LEARNING DAILY

I must apologize to Pastor Piper of NorthRock Church. I wrote his name as John; his name is Jim.

Luke 10:39, And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord 's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, "Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me."

This sister who went to Jesus was named Martha, it is her home and she is burdened by the honor of hosting Jesus and has busied herself with preparations. Pastor Leonce Crump spoke at Community Bible Church this weekend about Believers “living under a constant pressure to perform, to find their identity in what we do and what we produce.” He did not talk about Martha and Mary, but my thoughts went to their story in the Bible. Pastor Crump’s message was about Believers trying to earn their identity as a child of God and are enslaved by the elementary principles the world continually teaches are important. Martha had her mind set on good things, but not the best things. She was distracted by customs and traditions, while her sister Mary was focused on what is most important, sitting at the feet of Jesus, taking in every word He spoke.

It seems to me that Pastor Crumb was talking about distractions, like Mary was distracted from what was most important. The world certainly offers all sorts of distractions that can easily get Believers to follow what might be good things – just not the best things. While Pastor Crumb’s message was more about one trying to earn their salvation by “trying to perform, trying to earn their identity as a Christian,” Martha was busy with preparations (doing), serving, and hospitality. In both situations, it is necessary to understand the importance of prioritizing spiritual nourishment over worldly distractions.

Jesus Christ came to this world to “redeem those under the curse of the law, so we might receive adoption as children” (Pastor Crumb). When one accepts what Jesus did at the cross of Calvary and through His resurrection, it is important to do what Mary did – sit at the feet of Jesus and learn from Him. “Sitting at the feet of Jesus means the willingness to walk the narrow way closely with Him and a willingness to submit to His teachings. This serves as a reminder in this world where chaos is all around, to take the time to “sit at the feet of Jesus” by reading/studying/meditating on His Word, allowing it to bring the right focus and perspective to what we think and do each day.

How do Believers follow the Lord without distractions? 1 Corinthians 7:35, “I say this for your own benefit, not to lay any restraint upon you, but to promote good order and to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.” I know the context of this verse is about the married person dividing their attention between follow Christ and their spiritual obligation to please his or her spouse. Yet, it causes the Believer to take a moment to decide if there is anything or anyone distracting him or her from being wholly committed to following Jesus. Each Believer must serve God with undivided attention and devotion by prioritizing our relationship with Him and seeking to glorify Him in everything we do. This verse from 1 Corinthians is encouraging the Believer to place your devotion to God above all else. Do not be distracted by trying to follow what the world says about earning your salvation; “you do not need to perform to be exceptional” (Pastor Crumb). You need to follow the example of Mary by focusing not on what is good, but what is best.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Joshua 1:9, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."

Pastor John Piper filled the pulpit at NorthRock Church this weekend and spoke to the question, “What really happens when you face the fire? Pastor used this verse as he began to answer the question. “Replace fear with courage. God is always with us.” (JP). “Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, while evil people and impostors will go on from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.” (2 Timothy 3:12).  Does that seem to describe the world we live in, and their reaction toward Christians? Christians have been persecuted since the Church began; persecution of Christians is one of the constants in life. Believers in the United States do not know what Believers around the world deal with constantly.

Being faithful and standing for Jesus Christ is going to bring persecution from the ungodly around us. You might not know it, but it is there. The words spoken to Joshua by God was a specific message to him as the leader of the Israelites as he took them into the Promised Land. This message is also given to each Believer. God expects each of us to face the trials, adversities, and the challenges each day with strength and courage. “God is calling you to live a courageous life!” (JP).

“God is also calling you to build a courageous life – one cannot just decide to be courageous when it is needed.” (JP).  Pastor took his message to the book of Daniel where he read about Daniel and his three Hebrew friends taken to Babylon by Nebuchadnezzar. Daniel and his friends would not eat the king’s food nor accept the gods worshipped in Babylon. Their courage to stand on the principles of God enabled them to build their courage even when facing the wrath of the king and death. Their strength and courage were built on learning and putting into practice what they had learned and knew about the God of Israel. Their conviction was settled before they faced the trial. Their courage grew as they put their faith in God into practice.  

“God leverages and rewards your courage.” (JP). Daniel’s courage to stand before the most powerful king in the world and tell him what his dream was, interpret it (as well as others), is an example of how God used Daniel for His honor. What an opportunity for Daniel! What a way to be rewarded for the courage to stand for God.

