LEARNING DAILY

James 1:19-21, Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. Therefore, put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

One’s walk in faith begins with accepting Jesus Christ as Savior; it continues and grows as the Believer makes Him their Lord and walks consistently with Him on the narrow way into eternity. This walk is one that consistently shows our faith in Jesus Christ through our conversations and actions. Perhaps what James writes about being “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger” is an emphasis that every Believer should observe in their life. Warning: Some might be as uncomfortable reading this as I am writing it.

When reading these verses, I get the feeling James is writing that we might all do better if we listen more than we speak. Do not misunderstand what James is writing though; he is not writing that we should not speak, but we should think about what we are going to say before blurting out words we would like to take back. Would it not be best to hear the entire thought of another before speaking, giving unwanted or wrong advice? Perhaps taking more time to speak is believing God is in control and by taking time to speak, we might better understand and give a proper response. Read what Proverbs 10:19 has to say. “Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible and keep your mouth shut.” (New Living Translation). The thought is a wise person knows when to not talk rather than say something that might be regretted. I know you have heard someone say they “had to bite their tongue” to keep from speaking.

Yes, our mouths get us into trouble! I know that I learn a lot when I listen – which some of you might find hard to believe. Those who like to talk are hard to teach; they seem to know everything and want everyone else know it. There is another old saying that applies here: “It is better to remain silent and thought to be a fool, than to open one’s mouth and remove all doubt. The idea is to hear the entire thought of another before speaking. Maybe even take a moment to think about a response or what needs to be said before talking. Good listening is active and is important in engaging affective communication.

When one is slow to listen and quick to speak, it might be because the individual desires to speak so he/she gets their own way. It might be a control issue and when he/she feels control is being lost. The result is anger. Again, this is not a command to never get angry. The thought is to control our anger and not let it control you. Speaking from experience, anger does not work! Oh, it might be effective in getting our own way, but it does not contribute anything to the righteousness of God! Anger may cause one to get their own way, but it can come at a high price to the one who cannot control himself.  

“Therefore” James writes Believers, those who trust God, are to do something. They are to “put away” sin. This is a choice each day. It means choosing to do good instead of evil. It means taking the time to listen before we speak, taking control of our speaking. It means choosing to serve God instead of ourselves and watching what we say so our words do not come out in anger.

What better way to show those around us the love of Christ than “being quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger!”

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 1:17, Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.

God is the Author of everything that is good! Believers must not allow the situations they face cause them to blame God or be tricked into turning away from Him. James has said that God is not the cause of sin or of suffering. Consider all the good things you have. “Don’t be deceived” anything and everything good comes from God. He does not change from being a good God when trials begin. He is still good when bad things come.

“Every good gift and every perfect gift” speak of God’s blessings. What He gives to Believers is not just good; its perfect. He gives to Believers in abundance from His storehouse; from this storehouse comes not only material blessings but spiritual blessings that are to be shared with others. How often Believers forget that they are blessed so God can bless others through them. Proverbs 11:25, “Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered.”

“Coming down from the Father of lights” refers to the purity of the gifts that God gives. God is the Creator of light. This symbolizes that God does not turn His back when trials come. “Don’t be deceived” about the purity and the love of God, “with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” For Believers God’s faithfulness and dependability gives them a firm foundation to hold on to in their faith. Malachi 3:6, “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” Hebrews 13:8, “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” The Lord Jesus Christ is consistent; He does not change.

That is important to me to know in a world that is changing so rapidly. It is a reminder that God has everything in control and all that is happening is bringing eternal truths in clear focus. What is being seen in the world around us has to happen, reminding Believers that Jesus is coming for His Church and His return to establish His kingdom is near.

It is good to reflect on what James is writing. It is a reminder that God is faithful and good in every season of life. Be thankful and trust in His unchanging nature, remembering “every good gift and every perfect gift is from above.” Every Believer should acknowledge this, be thankful for, and find comfort in knowing God’s love never changes!

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 1:16, Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers.

There is that warning again – “Do not be deceived.” It is speaking to Believers warning them not to get off the narrow way, to not go in a direction that is contrary to God’s will, to go outside of His plan. What was James writing to warn Believers?

Since he has been writing about trials faced by Believers and the devil enticing and trying to lure them away from walking in the truth, James is writing to not be deceived by sin. Do you remember that at the beginning of his letter, James said “to count it all joy when trials come” or do not dwell on how bad situation(s) are when facing difficulty. Now he is writing for Believers to be careful about the good things that come their direction. The truth is sin deceives many. The last verse in Judges speaks of people having no king and because of that they did what was right in their own eyes. It comes as no surprise that people today do what they want because they believe there are no absolutes. “I see it and it seems good to me, so I am going to do it!” “It feels good to me, so no one can tell me I cannot do what I want!” And James writes, “Do not be deceived!” Each person is responsible for their own sin. Thankfully, Jesus Christ took the penalty for the Believer. Knowing that is not a license to do as one wants; it is a responsibility to walk the narrow way in obedience and confession when one sins.

There is the belief by many who believe that telling someone their morality or lifestyle is wrong is intolerant. Those who believe they can live and act as they want follow absolute relativism or moral absolutism. Moral absolutism is the belief that truth is based on culture, one’s situation, or one’s feelings. The Believer’s belief for living their lives is based on God as the ultimate source of right and wrong, good and evil, on what God says in His Word. God never changes; He is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow. Therefore, morality never changes either.

It is important to know that God’s ideas of moral behavior do not change. Changing culture, changing situations or times do not change moral standards. Because I believe in God’s moral standards, I will probably be labeled as intolerant, and I should tolerate all behavior and all views. I am not going to tolerate evil any longer. Tolerating all views and behavior has gotten this country into the terrible situations being faced with today. I guess I could also throw out the thought that those who say I am intolerant are intolerant of my views. Right!? The insistence of tolerating all views is the Biblical view that people should always treat others with kindness. But that is absolutism again!

