Opposition

DEVOTION
1 THESSALONIANS
OPPOSITION
1 Thess 2:1-2
2:1 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure. 2 We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.
It is difficult at best to express the truth in the face of those who oppose the bible as the word of God. How can the truth be the truth if those who oppose the bible as the inherent word of God refuse it as the truth? Yet I still must stand up in the face of that type of opposition and declare it as the truth, the only truth. I think I have also faced opposition even from within the body of Christ. This I simply do not understand how that can be, yet it still exists. There are so many I believe have been deceived into believing certain behaviors or attitudes which mirror the ways of the world rather than God are not only acceptable but declared to be right by the Word of God. I must not falter in my position no matter what those who oppose the truth of God. I think what troubles me sometimes is being accused of thinking I am the only one who is right. That is just another form of opposition. I know there are others who think as I do. I know there are others who accept the Word of God straight forward and without biases. I know there are others who take the bible literally, that accept it as not only a true record of the history of mankind but also as a declaration of the only path to a true and right relationship with the one and only God. I know there has to be others who see the completeness of this truth, who do not accept advice from non-believers, nor function in the world as they do. I know there must be others who trust God completely for everything that do not trust in their own abilities to secure their life both present and in the future. I know there has to be others who do not look to any addition writings in the form of rules and regulations, manuals or books as a source for their lifestyle. Yet I believe I still face opposition in all these areas. Could I be the only one who sees this? I cannot believe that. There must be others who believe as I do because it is what the word of God says. I only believe the Word. I know people say they are several interpretations of what it says. I do not believe that, God do not say it to be understand in several ways. He intended it to be understood as he said it, and he sent his Spirit to insure those who desired to understand it would be lead into all the truth. Why is that so difficult for people to grasp? He said let them who have ears listen. No, I stand firm upon the Word of God. I stand tall in the face of any and all opposition to the truth of God.

Loud and Clear

DEVOTION
1 THESSALONIANS
LOUD AND CLEAR
1 Thess 1:8-10
8 The Lord's message rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia — your faith in God has become known everywhere. Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, 9 for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead — Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.
NIV
Does my faith ring out loud and clear and is known everywhere? Am I loud enough? Not loud in the sense of the strength of my voice but the strength of my faith. Do I live my faith out loud? Do I tell of God’s mighty work in my life, saving me from a life of sin and doomed to destruction to a life of righteousness in Christ and eternal life? Do I tell everyone I meet of this powerful act of love and grace toward me? Do I tell of how much I trust God to provide all my needs according to his riches? Do I live that kind of faith out loud in front of people? Do they see and know of my faith and trust in God? Could they say to me I need to trust God more? Could they say I need to have more faith? I do trust God for everything, including my own life. All I have and all I am are all because of him. He has done so much for me, in me and through me how could I not always tell of his love toward me. I believe I speak up; I am not silent about his activity in my life. I believe people do know about my faith. Maybe not everywhere, but everywhere I am. Maybe someday more people will know about my faith after reading all the words I have written. Maybe someday, should the lord tarry, my faith will be know in more places. I know I do not have as many years as I already have had to tell of the story, to demonstrate faith and hope in Jesus Christ. Yet I know for as many years I have left I will wait for Jesus coming from heaven to gather me home. I will not grow weary of waiting. I will not grow tired of telling the story of how he rescued me, how he changed my life, and how he is working in my life every day. I will continue to praise my God loud and clear.

Modeling Christ

DEVOTION
1 THESSALONIANS
MODELING CHRIST
1 Thess 1:5-7
You know how we lived among you for your sake. 6 You became imitators of us and of the Lord; in spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit. 7 And so you became a model to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia
NIV
Do I live among my fellow believers for their sake, and do they live among me for my sake? That is an interesting question. What reason do I live among other people? Maybe it is not just the body of Christ I mingle with on Sundays and with a few of them on other days, but maybe it is also among my neighbors who are not believers. Maybe I should consider if I am living among them for their sake. The only sake would be so they could be exposed to the Gospel I would imagine. Have any of the people I lived among ever welcomed the message with the joy given by the Holy Spirit? There have been some and so I guess my living among some people has been fruitful. A few of them have even became models to all believers. I praise God for them too! But what about all my fellow believers who already have been exposed to the Gospel? For what sake do I live among them? Am I serving the purpose God intents for me to among the local body I am associated or in fellowship with? Do I live in such a manner as to imitate God? Am I the salt, the light, and the mirror reflecting Christ those I live among? I believe I try as I am able to. I sure fail as well. How can I be both? How can I desire to be the man God has plans for me to be and still fall short? I cannot excuse myself because I am human, but I know that is the fact. Were those people spoken of here that perfect? Or maybe just closer to perfection than me, because I am not sure I am a model to other believers. I know that is what God desires of me. I need to reflect Christ to everyone I come in contact with. I need to be that model. I need to model Christ.