Daniel’s three friends also were used by God when they refused to bow to the statue of Nebuchadnezzar. They did not bow and did not burn. “They knew what they were willing to do for God before any statue was made. Matthew 10:28, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” Throughout God’s word the message is to not fear. Yes, we have a fear of God – a reverence and respect for who He is – but we live with the confidence in His promises and power. We also walk the narrow way with the courage because we know He is with us.

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 5:16, Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

James finishes his writing by emphasizing the importance of prayer. It is a reminder that even though a person believes in Jesus Christ as their Savior, and walks on the narrow way, he still sins. Sometimes we sin against another Believer; when that happens, it is important to confess the sin and ask for forgiveness. There are also times when the need to confess your sin to another is needed for accountability. When James wrote to confess sins and shortcomings to another, he did not mean a Believer should go from one person to another telling them all the details of every wrong they commit or think about. Those times a Believer sins against God, he needs to go to Him, in prayer and in private to ask Him for forgiveness. There are those sins that no one else needs to know about.

There is another aspect of this that is important for every believer to know and understand. You are not meant to walk this narrow way alone. Yes, the Lord Jesus Christ walks with you. However, each of us need that person we can go to who we can confide in knowing that what is shared is not going to be told to others or be plastered all over social media. It certainly may require a vulnerability on your part by telling another about your need for them to listen without being judgmental. However, this is an opportunity for healing; confession is good for the soul wrote James, especially if the confession is something you have against the person you are talking to. This is also an opportunity for someone to join you in prayer. Seek out that Believer who is mature in the faith and who will provide you with spiritual and practical support.

Now to the one who is asked for this help. Galatians 6:1, “Brothers, if anyone is caught in any transgression, you who are spiritual should restore him in a spirit of gentleness. Keep watch on yourself, lest you too be tempted.” I know this states one “caught in any transgression.” Might this be applied to one who comes to you as a spiritually mature Believer. Coming to you for help is an indication of their trust in you to listen, without condemnation; instead, humbly listen and pray with them over this need. This is not about you, but about helping and supporting the person who has come to you. The person has come to you to listen, pray with him/her to be restored to be able to function in his/her role in the body of Christ.

Praying one for another is a way to break up the power of secret sin. Covering up sin does no good; it only brings negative consequences. “For when I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy upon me; my strength was dried up as by the heat of summer. I acknowledged my sin to you, and I did not cover my iniquity; I said, I will confess my transgressions to the Lord, and you forgave the iniquity of my sin.” (Psalm 32:3-5). David tried to cover his sin. It caused him grief. Only after he confessed his sin did forgiveness come. This sort of confession needs to be done carefully, and one who will handle the truth appropriately.

We live in a world that is characterized by individualism and self-reliance. James is writing about the importance of the community [of Believers] and the support we need from others who are spiritually mature. He is writing about the importance and the need to move beyond self-centered prayer and encouraging Believers to lean on other Believers; I believe that might be critical in the days we are living in! Prayer is certainly necessary for change and blessings in each of our lives.

1 John 1:7, “But if we walk in the Light, as He is in the Light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus His Son cleanses us from all sin.”

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 5:7, Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains.

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord.” The last chapter in James’s writing begins with encouraging statement, and perhaps a warning. Turn to YouTube and you will see lots of prophets of doom and foretelling that the events like the rapture of the Church will happen on such and such a day. In fact, if you are reading this, those who prophesied that the rapture would occur on September 23 were wrong! Perhaps they misunderstood and it will happen in 2026 instead of 2025. If we listened to these voices, we would live in panic and fear, and would do all sorts of strange stuff. If I listened to all these so-called prophets of gloom and doom, I would have to buy more boxes of food so we would have something to eat during all these troubles.

I also had another thought that came to my simple mind. Remember the story of Chicken Little? If I remember right something hit him on the head and he thought the sky was falling which prompted him to tell every other animal he saw. The story was every animal believed him and believed they had been hit on the head by pieces of falling sky. When they told the fox, he invited the animals into his den for protection. That seems familiar to what these prophets are saying. Be so focused on the rapture and the second coming of Christ that we miss out on the blessing of walking with Him now on the narrow way in to His kingdom.