“Do not be deceived!” Do not allow your desires to cloud your judgement and lead you to stray from the narrow way. James is writing to Believers. Stay connected to God and His teachings, stand firm when tempted, and make choices based on the word of God – the entire Word not just something you can twist to meet your desires. Live each day in the light of God’s Word and His will.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Acts 2:42-43, And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles.

“And they.” Pastor Jonathon Moore, Lead Pastor of NorthRock Church, emphasized that the early Church was “united.” The Church is the people together. They gathered together. They worshipped together. They met in each other’s homes. They were taught the Word of God by the Apostles Jesus had trained, and they prayed. As a result, God added to their number. “It’s a picture of the Church doing all the right things; God begins to work through them, and the Church grows.” (JM).

The early Church must have been a unique time as new Believers joined the others to hear, learn and share the teachings of the Apostles. It was a time of spiritual awakening with Believers hungry to hear, to gain an understanding of Jesus’s teachings. Both Community Bible Church and NorthRock Church stress the importance of building “community” by being in small groups to build relationships and support in growing one’s faith.

Pastor Moore stressed “the need for each Believer to grow, to live by faith each day.” May I also stress that this growing in the faith never stops. A Believer does what God’s Word says, and God’s favor comes. As the Believer walks the narrow way each day, being obedient to what the Word of God says, growth comes. Yes, that means even during the trials, the Believer knows that God is with him/her.

Romans 6:13, “Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.” Pastor Moore encouraged Believers to “Go all in. Give all of yourself to God. Obey in every area of your life. Jesus came to give us abundant life, not to just get by. Be obedient!” Notice the command in this verse. Believers are to have control over what they do with their own bodies. They are not to be instruments of sin.

Galatians 5:16, “But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the flesh.” Pastor Moore defined “walk” as “a continuous, regular action, a habitual way of life.” Each of us choose what we want to believe which is reflected in the way we walk. The world would have us believe we can live, think, and do whatever we want and still be in a right relationship with Jesus. But the Word of God is clear that Believers are to live, think, and do as God directs in His Word. That’s why Believers are to be in His Word daily and to pray!

Exodus 6:6-7 (take time to look it up and read it), writes of when God set His people free from their slavery in Egypt and took them from there. It expresses what Jesus had done for every Believer. He set us free from the bondage of sin. The challenge to walk forward in this new life and not yield and return to those old ways that bound us. Jesus did not set us free to live life the way we want to. When Jesus frees the Believer, He wants to redeem or change him/her; He wants those unhealthy, sinful habits to be replaced with healthy habits. Healthy habits are those ways of living for Him on the narrow way. For Him to change you, part of the process is to be honest with yourself and desire to change. Spend time with Him every day through prayer and being in His Word. It is the only way to know His will and to desire for Him to change you.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Ephesians 1:11, In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of Him who works all things according to the counsel of His will,

Because of what Jesus Christ did at the cross of Calvary, He is the source of what all Believers inherit when they place their faith “in Him.” Pastor Ed Newton stated, “You bring nothing into the relationship [with Jesus Christ]; but you gain everything!” In Hebrews 1:2 the author tells us “God has appointed His Son as the heir of all things.” The world has been given to Jesus Christ in its entirety. Colossians 1:15 states this about Jesus Christ, “He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” Jesus told Philip in John 14:9, “Whoever has seen Me has seen the Father.” These verses are to be read to see that because Jesus is the heir to all things, the image of God, He is the Believer’s source of their inheritance (EN).

Pastor Newton mentioned the devil’s temptations of Jesus. One of the temptations was the devil’s offer to give the world to Jesus if He would just bow down and worship him. It was an attempt to get Jesus to forego the prophetic plan for Him and claim His throne without first addressing the world’s sins. Jesus responded by” telling the devil to get behind Him; He already “owned” the world, had created it, and had not come for land. He had come for souls, to set them free” (EN). Because of that Romans 8:16-17 is a promise you can claim because you are a child of God. “The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ.”

This inheritance is already yours – “having been predestined according to the purpose of Him!” It is important to understand that when Believers walk the narrow way on earth, “they can enjoy their inheritance now. Jesus said He came to give life and give it in abundance to those who follow Him. The Holy Spirit gives to the Believer what the world cannot give (EN). Pastor gave examples of what we have as Believers – God’s love, the Fruit of the Spirit, freedom over death, His provision, His protection, and His power. Romans 14:17 supports this, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.”

Believers look forward to receiving an inheritance in heaven as well. Revelation 21:3-4, “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, ‘Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away.’" The Believer’s inheritance is eternal life with God! Walking and talking with Jesus! A glorified body, no more pain, no more wars or rumors of wars. No more sickness or death or sorrow! “[Believers] need to start living in the inheritance Jesus gives us and stop living in spiritual poverty!” (EN).

The Believer’s inheritance was purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ; it is not based on performance and does not stop when one messes up. Through the blood of Jesus, the Believer has been set free from being a slave to sin and has become a joint heir with Jesus. (EN).

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 1:13-15, Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

My two sons-in-law enjoy fishing. That means I tagged along and learned a little about the great sport of trying to “lure” or “entice” a great redfish to attack the bait I put on a hook so I could reel it in. I would give a short jerk on the line to get the shrimp used as bait to look as yummy as I could for any redfish (but usually a hardhead) to be so tempted that it would open its mouth and take the bait which resulted in getting hooked. It was all deception to try to catch that big red so it could become a meal.

Does the analogy make sense? When one “is lured and enticed by his/her own desire,” he/she is deceived in the heart by some outside deception just like the redfish seeing what it desired to eat. The temptation to sin always comes from within us. To continue the fishing analogy, all people are deceived by the world’s attempts to make something, or someone, or the next fad or opportunity look so inviting that one cannot resist taking the bait and getting hooked. Many years ago, I was convinced (maybe several times) that a multilevel marketing concept was the way to earn extra money. Nope! I allowed myself to be deceived several times because of what I thought was an easy way to make money.