Listen and Obey

DEVOTION
1 THESSALONIANS
LISTEN AND OBEY
1 Thess 1:4-5
4 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, 5 because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction.
NIV
It does confound me how I am his. Has he really chosen me or did I choose him from my own free will? Both I dare say. He has indeed chosen me as he has all of his creation. He has exposed me to his Gospel, the good news about Jesus Christ dying for my sins, that I might be restored into fellowship with God and enjoy eternal life. I have to believe he has or will expose all of his creation, ever person, to his Good News, so they too may make that choice. In regards to me, He did it all with an immense amount of power. There is no question I needed a physical display of his power and might to know he even existed. This he did! I heard the word, the Good News but was only enlightened, but not moved until he displayed such power I could not deny he was God. His Spirit came upon me with such force I was stuck down powerless. I had only one choice, to submit to his authority in my life. Why others will not I do not know. Why some people decide to stay in the darkness of their own self is beyond my understanding. I have been freed from all my past darkness and been bought into the glories light of Christ. Why me and not them? I decided to accept his offer, they decided not to. It saddens me, especially those I was and am close to. I am so grateful to God for coming to me in such power and for his Spirit working so mightily in my life to convince me of my need of repentance. I know with all I have experienced in the presence of God, how he has provided for everything I need I shall never be moved from my faith. I believe my conviction deepens each day as I continue my journey with him. I never cease to be amazed as to how he continues to outdo his past miracles in my life. Sometimes I do wonder why he does so much for me, in me and through me. Then I remember it is because he loves me. But he loves the whole world, he loves all people the same as me. He does not show favoritism, his grace and mercy are available to all. His Gospel is for all people. His Spirit has been sent to convict all men of their need to repent. The only difference between them and me is because I choose to listen and obey.

Do They

DEVOTION
1 THESSALONIANS
DO THEY?
1 Thess 1:2-3
2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
NIV
As I thought about others I now must think about myself. Do others thank God when they remember me? Do they speak to God about the deeds I do for the Kingdom which is due to my faith in Jesus Christ? Am I engaged in deeds for the Kingdom? I think so, I believe my service to my fellow believers in preaching, teaching and writing are for the Kingdom, but do others? Is that enough? Should I be doing more? I pray the Spirit will guide me in my efforts for the Kingdom of God. Do I do these things out of love for my fellow believers? I hope it is not because of selfish ambitions. I know it is not. If I were selfish I know I would do nothing. I would hide away, secluded from people just doing my own thing. But, I cannot because I not only love my fellow believers; I love God and must serve him with my whole heart. II must do his bidding, his will for my life. Do others know that about me? Do they thank God for my labor? I wonder if they also remember before God how I stand firm in my faith, how I have endurance in my journey with God. I do not waver in my faith one bit. I stand strong in the face of criticism, and ridicule by non-believers. I am without question inspired by my hope in my Lord Jesus Christ. I know he died for me, and rose and know sits at the right hand of the Father interceding for me. I know God sees me through the blood of Jesus, and my righteousness is in him. No one will ever convince me otherwise. I wonder if my fellow believers thank God for my endurance, my hope, my faith.
I wonder if I am living out my work, my labor, my endurance loud enough for them to notice so they can thank God for me. Should I be louder? Should I be doing more of the same, in a bigger way? I think that would be prideful. I think I should continue to do as I am. I cannot be too quiet especially when I preach or teach. But I must not be prideful about it either. I must serve in humility, knowing this gift is not of me but from God. I am only able to serve because of him. Without him I am nothing. I pray others thank God because of my life for God.

Thanks

DEVOTION
1 THESSALONIANS
THANKS
1 Thess 1:1-3
1:1 Paul, Silas and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.
2 We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers. 3 We continually remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.
NIV
I think I fail at the part about thanking God for all my fellow believers. There are some of them I do thank God for whenever I think about them. Those who I hold a dear feeling toward do cause me to thank my God for their being a part of my life. I know nothing is by accident and my crossing paths and in fact joining upon a portion of the same path with certain individuals has been a part of Gods plan for me. Thanking God for them is a part of my communications with him whenever the Spirit brings them to my thoughts. It is those other fellow believers I think I forget to thank God for. Those who I do not know very well, nor do they know me well. Those who may even avoid me or I them because of some reason I cannot justify. I should be thanking God for them as well, even though they are not a direct part of my life not am I of theirs. Our parts but cross briefly on occasion but only with a head nod, or maybe even a hand shake and an obligatory “good morning” or “how ya doing”. Yet I wonder if it is only those I have a more intimate relationship with who are spoken of here. Those I know well I would know about their faith which produces works, and I would understand their love and how it prompts their labor for God, and I would be able to watch them endure because of being inspired by their hope in Jesus Christ. I would not be able to know all that about every fellow believer, but only those I travel with closely. So maybe I am not failing in this after all, because I do thank my God for these ones. I am grateful to my Lord for bringing them into my life and me into theirs. I know it has been orchestrated by the Spirit for such a purpose of bringing glory to God. So how could I not thank him and mention their names before him, giving him praise for bringing us together.
Thank you Father for those dear friends you have given to me and me to them.

No Wandering

DEVOTION
JAMES
NO WANDERING
James 5:19-20
19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, 20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.
NIV
How would I ever wander from the truth? How could I ever think there would be another way to salvation other than through Jesus Christ? Would this wandering also include doctrines which add to Jesus? Maybe it includes slipping back into the old habits or old ways of thinking. Maybe this wandering includes getting catch up in the ways of the world, thinking of the greatest of humanity. Could this include believing we could save the planet, clean up the environment, go green and all those other humanistic endeavors. God is the only one. He is the creator of all things. He created the earth to exist and provide for all of his creation until he decides to destroy it and that it the truth. I could never stray from that belief. I will not wander off from that truth. Could this wandering also include returning to the same kind of trust in money as the world does? I could not serve both money and God. I either have to believe he will provide, or I will provide, it cannot be both. I am sure I would not wander off in that direction. But want about personal behaviors? What about slipping back into those bad habits? I know I cannot be perfect, never will, I know what sin is and I know it does not please God. I do not think this is speaking of that so much for he knows perfection is impossible for me, and that is why he sent Jesus. I have to believe this refers to getting involved in false doctrines, and beliefs straying from the pure truth if God. I have to believe this is all about men setting up rules and regulations that add to God plan for salvation. Sure they do this under the guise of standards for good Christian living, as God does say much about how I should live as his servant. But I think I should rather get my standard from his word rather than from addition manual or book. No I am going to stick to what I know is the truth of God, listening to his Spirit speak rather than any voice of the world or for that matter many of the voices which claim to speak for God. I do have to ask myself if I think like that why I would ever expect someone to listen to what I have to say. I do know, but I do know I have an obligation to speak his truth and maybe, just maybe I can turn some away from thinking as the world does. I hope and pray the Spirit of God gives me the right words, the right power to be of service to those fellow believers who may have wandered off from the truth. For sure I know one thing, I must also stay close to the truth, no wandering.

