position within the church, a license to preach and spend even more money on courses in order to be ordained by the church. Now they can apply for the job and receive a set salary for their efforts of convincing their congregation that tithing is a New Testament principle which needs to be adhered to in obedience to the Word so the church can afford to pay them. It is a system which stinks to high heaven. At least that is how I see it and I do not believe I am ever going to change my thinking. I do not believe this is how God intended it to be. I believe it is right to cheerfully give to those who have given their life to serving others in the instruction of the Word of God. I also believe, if those who have given their live to this task should give it freely not expecting anything in return, nor should they have to pay for that right either. If a man is called by God to be a preacher or teacher of the Word then God will also instruct him as to what to how and what to preach and teach. That is one of the gifts God has bestowed on his people. Man merely has to acknowledge the call of God on that person, not hamper that call, delay that call, and most of all sell the right to follow that call. I am disappointed the church operates more like a worldly business than a house of God. In fact I am not sure there should be all these churches at all. Yes, God gave the Israelites a command to construct a temple in Jerusalem as a place for him to meet with the people. But that temple veil was torn in two giving the right for every man to have direct access to God through the cross of Christ. Where am I headed with all this? What does this mean to me? I know God has called me to preach and teach his Word and I do that without the license or the ordination of men, but of God. I do it freely not expecting anything in return and I suppose that is all I should concern myself with. I am sure about his call, and how that should function, it is all this church business system that I am not sure of.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Carry On
DEVOTION
GALATIONS
CARRY ON
Gal 6:3-5
3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.
NIV
I have often wondered if I am guilty of this offense. Do I think I am something? I dare say I have to put this to rest once and for all. I know I am nothing within myself. I do not deceive myself on bit. True I have a certain amount of brain power, and I possess a certain amount of skills with my hands. I do have some talents in the arts, with a degree of creativity. I am pretty much able to do anything I set my mind to and yet I still am nothing when I compare myself to God. I do have a certain sense of pride in myself when I accomplish some task, especially when I have not done something like that before. However I do not think I have such a high opinion of myself in regards to others. There are many people who possess such great abilities and intellectual prowess which absolutely diminish mine to that of a dung heap. But all this is for nothing anyway for I am not to compare myself to anyone else in any sense or situation. It matters not who great or same anyone else is; I am only to concern myself with my own actions. How do I respond to God and to others in the course of my walk with him is the sole focus of my being. Even to compare the gift God has bestowed upon me to that which he has bestowed upon others should not be done. He is the sovereign God who decides how to use each of his servants in the way which best benefits his kingdom. I do believe I have been called to assist some of my fellow believers in their walk with God but that still is my response and testing of my own actions. My obedience to the will of God in my life is above all else. I cannot live my life with the idea I am as good as others, or better or worse than them. I cannot look at others with their faults and think “at least I don’t do that”. I can only test me according to the exam God has passed out for me to take. Do I measure up to his standard? Do I fulfill the call he for me? Do I carry my own portion? Am I doing all I can do as the part of the body of Christ that I am? Do I depend on someone else to do my part? Do I now say “let the younger ones do it now”? Have I assumed the retired mode within the body? Is there every a time when I give up being that part of the body I was called to be? I believe I much carry my own load, do my own part for as long as I am here. No matter what others do or don’t do, no matter how much of their own responsibilities their fulfill or not, I am obligated to carry on until God sees fit to call me home. I have no aspirations of greatness in this life but only to serve my Lord to the best I am able. That is my quest. I will carry on.
GALATIONS
CARRY ON
Gal 6:3-5
3 If anyone thinks he is something when he is nothing, he deceives himself. 4 Each one should test his own actions. Then he can take pride in himself, without comparing himself to somebody else, 5 for each one should carry his own load.
NIV
I have often wondered if I am guilty of this offense. Do I think I am something? I dare say I have to put this to rest once and for all. I know I am nothing within myself. I do not deceive myself on bit. True I have a certain amount of brain power, and I possess a certain amount of skills with my hands. I do have some talents in the arts, with a degree of creativity. I am pretty much able to do anything I set my mind to and yet I still am nothing when I compare myself to God. I do have a certain sense of pride in myself when I accomplish some task, especially when I have not done something like that before. However I do not think I have such a high opinion of myself in regards to others. There are many people who possess such great abilities and intellectual prowess which absolutely diminish mine to that of a dung heap. But all this is for nothing anyway for I am not to compare myself to anyone else in any sense or situation. It matters not who great or same anyone else is; I am only to concern myself with my own actions. How do I respond to God and to others in the course of my walk with him is the sole focus of my being. Even to compare the gift God has bestowed upon me to that which he has bestowed upon others should not be done. He is the sovereign God who decides how to use each of his servants in the way which best benefits his kingdom. I do believe I have been called to assist some of my fellow believers in their walk with God but that still is my response and testing of my own actions. My obedience to the will of God in my life is above all else. I cannot live my life with the idea I am as good as others, or better or worse than them. I cannot look at others with their faults and think “at least I don’t do that”. I can only test me according to the exam God has passed out for me to take. Do I measure up to his standard? Do I fulfill the call he for me? Do I carry my own portion? Am I doing all I can do as the part of the body of Christ that I am? Do I depend on someone else to do my part? Do I now say “let the younger ones do it now”? Have I assumed the retired mode within the body? Is there every a time when I give up being that part of the body I was called to be? I believe I much carry my own load, do my own part for as long as I am here. No matter what others do or don’t do, no matter how much of their own responsibilities their fulfill or not, I am obligated to carry on until God sees fit to call me home. I have no aspirations of greatness in this life but only to serve my Lord to the best I am able. That is my quest. I will carry on.
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