Have you noticed how easy sin looks, how beautiful sin looks, how sin attempts to satisfy one’s wants, and how it carefully twists our heart away from God? Remember the Garden of Eden where Eve looked at the fruit and saw that it was pleasant to her eyes? John wrote about the lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh, and the pride of life (1 John 2:16) as ways the devil deceives and tempts all of us. All Eve needed was the suggestions the devil made for her to disobey God and pick the fruit and eat it. Like Eve, every Believer knows the difference between right and wrong, good and evil, righteousness and unrighteousness. We are tempted when we put ourselves in the wrong place, looking at the wrong things, and in circumstances that have deceived us in the past.

James warns Believers of the consequences of giving into our desires. Sin leads those who follow where they should not go, should not do; sin leads one to defeat and ultimately death. “Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” (v. 15). When one says yes to the desire, he/she wants to do, instead of trusting God and being obedient to Him, sin is the result. There is never any good that results when sin is in our lives. Paul wrote, “The wages of sin is death.” (Romans 6:23). Death means separation from God. Not too many people consider the problems sin can cause in their life – for Adam and Eve it meant to be taken out of the Garden plus other things.

The only real way to deal with this idea of temptation is to walk with God in such a way that He removes the desires. He must change our desires and give us a new nature. That happens when we give Him our old nature and trust Him with the new nature He gives. When you sin, remember 1 John 1:9 and confess it, asking Him to forgive it as He promised to do when He took your place on Calvary’s cross. Stay away from the things that you know will tempt you. Stay in God’s word and use it when tempted as Jesus did when He was tempted by the devil. Walk the narrow way; do not look to the left or to the right! Do not forget to pray, “pray without ceasing.” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18).

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 1:13-14, Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.

Not one person is immune to temptation. It began in the Garden of Eden with Adam and Eve. When confronted by the Lord, Adam blamed Eve and Eve blamed the devil. Each of us is still faced with temptation – every day! Today, however, the world system has created a philosophy where nothing is right or wrong and how the issues we face are addressed have no accountability. I wonder if the ability to recognize and identify evil has come. Isaiah 5:20, “What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter.” (NLT). I think it is safe to say this prophecy has come to pass.

The times we live in today are like the times of James. Society promotes life without moral absolutes. The struggles faced today are given as opportunities to trust God more; they can also be used as excuses to stop trusting Him and place faith in something else or place the blame for our actions on someone or something else. Only a few minutes listening to the news will give you the knowledge that there are no moral restraints on words spoken, actions taken, or even relationships. There are those who have bragged about their life without moral restraint – professional athletes, politicians, businessmen and women, and even Christian leaders.

No one can try to explain their sinful behavior as something God did, like make them the way they are. God cannot sin; therefore, He cannot tempt anyone with sin. He cannot do anything that will tempt Believers to walk in a way contrary to His will. He desires Believers to walk closer with Him not in a way that moves away from Him. Go back and read this entire passage written by James. Do you notice anything or anyone not mentioned? James never mentions the devil. Even in the Garden of Eden the devil simply gives Eve the idea to question what God said, and she took it from there.

James writes (verse 14) that temptation comes from our own desires! What does it mean for one to be “tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire?” There are a lot of desires that are good; the problem comes when a person tries to satisfy those desires outside of the boundary of God’s will. For example, eating is a good desire until it becomes eating to excess. One might want to eat, until he/she cannot eat anymore. There is at times the desire to do what one knows is sin is really tempting. When saved a person is set free from slavery to sin, but that does not mean the desire to sin is lost.

This entire thing is a personal sin.  James writes “each person” is enticed or drawn away. What causes one to be tempted may not be the same thing as temptation for another. Each Believer is responsible for their “own desires.” Don’t blame God, the devil, or circumstances. Stay away from those things that cause you to be tempted. Stay out of the places that cause you to be tempted. Get the idea? If there is no evil desire in one’s heart, there is no temptation to sin.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Ephesians 1:22-23, And He put all things under His feet and gave Him as head over all things to the church, which is His body, the fullness of Him who fills all in all.

Pastor Jonathon Moore of NorthRock Church discussed the importance of the Church being a praying Church. He made a statement about the Church being plural and not singular because all Believers make up the Church of Jesus Christ. I do want to make sure it is understood that the Church (capital C) is made up of those who have professed their salvation comes through Jesus and the cross of Calvary; it is not a denomination or those who may attend a church but have not professed Jesus Christ as their Savior and Lord. Pastor Moore also stated in his opening remarks, “God’s plan for the Church is to pass on God’s truth to the next generation.

In Acts 12, King Herod has killed James, the brother of John and has imprisoned Peter. Verse 5 tells us, “Peter was therefore kept in prison, but constant prayer was offered to God for him by the Church.” The followers of Jesus Christ had started meeting together (see Acts 2: 38-47) and were in “constant prayer” for Peter’s situation. “In Acts 1, the Church was birthed in prayer and sustained in prayer.” (JM). Pastor read many verses that showed each act of the Apostles was done after they had prayed. “There is no Church if prayer is taken out of the book of Acts. If the [Believer] does not pray, God will not triumph in [his/her] life. What would happen if you would commit to prayer? You are going to heaven because you are saved! Heaven comes to you and miracles happen because you pray.” (JM).

Pastor then gave four keys to powerful prayer. First, pray in the name of Jesus. John 14:13-14, “Whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If you ask me anything in my name, I will do it.” “There is power in the name of Jesus; when you call on His name, things happen!” (JM). When you pray in the name of Jesus, you are praying with confidence in the finished work of Jesus on the cross. I remember seeing something that said, “If Jesus said it, I believe it.” That has fit ever since. He gave all authority and power to the Believe because of His finished work on the cross.

Secondly, pray using a divine conjunction. Do you remember reading the highlighted word in Acts 12:5? I pray often not knowing what to do, “but” God knows exactly what, how, where, and when. In Luke 22 Jesus told Peter he would deny Him three times. “But I have prayed for you, that your faith should not fail.” (v. 32).

Third, pray with full confidence. Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” Because Jesus is our High Priest we are able to come before Him without fear of being turned away from Him; no Believer needs to hide anything or omit anything from their prayers. When Jesus Christ became your Savior and Lord, He gave access to the Father. When Jesus died, the veil was torn in two, top to bottom. That meant that now all who would believe in God’s son would have that access to the Father – there was no longer any need for anyone else to go behind the veil for them. Accept the help God gives you. Pray for His help first and then go with the confidence that He is with you.