Being

DEVOTION
JAMES
BEING
James 5:16-18
16 Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective. 17 Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. 18 Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.
NIV
I think it may not be such a good thing to stand before the entire of body of Christ and fess up to all my wrong doing. Although I have no problem at all with telling the whole of the body I am not a perfect man and that I still struggle with sin. I do not believe a numeration of those acts or responses which qualify as sin is in the best interest of me or the rest of the body. I truly believe this means to another, one member, a true brother in the Lord. I am not sure if the rest of scripture declares this, but I believe men should not confess to women and women should not confess sins to men. Yet, that process of confessing sin to another is by far the best remedy for the illness within. It does bring a healing beyond anything else. Now as to the powerful and effective prayer of a righteous man. I wonder how anyone can be righteous enough to qualify. If Elijah was just like me, then the truly qualification must have been his belief in God. Abraham was considered righteous because he believed God. So because I believe God, because I believe and have accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Savior, I am righteous, because Jesus is my righteousness. Therefore my prayers are powerful and effective. When I ask God for something, not for my own personal gain or glory, but for the benefit of the Kingdom of God, it will be powerful and effective. This example of Elijah shows how his prayer was for the glory of God, not for himself. I surely want God to have all the glory for all he has done for me, in me and through me. I am but a man who still struggles with my humanity, imperfect, flawed, with sin. There is no reason for any glory in that, but God is perfect, without flaw and sin. All my prayers should be based on bringing him glory. Lord what do you want me to do? Lord how can I serve you best? Lord where can I be best used for your kingdom? Lord how can I accomplish your will? Lord give me the wisdom, the power, the strength, the words to be the man you desire me to be, so your glory may shine through me. Empower me to be the salt, the light and the mirror reflecting you in my being.

What More could I Ask For?

DEVOTION
JAMES
WHAT MORE COULD I ASK FOR
James 5:14-15
14 Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. 15 And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven.
NIV
I don’t think I have ever called for the elders of the church to pray over me because I was sick. I did have my wife ask my pastor to pray for me when I had my heart attack. Does that count? God has raised me up so many times. Sometimes I think people get tired of my telling the accounts. Sometimes I think they just don’t believe me either. I believe in anointing with oil. I have anointed others with oil, I have prayed over others asking God to heal them. So why would I not do the same, asking others to anoint me and pray over me? For the most part I do not think those men have as much faith as I do in the Lord for healing. I have been healed so many times right out and up front just because I asked God myself. I did not need anyone to pray over me, God answered without them. In talking with many of my fellow believers, I really don’t think they have ever seen God heal. I don’t think they really have faith either. Is that being judgmental? Maybe so, but I cannot help but think that way because of what they say. God heals, he is his nature. So why are these words here? How do I apply them to my life? Should I not simply ask and believe on own, without the elder? Is this some sort of formula God wants me to follow? Do I have to interact with the elders in order to be healed? I must say no! So why does God want me to call for the elders? Maybe he does not want that from me because he considers me one of the elders. Maybe because of all the times he has healed me, I not only have faith but experience in the healing power of the Lord. My prayer would certainly be offered in faith believing God will heal. Should elders call for elders when they are sick? Am I being too bold thinking of myself as an elder? I don’t know, but I do know God heals, I believe he heals, I have been healed, I have been raised up from near death, twice. Once spiritually, once physically and I have sinned and I have been forgiven. What more could I ask for?

I Love You

DEVOTION
JAMES
I LOVE YOU
James 5:13
13 Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise.
NIV
I am not sure if I have ever been in a situation I would consider trouble or better translated as undergoing hardship. I suppose to in a certain sense when I was lying in the hospital with one foot already in eternity I felt a degree of hardship thinking about my wife having to be alone. But I actually cannot remember a time I would consider my life as undergoing hardship, at least since I have been saved. I had more than share of hardships before that, but I was not inclined to believe pray would do any good as I did not believe in God. I wonder if some time in the future I might have to undergoing some form of hardship. I would most certainly call upon the name of the Lord in that case. I call upon his name every day, every moment of my day. I believe prayer is a consist state of communication with the Lord, always in his presence, always aware of his voice, his direction, his instruction, his word, his correction and his divine influence upon my heart. I cannot understand the need to hide away in some secret place, or setting aside a specific time to pray. As for the second portion of exhortation about being happy or merry or to be joyful, to be of good cheer, of good courage, I believe I am. I sing the praises of my Lord wherever I am and with whoever I am with, especially those friends I have who yet have accepted Jesus. I love to sing praise to me Lord, I love lifting my voice in praise of God. I think it is interesting the actual word used here means to cause to vibrate. I think that includes more than singing songs. I think that includes speaking praises of God. Sharing the love of Christ with my voice, with my words as well as in psalms is all a part of voicing praise. Where would I been if it were not for my Lord? I cannot even fathom. How could I live if it were not for my Lord? I cannot imagine. I am not just joyful; I am overjoyed with his work in for me, in me and through me. I am not just of good cheer, but I am extremely cheerful because of all he has done for me, in me and through me. I am not just of good courage, but am filled to the brim with courage, looking toward what he is still doing for me, in me and through me. I love you Lord!

Honest

DEVOTION
JAMES
HONEST
James 5:12
12 Above all, my brothers, do not swear — not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your "Yes" be yes, and your "No," no, or you will be condemned.
NIV
If telling stories that include fabrications are part of my life, and everyone knows I am a prevaricator, than when I really want them to believe I am being truthful I have to swear I am telling the truth. That is what this is all about. So I must ask myself if I stray from the truth on occasion. I have to be careful with this answer; it would do no good not to be honest with my own self. Maybe this it is even more critical to be honest with self than with others. To be able to admit to myself I have faults and failures is the first step in letting my yes be yes and no be no. If I were to go around telling everyone I do not have any sin, I first would be lying to myself. I think if I were to lie to myself often enough I would begin to believe it as truth. I think that is true in conversations with others as well. I think that is the case in these words. A lifestyle of not being truthful discredits any truth spoken. Sometimes I wonder about some of the illustrations certain preachers use. It appears to me they are so perfect for the sermon, they have to be a fabrication. I am sure I am wrong about that, but I think that does follow this point. The truth must be spoken, A life of truthfulness must be above all else otherwise the truth is diluted when it is spoken. I will make every effort to be as truthful as I possible. Is that a cop out, as possible? Does that leave wiggle room? If my yes is yes and my no is no then I cannot leave any room for maybe. Why would I not be honest? I think to avoid unpleasant situations could be a reason. I think staving off ridicule would be another reason I would be tempted to stray from the truth. I must be careful, diligent at all times, keeping before me the words of my Lord. I would not want his truth to be harmed by any of my non-truth. Honesty is the best policy.

Always Believe

DEVOTION
JAMES
ALWAYS BELIEVE
James 5:10-11
10 Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.
NIV
Truly I cannot think of my life of one of suffering so how does this apply to me? Maybe in some sense I am mistreated by certain non-believers but I dare not think that is suffering. Is being looked down upon because I have no retirement income suffering? Is being thought of being foolish because I trust God for my future suffering? What other form of suffering can I be subject to in this country? Will being a Christian cause me loss somehow in the future? I know I have suffered some because of my own behaviors, but that does not count. This suffering must be because of my faith in Jesus Christ Maybe I suffer in some sense because I do not subscribe to the worldly way of ministry. That if I am to be listened to I have to have the right papers, the title, the education of men, the degree in pastoral studies, or the like. Without all those trappings I have no credibility. I cannot believe God requires all that in order to speak for him or about his truths. Maybe because I look to God for all my provisions instead of looking to myself I am persecuted by my fellow believers in a certain sense. I know I have been told if I don’t provide for my family I am worse than an infidel suffering? I do know I have done the greatest provision for my family. I made sure my family knows Jesus Christ as their personal Lord and Savior. Are the things of this world more important than that? I really do no care what people think of my life except that I am a man of faith. If that is all I am every remembered my life was worth living. I think if I have anything I have perseverance, not because I have it, but because God has blessed me with it. I desire to be known as a man who believes God. No matter what comes my way I will always believe.

Standing Firm

DEVOTION
JAMES
STANDING FIRM
James 5:7-9
7 Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord's coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord's coming is near. 9 Don't grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!
NIV
There are times when I wish Jesus would come right now. Then other times I think of all I still have to do and I hope he will wait until I am done. But in either case he is coming and I actually have no choice but to be patient. I cannot go hide somewhere and simply wait. I have to continue to occupy, to do what he has directed me to do. I certainly have to live in harmony with my brothers and sisters in Christ. I do not think I am one of those grumblers who always finds fault with everyone else. Sure I do see some discrepancies in what people say and how they live, but I am sure I have some as well. I believe the Lord does gift me with discernment. I do sense some of my brothers and sister are far from the truth and I have been called to teach and preach his truths. But I cannot stand in judgment of them, or think of myself as better. Yet, I see so much that is not right in his sight. How can I not bring out the truth and try to assist them in seeing the truth of God? I have to believe they think they are right on with God. I cannot believe they are knowingly opposing God’s truth. I also know I will not be moved from my position no matter what. I will stand firm. I will continue to serve him until the day I step into eternity either through death or rapture. I will never retire from his work for me, how can I? I cannot conceive of ever being too old to do what he desires of me. I will stand firm but in my faith and in my service. I will continue to do what I do unless God has other plans for me. What is life other than in Christ? How can people live without him? No hope, no rest, and even though they do not know it, they will not be in the great harvest of souls unless they come to terms with God. I am convinced beyond a shadow of doubt I am his, and he is mine. I will with patience take my stand, continue to serve my Lord by serving others without judgment but with love.

In God I Trust

DEVOTION
JAMES
IN GOD I TRUST
James 5:1-6
5:1 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. 4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. 6 You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.
NIV
A mouthful to say the least, Again I cannot break this down for it is but one idea, I thought, I fact of condemnation against hoarding money for self pleasure. It is about the temporal vs. the eternal if it is about anything at all. But I dare to ask myself am I among the rich. Surely just being an American qualifies me as rich compared to all the peoples of the world. I have much compared to so many of the truly poor of this world. I am living in luxury compared to so many. Yet I am not convinced this speaks to the any person’s position in the world society. Jesus said we will always have the poor among us. No matter how much any person gives to the poor of the world, it will never be enough, the poor will always exist and they will always be in need. Although I believe I should help when I see a need as directed by God, and that help should be anonymous for God has told me in my giving I should not let my right hand know what my left hand is doing. I think these words speak more to the hoarding of an abundance of money for self use. I believe it speaks to putting my trust in money rather than in God. I do not condemn anyone for being wealthy, thinking just because they have wealth they are condemned. I do believe their wealth will condemn them if they are trusting in that for their financial security. I cannot be like that. True I am not wealthy in that sense. Maybe I could have been had I not been saved and learned the truth of God regarding this issue. When people cheat others for they own personal gain, not being honest or overcharging for their services it slaps God in the face. Maybe when I was in business I undercharged and that cost me financially. Maybe I am just a lousy businessman. Maybe I was never intended to be in business. No God directed my path. I was an am where he has always wanted me to be. I do not trust in anything except him. I could not stand it, I would rip my clothes and put on sackcloth and cover myself with ashes if I thought he was telling me my wealth cries out against me, that I have created those who worked for me in the past. I would repent beyond repenting if I mistreated any who labored in my business. No, I am secure in my heart with God, I have done what he has asked of me. In God I trust.