The fourth key to powerful prayer is to pray the Word of God. “It is hard to be wrong when you are saying the words God has already given [in His Written Word]. Proclaim His promises over the need(s) you have. Prayer is verbalized faith and you need to hear God’s promises declared over yourself and others.” (JM). Joshua 1:8, “This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” “Faith is built when we declare what God has already said. Hiding God’s Word in our heart begins by speaking it; the more we speak it, pray it, the more prosperous and successful we will be.” (JM).

 

LEARNING DAILY

Ephesians 1:9-10, Making known to us the mystery of His will, according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ, as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and things on earth in Him.

My wife and I enjoy putting puzzles together. The smaller (300 – 500) puzzles are fun, the 1,000-piece puzzles are more challenging, but the 1,500 – 2,000 have become really fun. Pastor Ed Newton used puzzles as an illustration regarding the “mystery of His will” He talked about those great men of God written about in the Old Testament had glimpses of God’s plan (pieces of the puzzle) regarding a Messiah to be sent and about God’s plan for eternity; but they were unable to see the full picture (the completed puzzle) of what was to come. The advantage people have with the New Testament is to be able to see the whole picture – the completed puzzle. As Believers read the New Testament, they can see how all the pieces fit together instead of seeing only a few pieces and wondering how they fit.

When Jesus came to walk on the earth, He opened the eyes of those who came to follow Him. Colossians 1:27, “To them God chose to make known how great among the Gentiles are the riches of the glory of this mystery, which is Christ in you, the hope of glory.” This mystery was for the Jewish people first and then for the Gentiles. The glory of this mystery is that Jesus came to live in those who would believe and be changed by Him; with Christ in you, you can be confident of eternity with Christ in heaven.  The Believer’s heart is changed because Christ lives in them. Ezekiel 36:26, “And I will give you a new heart, and a new spirit I will put within you. And I will remove the heart of stone from your flesh and give you a heart of flesh.” This is not only a promise to change our actions and behavior but a promise to give Believers a new heart and spirit, a change to righteousness and desire to be in His will. (Verses from the Listener Guide).

When Jesus changes us and we can see the entire picture (“according to His purpose, which He set forth in Christ”), Believers find purpose in their lives. What is their purpose? Pastor Newton said the mission of Jesus is found in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost." Jesus was sent to take the place of all who would place their faith in His sacrifice for their sins; their mission would them be to “go and make disciples, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).  “You did not find Jesus; He found you!” (EN).

As a Believer, you are living in “Divine Moment” (Listener Guide). God’s timing is perfect. He sent His Son at the right time in history (Galatians 4:4). He is going to have His son return to establish His kingdom on earth at just the right time. “It could happen at any time, at any moment.” (EN). As believers, we need to not only be ready for the trumpet to sound to be taken to meet King Jesus in the clouds, and we must be ready to share our story about what Jesus Christ did to save and change us. We have been given authority on earth to proclaim the Good News (the BEST NEWS EVER) (Matthew 18:18) and to set others free from the bondage of sin through Jesus Christ (Luke 4:18).  Pastor Newton emphasized that this is not about getting God to do our will but about each believer doing God’s will.

We best be about doing the work the Father has for each of us to do!

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 1:12, Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.

James wrote to tell Believers to count the trials they go through as “all joy.” You have heard that you can’t see the forest because of the trees (well some of you have heard this). It deals with losing sight of the big picture when you are going through trials. James is reminding Believers that their faith grows when tested by the trials; they are profitable to the Believer as he/she walks the narrow way. It is interesting that trials bring all to the same level, the same need. They come to the poor and the rich. The one who lives in the mansion as well as the one who lives in a tent, to the leader and to the follower. The difference comes in who one turns to! For the Believer the choice to continue following Jesus Christ brings His blessings.

The enemy wants a person to turn their trials into stumbling blocks, perhaps to even blame God and walk away from Him. This happens when one’s faith is not built on the Word of God or when the cares of the world become too much and they just give up what walk they have with God (Parable of the Sower). “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial.” Other translations say “endure” to indicate staying in God’s guidance. Blessed means more than just happy here; it speaks of one that is highly favored with God’s grace. It is that inner joy Believers have when they walk with Jesus that is not disturbed by the outward circumstances being faced because their trust and faith is centered in the promises of Jesus Christ.

When one “has stood the test” or preservers the testing, he/she stands with courage that comes knowing Jesus Christ has promised to walk through it with him/her. Look closely and see James is not saying one is blessed when experiencing the trial. It is persevering through it that brings the blessing. Revelation 2:10, “Do not fear what you are about to suffer. Behold, the devil is about to throw some of you into prison, that you may be tested, and for ten days you will have tribulation. Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” Trials come. Be faithful “even until death” and reap the reward of eternal life for enduring the test!

“The crown of life.” Do not misunderstand – your salvation does not depend on works nor your faithfulness. Eternal life for the true Believer was completed the moment you accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior.  The crown of life is an extraordinary blessing here and now, or when we enter Heaven, or both. God gives a greater blessing to those who trust Him and continue to walk with Him when tough times come. Whatever this exactly means, Believers can be assured that God is with them, giving His strength, character, endurance, and His grace to help us receive the crown He gives.

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 1:5-6, If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.

What do you do when you don’t know what to do. Trials and testing can bring us to the point that people turn to all sorts of people, gimmicks, self-help, -- everything but God and prayer. James writes, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” The trials that come are so we, “may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (v. 4). That means spiritual maturity. With this, Believers should pray and ask for wisdom to face the situation and not turn to other people or stuff first.

There is a difference between wisdom and knowledge. Knowledge is the accumulation of facts. For example, I googled to see how fast knowledge was increasing in today’s world; I found, “Human knowledge is increasing rapidly, with estimates suggesting that it is doubling every 13 months. However, due to advancements in technology and the internet, it is projected that knowledge could soon double every 12 hours. Specifically, scientific knowledge has been reported to double every nine years.” If this is so, try to understand what this means. Daniel 12:4 said the increase in knowledge was a sign of the end of times.