I Do

DEVOTION
JAMES
I DO
James 4:13-17
13 Now listen, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money." 14 Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. 15 Instead, you ought to say, "If it is the Lord's will, we will live and do this or that." 16 As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. 17 Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn't do it, sins.
NIV
If there is one thing I know for sure, I do not make a move without God. In fact I preach this truth a lot. I think way to many of my brothers and sisters in Christ spent way too much of their life too close to the ways of the world in this matter, talking about their investments, their savings, their stock pile of money for their retirement. I cannot think of anything more bizarre then saying I trust in God, and then storing up money for tomorrow. I think I have coined the phrase “dancing with the Devil”. I simply cannot conceive of praising God with my mouth but giving the devil my money. As long as Satan lines my pockets with Gold everything is alright, is so out of the will of God. I am not opposed to rich people, God can bless whoever he wants with as much as he wants. I am opposed to Christians believing it is alright to store up money for their own personal security. I cannot understand how so many can be so deceived by this style of living. Or maybe I am just so wrong about this. Maybe it is the will of God to save and store money for my later years. What later years? I should have died when I was 57. Only by the grace of God have I had these more years. In fact, it only by the grace of God I have even had any years. I certainly do not desire to be like the rich fool who built bigger barns. I do wonder if I would think any different if I did have a lot of money. I do not think so. The word is so clear on this issue. I certainly cannot boast of how I have invested in some stock or made a killing in the market. I cannot boast about anything other than how God has provided all I have by his own hand, and not by mine. I know I must trust him with all my being. I know I cannot trust myself. The good I ought to do is to give God the credit for everything he has done for me, in me and through me. This I do.

To Judge

DEVOTION
JAMES
TO JUDGE
James 4:11-12
11 Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. 12 There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you — who are you to judge your neighbor?
NIV
It is so easy to fall into this trap of seeing faults in other people while thinking I am ok. How in the world can I ever find fault with someone when I am plagued with so many of my own? When I do see another who is missing the mark, and speak about it, is that judging? What if I just speak to him or her about it and not anyone else? Is that still sitting in judgment of the law? Maybe it is the point of just thinking about their bad behavior is slander. I think I have to speak it and I think I have to speak it against him. I think it is true I should not even think it, for who am I to think about another when I have more than enough faults of my own. But in this case I also should not vocalize in any way regarding my brothers and sisters who are trying to live according to what they think is the right way. Jesus is the only one suitable to judge anybodies actions. I think the real harm in even seeing another’s failures is getting in the mindset of believer I do not have any, or at least I am not like that person, I am better than that. No, I have to always remember my own failures and my own shortcomings. I have to live with an understanding of the inability of all mankind to live completely free of sin. Not one person can ever be perfect including me and so how can I ever sit in judgment of another? I cannot, I must not, I will not. Now does that include things which are not sin, but just dumb or inconsiderate? Can I speak out about that kind of behavior or is that still judging? It not judging the law, just how someone does things which either upset me or I don’t do. I think that is not good either. It only gets me into thinking how good I am, when I am not. I may do things which could cause others to be upset with me or think they are not me, even though they should not. But if I am the cause of someone’s sin, than I must be more careful. I think this is a slippery slope. When I think someone is doing something which they should not, even when it is not sin, I still am judging them, in a sense, but I am also thinking more of myself than I should. I think I have to simply be willing to accept others, for who they are, love them no matter what, forgive them no questions asked or comments given and get so far away from judging them as I can.

Closer

DEVOTION
JAMES
CLOSER
James 4:7-10
7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.
NIV
It always seems these kinds of words are speaking to those who are like that, but are thay also speaking to me? I know the devil is the enemy of my soul and I would not willing submit to him, but I have to God. I have submitting myself to God yet the devil continues to attack my soul with temptations to lure me away from my Lord. The true and only resistance is God. I cannot resist temptation on my own. I must be near God at all times. I think that is what is being said here. As I get close to God at least in a spiritual sense, I am able to resist those temptations and if I do resist consistently the devil with flee. I cannot afford to spent my life next to God and continue to desire the lusts of the flesh, the things of the world, the double-minded life. He has said, and I believe it, I cannot serve two masters, I cannot serve God and money, or the things of the world, or material gain. I cannot put my trust in God and my trust in money for the present or the future at the same time. It is either one or the other but it cannot be both. I know and I live like that. I am not double-minded in regards to this. But am I about anything else? Are there things, material goods I desire more than God or at least along with God? Is there any fame, fortune, or power I seek after while I seek after God? Do I look for recognition from men while I humble myself before him? Do I try to make a name for myself while I praise his name? I truly hope none of that is the case. If by chance or by choice I get sidetracked into that type of thinking I pray the Holy Spirit will slap me up beside my head with that 2x4 he has used before. How can I not humble myself before him? Whenever I start to think I am something, then I remember who he is. How do I compare? How do I stack up against the holy awesome power of God? Zip! Nothing! Not one single bit! I must humble myself before him. If he desires to lift me up so be it, which is because he desires it, not me. What do I have? Who am I? I am nothing without Christ. I need Jesus; I need to be closer to God.

Friend

DEVOTION
JAMES
FRIEND
James 4:4-6
4 You adulterous people, don't you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? 6 But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble."
NIV
I do not think I am a friend of the world. I do not accept the ways of the world, the system by which non-believers govern their lives. I choose to believe God. I choose to believe every word within the Bible is the inspired word of God; He breathed it into the hearts and souls of those men who actually pen the words. He influenced their very thoughts. I cannot accept any contrived system men of the world develop. I live completely totally on faith. I believe Jesus Christ is the Son of God, who can as a man, lived and died on the cross for my sin, and then rose from the grave and ascended into heaven and now sits at the right hand of the Father and that he sent the Holy Spirit to guide me though this life, to inspire me, to seal me for God. Men may come up with all sorts of systems to guide their lives, and be inspired by but they cannot seal themselves for God. They ways are not Gods way. I do not want to travel with them; I desire the path God has laid out for me. If I were the only one on the earth traveling with God, that would be just fine. I do not need men to agree with me. I do not need them to accept the words I say. I know in whom I believe, I have had way too many direct interactions with God to not know who he is and believe he is God. I do not need human fame and fortune and power. I do not need anything except Jesus. I cannot save myself, without him I am doomed to destruction. Nothing, not one single thing in this world can save me from destruction, only Jesus. Sure, it is true I have some things of this world, but that is all they are. Things which have been given to me by God, which affords me some comfort but they bring glory to God. I am careful to credit him for all I have, for all I am, and for all I do. I have nothing without him, I am nothing without him and I can do nothing without him. I think God for what he does for me, in me and through me. What has the world ever done for me, in me and through me? Nothing but trouble, no of that I am no friend, but of God I am his friend.

Give me Jesus

DEVOTION
JAMES
GIVE ME JESUS
James 4:1-3
4:1 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don't they come from your desires that battle within you? 2 You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. 3 When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.
NIV
This is one area I do not think I have any problem with at all. I do not fight and quarrel over material goods with others at all. Do I have some desires for things I do not have? I might think from time to time how it would be to have something I don’t, but I would never get myself into this kind of situation. I am content with what I have because I know God has supplied it for me. If he thought I needed to have more he would see to it I had it. I don’t really ask him for things anyway. Every time I do ask him for something it is what he wants me to do. All I have is from his hand. I am confident I do not ask God for things with the wrong motive. What good would that do? He is not going to provide it anyway. No, I ask for his will, that is the right motive, and he has always gone above and beyond that. He has always provided things for me to accomplish his will. He has given me so much so I could be the man he desires me to be. He has given me work, so I was able to provide for my family. He gave me a house so I could use it for his will. He has given me so much. How could I not give him all the credit and praise for his provisions? I do not want anything God would not allow me to have. It is that simply, yet I have more than I deserve. I have more stuff than I need. True I have too many hobbies, to many things, but He has allowed me to have them. He has always provided for them. Yet they do not take precedent over my desire to serve him through teaching, preaching and writing about his word. This is my first and foremost activity, then serving my family. He has always provided so I may serve them. How could I ever seek things on my own? How could I ever ask for things for my own pleasure? I know he will use what he has given me for his Kingdom, if not today, tomorrow. I am open for whatever he has in store for me. I will go and do whatever he desires, not what I desire. I covet nothing but Jesus. Give me Jesus.

Wisdom

DEVOTION
JAMES
WISDOM
James 3:17-18
17 But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. 18 Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.
NIV
This is the type of wisdom I desire. What good is knowing all about the ways of the world if my soul is doomed to perish? What else other than pure, clean, perfect could the wisdom from heaven be? If I read this correctly not only should I desire this wisdom, but I should have this wisdom because God gives it generously to anyone who asks, as I saw in the very beginning of this letter. So here is how I should be responding to having this wisdom. Not as the world understands wisdom, but as God has and gives. My thoughts must be pure, not tainted by the world. The wisdom I have should be peace-loving or having the effect of lessening conflicts upon people, certainly not adding to or creating conflict. This is a long list of qualities which need much attention. If I have this heavenly wisdom I also should be considerate or others, not demanding my way all the time, or maybe even anytime. That is difficult to say the least, but I do think I may be more like that than I think. I go alone, I serve, I give up my way for the sake of someone else most of the time. But I should all of the time. I should submit to the call of God on my life that is for sure, and in doing that I am submitting myself to the rest of the body of Christ, serving them with the gift God has given to me. I am not too sure about the full of mercy part. That is difficult, but when I think about it, with all my imperfections, who am I not to show mercy to another because of their imperfections. I must be more aware of this. Do I have good fruit? If God has bestowed his wisdom upon me and I am receiving it correctly my fruit, my character, my personality will demonstrate love, joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness and self-control. Am I impartial? I think I can say I am. I do not think I treat anyone better than another. Yes there are some people I have a difficult time enjoying being around, but I do not think I mistreat them. I have to work on my thinking though. I do think I am sincere in the administration of my calling from God. I do not use his wisdom for any personal gain, or for false pretenses. I am sincere about his word to all I speak with. I live my faith and speak with a sincere heart about God, his ways, and his desires for all of us. Sure I joke around, I have corny jokes, but when it comes to God I do not think I could be more sincere. Yet this list still looms large before me. I have to make sure I am always seeking heavenly wisdom and not get sidetracked to the wisdom of this world, which is useless and produces nothing.