With all the education in this world, knowledge has not made the world a better place. Let’s be honest and put our educated and sophisticated world into proper perspective. Our world is dark and evil, growing worse daily. Murder is rampant. Families are broken. Homelessness is a problem and causing untold problems in cities around the world. Suicide continues to grow. Immorality is evidenced even in the Christian community.

Wisdom is lacking! James wrote the answer to gaining wisdom was to ask God for it. Wisdom is the ability to apply facts that one has, using heavenly guidance to apply to one’s situation. You cannot lose perspective when facing trials; you need God’s wisdom and direction. Read also what James wrote happens when God is asked for wisdom – He gives it generously to all who ask! Wisdom is a gift God gives to those who ask. So, ask. Do not let anything keep you from asking Him. Do it first, before seeking wisdom anywhere else. Proverbs 118:8, “It is better to trust in the Lord than to put confidence in man.”

When you ask, “ask in faith, with no doubting.” God wants Believers to trust Him and He is ready to reward them when they do; that comes with asking Him for wisdom when trials come. But that promise comes with a condition – ask without doubting. That means coming to Him convinced that He is the One true source of wisdom and that wisdom can be trusted. A person who asks Him but doubts God or that He is not willing to give His wisdom is probably not going to receive anything.

We serve a God who cares for us and wants to fill us with His guidance, His wisdom when trials come. During those times our greatest need is to know how to deal with these issues. God wants Believers to place their trust in Him and ask for His wisdom. It is putting faith into practice; the result - He gives liberally!

 

 

 

LEARNING DAILY

1Kings 19:9, There he came to a cave and lodged in it. And behold, the word of the Lord came to him, and he said to him, "What are you doing here, Elijah?"

After Elijah ran and wanted to die, an angel ministered to him, giving him food, drink, and rest. Then the angel led Elijah to mount Horeb where he went into a cave. It was there that God asked, "What are you doing here, Elijah?" In the next verse is Elijah answered, “I have been very jealous for the Lord, the God of hosts. For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword, and I, even I only, am left, and they seek my life, to take it away." “He did what discouraged people do; he selectively – and inaccurately – reported the facts, magnifying the problem and minimizing the good. In this case he underestimated the strength of God and overestimated the strength of the enemy” (David Jeremiah Study Bible).

 I have been taking some time to try to help us understand the difficulties of “counting it all joy” when trial comes as James instructed in his gospel. One of the reasons Believers do not do this is because they forget what God has done for them when difficulties came in the past. My dad had a sign on the wall where he worked that said, “You can’t win today’s games with yesterdays hits.” Yesterday’s victories will not be enough for what you must go through today! Can you hear the fear of being alone and the fear that people (Jezebel and Ahab) wanted him dead?

If you look at this story, Elijah had just spent hours confronting the prophets of Baal, had confronted Jezebel, and then ran from her to Beersheba. I Googled the distance between Mount Carmel and Beersheba to find that it is 113 miles (4 hrs.3 min. in heavy traffic); Scripture states he went a day’s journey from there to sit under a tree. He rested and then was led by an angel to Mount Horeb – another 40 days and nights away. He was exhausted! All he could think was all the other prophets had been killed and he was next. When we go through trials that leave us exhausted it is difficult to think clearly and the pity party can occur. His discouragement and poor thinking led to thinking about wanting to die.

Does any of this sound familiar to your story? Have you ever been so tired of facing a trial that you just wanted to give up? The angel of the Lord made sure Elijah had rest and some meals to sustain his trip (v. 5, 7) and that no doubt helped. It is here that God asked Elijah twice, “What are you doing here?” (v. 9, 13). What happened between the two questions is significant. God’s question was not to get an answer He already knew. No, it seems to me this question was to get Elijah to examine his heart and the motives for what he was doing. Was God telling Elijah to confront his fear(s) and to get back to doing what God had called Him to do? Do you remember reading where God asked Adam and Eve where they were when they were hiding? Do you remember when Saul (Paul) was asked why he was persecuting the Lord? These questions can be asked to remind us of our purpose in following Jesus and get us back on track when tired, hungry, discouraged, and feeling like we have not been successful in serving God.

It was between the two questions that Elijah heard that still small voice; it did not occur in the chaos of one’s work or in the busyness of family activity. It was when he was quiet and listening attentively for the voice of God, seeking His direction and guidance that God came to him. Every Believer needs to find time to be alone and to be listening for God’s guidance and reassurance that He is with you. Allow God to speak to you through His Written Word, through His “still small voice,” or through another Believer.

Will you find the quiet time to truly listen for God’s voice when the trials come?

 

LEARNING DAILY

Proverbs 22:6, Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

There was a panel of three individuals that discussed the importance of raising a child with the right values and the right perspectives; they will last a lifetime. Yes, this discussion came because of a new school year approaching and prayer that was given over those (of all ages) going back to school, including teachers, coaches, administrators, and school staff. It gave me time to reflect on the importance of godly influences on children, both in the home and while attending school.

I wish this proverb was a guarantee that those children raised in a godly home environment would never depart from it. A proverb is not a promise! Parenting is done the best way Mom and Dad know how; each person is responsible before God for their actions. This proverb does provide something to fall back on for the child that chooses to follow a crooked way who finally comes to their senses. Did anyone think about the teaching of the prodigal son?

I have had several conversations lately about parenting. What could have been done differently? What should have been done differently? What is the real role of the grandparent (besides spoiling the grandkids as much as possible)? With the beginning of school, I have reflected on my role as a teacher, as a coach, and as an administrator. I think the best any believing parent, grandparent, and educator can do is their best to direct the steps of those given to their care to Jesus and model what it looks like to follow Him as they walk the narrow way. It seems to be a good way (maybe the only way) to help persuade a child to come to believe in the Lord and desire to follow Him. If it does not, it should at least give experiences that might convict that stubborn heart later.