From Above

DEVOTION
JAMES
FROM ABOVE
James 3:13-16
13 Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. 14 But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. 15 Such "wisdom" does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. 16 For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.
NIV
Another mouthful of words I cannot separate or break apart for fear of not getting the whole of the truth. I am stuck on the same theme this whole chapter has been dealing with regarding being a teacher of the Word. If I am a true teacher of the Word I should be serving others rather than them serving me. I should be serving them by my good life, being an example to how they should live. Nonspiritual men do great deeds, great humanitarian works of service to their fellow men. Great deeds in the human effort are well done and I applaud them for all they do, but that is not the greatest deed for mankind. I believe it is in bringing Christ into a person’s life. I believe it is in serving my fellow believers by sharing his truths with them. I should be the light of the world, the salt of the earth and a mirror reflecting the image of Christ to all I come in contact with. If I understand the word of God correctly this is how I should be. I cannot allow myself to become like those who use the word of God for personal gain, for fame and fortune, for glory and praise from men. I know in my heart I do not desire such from men. Whenever I preach a good message from the word and men give me a ‘good job’ thumbs up comment, I feel awkward. I feel that way when others applaud the choir for a great song. Why do people feel they must do that? I suppose it is a form of encouragement and maybe I should accept it as such. I do not seek recognition from men, only from God. I am humbled because of how God uses me. I have no skills or talents for the delivery of his word by mouth of by words, yet he uses me to serve others by sharing his truths with them. I cannot think of any greater deed then to expose people to the truth, to assist them in their journey with God, to encourage them, exhort them and yes even some times correct their thinking regarding the truths of God. Is that too prideful? I know without doubt I do not envy or have selfish ambition in my heart. I do not boast about my great wisdom, but only about God. What he has done for me, in me and is doing through me. Am I alright then? I think so. I do not want to have any wisdom from the world or that which is nonspiritual, and of the devil. I only desire the wisdom from above.

Steady

DEVOTION
JAMES
STEADY
James 3:9-12
9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water.
NIV
Once again the story continues about this false teaching, or spreading false doctrine. I see this in the examination of the word curse. Never before have I look into this but it has opened a large door for me. The Greek word translated to curse actually implies to doom men or to invoke evil upon them. The only way I could invoke evil upon someone is to teach them something other than the truth of the Gospel. I could go around praising God well enough, but if I preached or even wrote something which lead people away from the truth of God I would be in fact invoking evil upon them, or causing their doom. Is it any wonder not many should presume to be teachers. God is going to hold me accountable for what I teach far greater than someone who does not teach. Now not for my sin so much for I am in the same boat with everyone else on that matter, but for what I teach. If I teach falsely, I am in large trouble. My life, my faith, my understanding of the truth of God must be evident and match. I cannot live one way and teach another. I cannot live for God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength and teach something else. When I consider this, I truly think I am in line with God’s truth. I believe with all my heart I do not lead people astray from his truth. I believe I am right on with my teachings. If I miss something it is not on purpose for sure. I do not with any intend teach something wrong. I pray I will hear from the Spirit whenever I open my mouth or pen a word regarding the truths of God. I wonder if this also applies to when other men speak about things which are against the truth of God. Should I speak up? By my silence am I endorsing their false beliefs? Is that a form of invoking evil upon them? Does this apply only to other believers or to non-believers as well? I would think simply the believers for there are expressing faith in God, but do not know the truth. They may be in the group who are blow to and fro by every wind of doctrine. These I am obligated by God to share lead to the truth. These I must speak up to. The non-believer is lost for sure and actually believes a false doctrine as well, yet they are not even praising God. Do I have an obligation to lead them to the truth? By my silence am I invoking doom upon them? I think so. Oh God help me! In everything I live and say I must be steady.

Deadly Poison

DEVOTION
JAMES
DEADLY POISON
James 3:7-8
7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.
NIV
What greater deadly poison can there be than a false doctrine? What could possibly be any worse than teaching false truths about God? How evil is it to use the Word of God to improve a person’s own position in life? Surely as I have thought about this speaking about gossip and speaking judgment or criticism regarding another, I do truly think it is all about the teachers and preachers who many should not presume to be. Taming the tongue from spreading falseness in order to gain fame and fortune or power over others can only be the greatest poison known to the spirit. I must be ever watchful of my own tongue for fear of becoming like so many others. Although I doubt I would ever gain any fame. Who am I? I have no great charismatic personality. I have no great looks. I do not have one of those speaking voices which demands attention. I have nothing to offer anyone other than the truth of God as he has revealed it to me and for that matter for me. What God shows me is for my life, I can only share those truths and if they have meaning for those I share with, than praise his Holy name. But I must still be careful not spread anything about his word which is not in his word. I know everyone talks about different interpretations of what the word says and many people can be right, and thus nothing really is that false, it is just a different way of looking at it. Wrong! God has only one way of looking at what he said. He is not a God of multiple choose. I simply or not so simply have to ensure I am not involved in anything other than listening to the Spirit. I do not want to spread deadly poison; I want to spread his truth. Lord, help me to know only you and your truth for my life and for those I have the opportunity and responsibility of sharing it with.