As I reflect on 49 years in the workforce – all included some form of teaching – I remember a lot of people I had the opportunity to influence for the Lord. Some of you who receive this blog are family, former colleagues, and former students; I am thankful for the times we shared God’s Word and your testimony. I am so proud of those in my family and those friends and students who are faithful in following Jesus and using the talents God has given you. There are many I just do not know what has happened with their walk with Jesus; there are those I have heard have just walked away. It is my prayer that the training you have received will convict you and break down that stubborn heart so you decide to follow Jesus in the way He desires.

I want to encourage every Believer who reads this to be God’s Word each day, growing in prayer to be the best example of Jesus Christ that you can be. Others are watching. It may be in your home, in school, or in the workplace. They are watching to see if what you profess is real or not. Your influence may be what it takes to influence another to want to know Jesus or not. Your walk may be just the encouragement another needs to face another day. God gives opportunities for each Believer to do just that each day!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Ephesians 1:7-8, In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, which He lavished upon us, in all wisdom and insight.

Sometimes it is good for those who have walked with the Lord for a long time to be reminded just what the Lord Jesus Christ did for them when He put on sandals and walked  this earth. It is good to be reminded that without Him doing so, without Him suffering and taking their place on a cross, there would be no possible way to be good enough to enter His kingdom and spend eternity with Him. That reminder is what Pastor Ed Newton did this past weekend.

Because of Adam’s sin, the sin nature was passed on to every person at their birth. Sin is to “miss the mark,” it is rebellion against God. It required One who was without sin to die in the place of the sinner, much like animals were offered as a sacrifice for the sins of those in the Old Testament. It would take One without sin, born of a virgin to redeem those who would accept Him; only Jesus would fulfill this requirement, the only perfect, sinless person. “His resurrection would verify that His sacrifice had been accepted by God. Jesus Christ is our Redeemer because we cannot fix ourselves” (EN). Romans 6:23, “For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Heaven is a holy place and no one can get there on their own merit, by being good. Our sinfulness without Jesus results in death – eternal separation from God. Romans 5:1, “Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Our sinfulness requires justice and that came when God, the Father sent His Son to take the place every sinner who professes their belief in His Son and what He did at the cross of Calvary.  Accepting what Jesus did is the only way anyone can be justified which means being declared righteous and to escape God’s judgment on our sins. Because of the belief in what Jesus did for us, God now looks at each Believer as sinless.

Pastor Newton went on to remind us that because of what Jesus did for us, “We have been pardoned from every trespass. Past, present, future sins have been forgiven. Yes, you continue to sin. Yes, you must acknowledge them when you sin and ask for forgiveness. Yes, you have been forgiven and this forgiveness is not a license to sin. It is a good reminder! The work of Jesus on Calvary’s cross settled the issue of sin forever (Listener Guide). Pastor defined this forgiveness as “expunged” meaning it is as if the sin never happened.” Colossians 1:13-14, “He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” Placing one’s faith in Jesus’ salvation delivers us from darkness and sin and transfers us into the kingdom of God. Walking the narrow way now is part of the process of walking with Jesus in godliness. Romans 6:14, “For sin will have no dominion over you, since you are not under law but under grace.” As a Believer walking the narrow way, you walk in victory because you walk with Jesus. Hebrews 10:17, “I will remember their sins and their lawless deeds no more." As a Believer you are free from guilt/shame. Guilt means, “I did wrong” and asking for forgiveness. Shame means, “I am a mistake” and holding on to the devil’s accusations – shame is not of God. (EN)

Romans 12:2, “Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” God provides wisdom and guidance as Believers stay in His Word. God’s Word teaches Believers how to respond to His mercy and grace and to no longer be conformed to the world, fulfilling the “lust of the eyes, lust of the flesh, and the pride of life.” You renew your mind by being in God’s Word; to look differently at your purpose in this life.

 

LEARNING DAILY

1 Kings 19:4, Then he went on alone into the wilderness, traveling all day. He sat down under a solitary broom tree and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life, for I am no better than my ancestors who have already died.' (New Living Translation)

The prophet, Elijah, gives us an example of one-way people can handle discouragements, exhaustion, and even grief when facing trials. He prayed that God would remove him from his prophetic role in Israel and take him to his heavenly rest. Paul said the same thing in Philippians 1:23 when he had a desire to be taken to heaven to be with Christ. This reaction is the opposite of calling trials in our life joy. When Believers do not know how to deal with the “stress” of their situations, trials can become harmful to their spiritual, physical, and mental well-being.

Elijah ran away from God’s plan. He “ran into the wilderness, and came and sat down under a juniper tree” (verse 3). “Elijah did not want to die; he was just despondent and in need of rest and sustenance.” (David Jeremiah Study Bible). He had just defeated the prophets of Baal, a drought ending rain had come, and now Jezebel wanted to kill him; the expectation that Israel (and even Jezebel) might be converted did not happen. For the moment he forgot all that God had done and ran in fear, found the juniper tree to sit under in defeat and self-pity. I wonder if anyone else besides me recognizes themselves in this story. I am thankful God does not answer all my prayers!

Jesus knew stress as well. In Luke 22:28 He said, “You are those who have stayed with me in my trials.” He knew trials would come but God’s Word never records Jesus pacing back and forth worrying about what was going to happen. No, instead, He got alone with His Father to seek His will, His guidance. Paul wrote in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.” That verse is the remedy for stress and anxiety in the Believer’s life.

God dealt with Elijah (in verses 5-21) with understanding and compassion. He allowed Elijah to sleep (v. 5-6). He gave him food to nourish his body (v. 5-7). God allowed Elijah to see His power and presence (v. 15-18). He gave Elijah more revelation and direction (v. 15-18). He gave him a faithful companion (Elisha) who faithfully followed him. God gave Elijah encouragement, strength, and grace to do what God needed him to accomplish for Him.  (Life in the Spirit Study Bible).

It is interesting to me that trials come when Believers are in the will of God, doing exactly what He wants us to be doing. Trying to explain or figure them out does not help; Believers just need to learn to deal with them. From experience I have learned that these battles are often dealt with in the mind. Take these times to the Lord in prayer; you do not have to deal with them alone. Recognize that as we walk the narrow way there will be trials and temptations. The way to handle them is to realize and know you are not walking alone!