Can Must Will

DEVOTION
JAMES
CAN MUST WILL
James 3:3-6
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. 6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.
NIV
It surely is a far better thing for me to just keep my mouth shut than get myself into a situation described here. I know I have to be guilty of making some kind of comment about somebody of something which qualifies me of for being guilty. Gossip would have to be the mix here as well. Judging or assessing, whichever, must also stand in this column. It is just so easy to forget and get catch up in conversation which leads to me on this path. Why is this? I have to set forth on a new beginning each day not to make one comment which qualifies as negative about anyone. It seems everyone is always talking about someone else rather than about topics of importance which effects life itself. Should I simply say I can’t comment, or should I just keep silent? Should I say that comment is gossip and we should not continue this conversation? Maybe I should just not comment, but then I might be considered rude by not participating in the social exchange. I think not only must I not gossip but I must bring it to the attention of the group that this course of conversation is becoming gossip and it should stop. I also cannot help think this also deals with what I say about what I believe. If I continue to confess false doctrine, not that I ever would, but if I did that talk would bring about corruption to my lifestyle and set the course of my path to destruction and perish. I must be careful to speak the truth of God and only the truth of God. In light of the whole of chapter four I have to believe this speaks to this issue about teachers of the word. False doctrines will bring about a false life. Untruth will bring about corruption. Too many men have already proven that. Too many have corrupted the truth for God with their tongue and it has set the course of their life on fire. I cannot allow that to happen to me. I must obey only the truth of God, preach only his word, his truth, his ways. But again why or how can I be so sure I have the truth? I have examined myself. I do not preach or teach or write for personal gain but only out of obedience to his call on my life. I do not seek fame and fortune, although I must admit a little of both might be nice if God allowed it. Sometimes I don’t really know why I bother. I am not sure anyone listens. Maybe because I am not perfect, I have open faults, and people think I should be perfect, I should practice perfectly all I preach. I should, but I cannot. Yet I can be careful as to what I say, about people and about the truth of God. That I can do, that I must do, that I will do.

Not Many

DEVOTION
JAMES
NOT MANY
James 3:1-2
3:1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check.
NIV
There is doubt there may well be too men who teach or proclaim they know the way to salvation, but are actually unsaved themselves. I am sure James was bringing that though forward due to so many voices with so many false teachings. Not much has changed today, of that I am sure. True I am not a perfect man, and I completely rely on the cross of Christ for my salvation. I serve a risen Savior who now sits at the right hand of God. They are men who teach or preach who are not qualified or called by God to do so and I am concerned about this. I know God has bestowed his truth into my being and called me to teach it. I am not frightened of this warning for I know this judgment is for those who are not called but teach their own brand of salvation rather than Gods. I do not have to be perfect, in fact I cannot be, yet I can teach and preach without fear of condemnation from God because I teach his word without reservation as well as without falsehoods. I absolutely believe what God says. If he did not say it I won’t believe it, nor will I teach it. I know some people ask me how I know I have the real truth or why do I think I am right and so many others including scholars are wrong. My answer is simply because God said so. Does this sound prideful? Why do I think like that? I believe it is true with all my being. I do not want to know what other men think the word says, I want to know what the word says as God spoke it. Sure there are many good men who preach and teach the same truth I do. Many good men have been called by God to preach his truth and are doing well, being blessed by God because they do preach and teach his truth. With these men I will stand but I will oppose all those who pervert the gospel for they own gain. I desire to be among the not many.

Faith and Deeds

DEVOTION
JAMES
FAITH AND DEEDS
James 2:14-3:1

14 What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? 15 Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. 16 If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? 17 In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that — and shudder. 20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend. 24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. NIV
How can I break this down into a smaller amount? I cannot, I must not! It is all in all the same idea, and thus must be dealt with as such. Do I have any works which accompany my faith? Even though he speaks of helping the poor by more than prayer, he offers Abraham and Rahab as examples which are act of service to God. Doing something beyond the human realm such as offering a son to God is action for sure. Although I did not offer my son, I was not angry with God when he thought best to have him rather than I have him. Does that count? I expressed my faith to all. But that was then, what about now, is one act all that matters or is it a life full of action? Is serving my brothers and sisters through preaching, teaching and writing acting out my faith? Must I provide for the poor? Maybe it is doing whatever God asks of me. Maybe that is acting out my faith, whatever it is. Surely some are called to feed the poor; others are called to speak the truth to the rich. If God desires me to do something, if he calls me to some form of action, I believe I have always been ready and willing to act. Sometimes following his calling has caused some short term hardship, but in the end I have always been blessed. Sometimes it seems foolish to others, but I do not care. Is my not having any savings an act of faith? I must solely rely on the graces of God for my daily fare. How much action if enough? I think it is a life of faith, a life of believing, a life of trust, a life of obeying, a life filled to the brim with God which fulfills this idea of faith without deeds is dead.

Mercy

DEVOTION
JAMES
MERCY
James 2:12-13
12 Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, 13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!
NIV
Does this imply being critical of some of my fellow believers? Is a critical spirit lacking mercy? I fear I might have some confessing to do. Mercy allows for all the imperfections in all others who I come in contact with. Heaven knows I have no perfection within my being so why than should I have any course for criticism of any other? I should not, and from this moment I will not. How could I have allowed that kind of thinking into my spirit? Oh right, it was not criticism or judging, it was assessing. It is wrong to simply assess what if obvious? That is just a rationalization of judging. Can I judge as long as I have mercy? I suppose if I judge someone to be acting in a manner that is not Christ-like and show mercy to them it would be alright. How does that work? I cannot turn a blind eye or spirit to the offenses of my brothers and sisters; I would not be much of a shepherd if I did that. Sharing the word of God, I believe is an act of mercy and compassion toward those who have offenses, so they might be reminded of the standard God has set forth. I too need that reminding on a daily basis. To ponder in some portion of His word daily brings about a better me. But is my sharing the word through preaching, teaching, and writing a form of speaking and acting as if I am going to judge by the law? I surely have to make every effort to be the man of God he desires me to be. I must follow my calling from God. Even in these later years of my life, I must continue to demonstrate mercy and compassion for all who fail God because I also fail him even in the administration of my duty. I need his mercy as much as anyone else. So then, judge others condition as I judge mine and be merciful toward them by sharing the truth assisting them in their journey with God. No condemnation because not one of us is any better or worse than the other, I am no better or no worse than any of my fellow believers. Therefore mercy to all for we all need it.