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 1:1-3, James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.

The twelve tribes of Israel had been scattered, had left Israel because of persecution by the Roman Empire. Those who had left Jerusalem had refused to acknowledge Caesar as Lord. Instead, they had stood by their faith that Jesus Christ was their only Lord. As was written yesterday, James was the leader of the Church at Jerusalem; he had remained in Jerusalem to lead the church there. He is writing to all who have left everything behind to encourage them in what they were facing. It is these people who left everything but shared the Gospel of Jesus Christ everywhere they went. If persecution had not come, if these people had not left, the Gospel might not have spread as it did. God does have a plan, directing the lives of His people.

What James writes to these people is certainly significant to Believers today as we face difficult situations that come our way. His writing will certainly be an encouragement to everyone who is trying to live out what they say they believe. What must the people reading James’ letter have thought when he wrote, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.”? My imagination runs with this, and I think of families uprooted, perhaps split apart, trying to deal with new surroundings, and living with different kinds of pressures on them. Then, they read a letter from James to count it all joy – he wants us to find joy in all this bad “stuff” happening to us?

All Believers experience troubles and difficulties. All of us reach our limits, whether they be limits on our time, our resources, our health, or our finances. I guess it might be called “burnout” today. The demands and pressures seem to be growing more difficult each day, and we might be wondering what is going to happen next. Nothing seems to be settled, things are constantly changing. Who does one believe about the economy? Is President Trump’s latest signing about crypto currency the end of the money system? And, oh my, what about the Epstein files?

James does not write Believers are to “feel happy” when trials come. He tells us to call it “joyful”! He wrote, “Count it all joy.” James uses the Greek word relating to organizing things when he writes “Count.” James wants Believers to react differently than an immediate response; he wants us to understand we will not be able to control our circumstances, but we can control how we think about those circumstances. It is not a matter of “if” trials come, it is a matter of “when” they come. We can react by saying this is a bad day; this is a terrible thing! Why is this happening to me? Or we can acknowledge this is a bad thing, but I will get through it. In the process I will learn from it and be stronger because I am going through it.

I have read the Bible through, cover to cover, a few times. I do not recall reading that when one becomes a Believer through Jesus Christ, he/she will live a life free from difficulties, trials, temptations, stress, or that life will be comfortable. I do remember Jesus Christ promising He would be with us when those things come (John 16:33). That should be enough if we remember that!

 

LEARNING DAILY

1 Corinthians 15:7, Then He appeared to James, then to all the apostles.

I have been wanting to explore the epistle written by James to receive and pass on the wisdom for Believers today. I have been writing about various men that have written parts of the Bible and will introduce James today. I believe reading about the lives of these men is necessary in understanding their writing even when it is not always exciting to read. What could we come to know about these men that will help us follow the Lord Jesus Christ more?

The James that wrote this epistle is not the well-known James read about in the Gospels. That James was a part of the inner circle of Jesus’ disciples and was the first disciple to be martyred. The James who wrote this letter probably knew Jesus better than most because he was the half-brother of Jesus. Can you imagine growing up sharing the same house, playing games, and even working beside Jesus. He knew Him very well and was probably why he had so much difficulty believing Him to be the Messiah, the Son of God (John 7:5).

Bu after the resurrection, Paul wrote the risen Lord revealed Himself to many people. Paul indicates that Jesus met with James personally and privately at some time. That meeting forever changed James; he grew in the faith to be a leader of the Jerusalem Church. That is where Paul met James. In Galatians 2:9 Paul wrote of James being a pillar of the church.

There have been those who have said that the teachings of Paul and James contradicted each other, especially regarding justification by faith. Paul declared a person is declared righteous through faith alone; James declared that one’s faith was to produce good works. There are no contradictions – they are complimentary.

The letter is written to “the twelve tribes scattered among the nations” the Jews that had been scattered outside the land of Israel. He wrote what was a collection of wisdom instructions on how to deal with the trials and difficulties these Jews were facing. What ties these instructions together is allowing their difficulties and circumstances to prove their loyalty to the Lord. As we work through this epistle it will be important to see, “James does not write, ‘I recommend that you do,’ but, ‘You must do’” (David Jeremiah Study Bible).

There are several things to note here. Meeting the Risen Christ personally changes the person. To have Him come into one’s life will cause their faith to stand out. Being saved by Jesus was never meant to be something the Believer receives and then never does anything with it. The Believer’s faith must translate into their life, their walk every day. “If your faith in Christ means anything we (you) will stand out. People will notice the difference.” (DJSB). It does not make any sense to claim to belong to Christ and act like the rest of the world!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Galatian 5:22-23, But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

The last Fruit of the Spirit is self-control, from the Greek “enkartea” meaning the virtue of one who masters their desires and passions, especially sensual desires. “The Fruit of the Spirit are a barometer to see if [Believers] are getting the Christian walk right. God wants all of this fruit to be evident in our lives; He wants [Believers] to have a great life – an abundant life –and not just get by or have their salvation be fire insurance (I wonder if this was an intended pun) against going to hell for eternity” (Pastor Jonathon Moore, Lead Pastor at NorthRock Church).

The Holy Spirit empowers the Believer to live a self-controlled life; it is not something that one can grit their teeth and power through on their own (JM).  Proverbs 25:28, “A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” “The Bible is full of examples of individuals who were out of control. It also shows that God pours out His grace every day for those who failed in this area. You have seen those who lack self-control, and most likely can remember your own difficulty in this area. Emotions get out of hand, one’s mouth speaking louder and sharper than necessary as words were spoken in anger, lust not being controlled, addictions, financial disaster, and gorging oneself as he/she overate – did I cover enough to get you to shake your head in understanding? God does not want Believers to be out of control!” (JM).

Every Believer has said, “not again” to one or more than one of these problems on the list above. But each of us does. Pastor Moore went to Romans 7:13-24 where Paul writes about doing what he does not want to do while not doing what he knows he should. Paul had the same difficulties every Believer has. The difficulty lies with there being two natures in us – the Spiritual Man which is opposed to the carnal nature (verse 23).  The winner of this battle is the one the individual feeds the most. If you have waled the narrow way for very long, you know Jesus was right when He said it would be difficult. The carnal nature, the world, and what we allow is a constant distraction to our walk with the Lord. “We can agree that we are going to do what is wrong according to God and His Word. When we do, we repent and move on. The problem comes when the wrong is committed and the one doing it tries to justify what was done. Stop trying to live by feelings! Feed the Spirit Man the Word of God daily.” (JM). Romans 8:3-4 follows this up with, “For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh, in order that the righteous requirement of the law might be fulfilled in us, who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”

Pastor Moore spoke right to the point. “If self-control is going to be evident in the Believer’s life, he/she needs to get away from ‘it’. You know what “it” is for you. Severe the relationship! Do not go where “it” tempts you. Don’t let your eyes go where “it” causes you to have problems!” (JM). 1Corinthians 6:18 tells us to flee immorality. “You cannot manage sin! Flee!” (JM)

Quickly, Pastor Moore said “Guard your mind.” What you see matters. What you listen to matters. Stop justifying it. There is little doubt the battles you are losing are due to what you are watching. This is not just about sexual stuff. Are you fearful? “Connect the dots!” (JM).

The last point Pastor made was, “Go all in with God.” He shows/teaches us what will harm us and what is good. “When we invest our time in God’s Word, He shows us what is better than sin, a better alternative.” (JM). Remember what nature you feed the most – wins.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Ephesians 1:3-6, Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will.

Pastor Ed Newton opened his message this weekend noting the requirement to update our ID’s (known as the REAL ID) so it had that star on it; this would certify each person as certified /registered to get in Federal buildings and allow one to get on an airplane. The point he getting to is the Believer’s identity begins with their relationship with Jesus Christ; the Believer’s identity is centered in Him. That means the Believer “does not earn what he/she already has been given” when saved by Jesus Christ” (from the Listener Guide Target Statement). Notice the part of the verses highlighted – as a Believer “you do not need to chase blessings because you already have them” (EN) based on your relationship to God through Jesus Christ. “0pen your Bible to [read/study/meditate on it] see what it says about your blessings. 1 Peter 1:3-4, “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you.” Romans 8:17 tells us we are joint heirs with Christ through our salvation in Him. “Whatever Jesus has purchased for the Believer blesses him/her because of their access to “heavenly places.” (EN).

Pastor’s second point was that each Believer is chosen. “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world.” Being chosen is not based on performance (Listener Guide). This is for all people, for “whosoever would believe that God would send His only Son to die on a cross in their place” (John 3:16). Then, the Believer “should be holy and blameless before Him.” “God knew there would that every Believer would have a wrestling match with the world. Being ‘in Christ’ changes everything for the Believer! We are called saints, holy, a holy priesthood. The challenge for each of us is to live holy, blameless lives; it is not about being sinless, it is about the enemy being unable to say I am guilty before Christ. Because of what Christ did for the Believer at Calvary, when He looks at the Believer, even when the devil accuses him/her He sees you as holy.” (EN).

“In love He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ.” “Before one was ‘in Christ’ he/she was an object of wrath, “dead in their trespasses and sins” (Ephesians 2:1 – read through verse 4 for yourself). But God provided a way to become adopted sons and daughters into His family. Ephesians 2:4-5 is clear; “But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ — by grace you have been saved!” “God did all He could do to adopt us into His family; He sent His Son” (EN).

Pastor’s last point was God’s salvation grace is “glorious” (Ephesians 1:6); that same “grace” keeps the Believer! “God’s grace never runs out in heaven! The Believer never stops being a son/daughter; nothing can stop God’ love for you!” (PN). God has given the believe a new identity – His! “What Christ has spoken over you is stronger than anything the world speaks about you” (Takeaway statement on the Listener Guide).

 

LEARNING DAILY

Mark 4:40, He said to his disciples, "Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?"

The disciples and Jesus were in a boat crossing the Sea of Galilee after a great day of teaching and healing. Jesus was asleep and a great storm came up. There was experienced fisherman in this boat, but this was no ordinary storm. This storm caused them to fear for their lives. They had to wake Jesus up so He could do something.

This certainly is representative of the Believer’s walk with Jesus. After great success the storm does seem to come. No one is exempt from life’s storms when one decides to walk with Him. We can learn from the disciples who had Jesus with them to lean on Him during these times. Believers, like the disciples in the boat, do not have to do anything to cause the storm to rise. The storms come not because there was sin that separated the disciples from Jesus nor were they out of His will. Those storms or rough times we experience as Believers should not be surprised. 1 Peter 4:12-13, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal among you, which comes upon you for your testing, as though something strange were happening to you.” Storms come our way to help us learn to trust in Him and help us mature in our faith.

One’s real faith is shown during a real or severe trial. Like me I believe you have had those times when fear and doubt have come. But the question Jesus asked causes us to remember to trust in God’s goodness and to have faith that we are never alone during these times. It is an encouragement to surrender those fears and worries to Him; its in those times we can feel peace, strength, and courage to face whatever comes our way.

The question Jesus asked his disciples does cut right to the core of what we believe, doesn’t it? It challenges us to confront the very nature of our fears in the presence of the One who has power and authority over every circumstance we face. When Jesus asked, “Why are you so afraid? Do you still have no faith?" He is not only challenging the faith of the disciple at that moment but also challenging them to have complete faith in Him. This is a gentle(?) rebuke to Believers today to do all they can to walk the narrow way with Jesus even when trials come. They come to deepen our faith.

Storms are temporary; they pass. God’s love and His protection for the Believer, however, endures forever. You know how you build the foundation that endures the storm – reading/studying/meditating on the Word of God, praying, and walking in obedience. When the storms come the first thing to do is pray and trust Him. He does hear the prayers of Believers. Then believe that God does all things according to His will and in the way it will further our growth in Him. Romans 8:28, “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

When things get difficult wherever you are, trust God to lead you and see you through it. He just might tell that storm “Peace, be still!”