Be patient! Jesus promised to, “Go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” (John14:3). I believe He is coming soon to take Believers to be with Him. But if that time is delayed, be patient. No one knows when that time will be. Believers, be ready. Be looking for His return. Be listening for the trumpet to sound. “You stay ready because when that trumpet sounds you will not have time to get ready” (Paraphrased thought by Ed Newton).

Stop believing every person who declares he/she is a prophet and has gotten the last, the final word from God about when the rapture will be. Stop believing the “scholars’ who have devised ways to make God’s word fit into their desired reasoning. Instead get up each morning with the purpose of doing your very best to serve and live for the Lord as you can. Read/study/meditate on His Word (Yes, I wrote it again!), pray to draw closer to Him. May you hunger and thirst for His righteousness and place a desire for His kingdom before your own desires (Matthew 5:6 and 6:33).

Continue reading James’ example of a farmer who plants seed and must patiently wait for the harvest of the crop. I thought of my father-in-law who planted; while he waited, he cultivated, walked the fields to pull weeds, and maybe sprayed to keep insects and worms off the crop.

That is the same with Believers. Not one of us can hurry the return of Christ – we must be patient. But while we wait, we continue to walk the narrow way in faith and obedience!

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 4:17, So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.

Walking the narrow way is not only a matter of knowing what is right, it is about doing what is right. For the most part when sin is thought about, it is those outward acts that violates God’ love and His law (usually the Ten Commandments). That is called sins of commission. However, there are also sins of omission – not doing what we know we should do. James is writing beyond what he has previously written about living in arrogance, being self-serving, and being faithless.

When looking closely at this verse from James, every Believer needs to make being obedient to the Word of God very personal. It is a challenge to each Believer to take time and reflect about whether he/she is living in unity and in harmony with what he/she knows is good and right. Are you simply aware of what is right, or are you taking the necessary steps to put that knowledge into practice?

James is clear that inaction is a sin. James is calling each Believer to self-evaluation and accountability. It is easy to respond to the teaching of God’s Word philosophically (in theory) without making any changes. It is easy to look at others and think this biblical teaching is for them. One may even enjoy Bible studies where discussion is held on the meaning of biblical ideas and principles. But if one only discusses and “ponders” the Word of God, he will never become “doers of the Word” (James 1:22); that person will be in sin. Believers are not to just avoid evil; they are morally obligated to do, to actively pursue what they know is good.

What James has written is certainly relevant to Believers today. There are so many needs around us that cannot be ignored. Just being aware of needs does not change anything. It does remind Believers that faith is active, not passive. Are you doing the good you know you should be doing? Doing God’s will requires Believers be aware of God’s will. Often in this blog you have read you need to be reading/studying/ meditating on the Word of God. How else do you get to know God’s will? I am going to take a side road here to give you additional information about reading God’s Word. I received this from a brother – Duane – who lives in Waco, Tx. The clip said the effect of reading your Bible is so important to [your walk on the narrow way]. He gave the following statistics. One to two days per week of reading the Bible has little if any effect on how you live your life. Consistently reading three times per week improves the way you live your life. When you read your Bible at least four times per week you are 228% more likely to share your faith; 407% more likely to memorize Scripture verses; 59% less likely to view pornography; and 30% less likely to struggle with loneliness, depression, or anxiety. If those percentages are correct, those are reasons enough to read the Bible. Consider how your life would change if you read/study/meditate on God’s Word at least four times per week! How much more likely would you pray more, praying God’s will, and doing His will!

In the busyness of life, it is easy to do life without taking time to be in God’s Word and to ignore doing it. Do not write either off by making excuses. Be the family member who supports and encourages the rest of the family. Be the coworker who helps and lifts those around you. Be the friend who takes time to listen. Know that this might be all that lightens up the day of another.

 

LEARNING DAILY

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.

What happens when you know Jesus answers prayers but doesn’t, even when you ask in his name? That is the question Jonathon Moore, Lead Pastor at NorthRock Church answered this week in his message. It is important to write what he began with. “Life is not about you. God does not exist to serve you; you exist to serve Him. Getting God to do your will is not a matter of trying to manipulate Him to do what you want. But getting to know Him as well as possible can get you to know His will and then pray it.” Too many times, the Scripture above (and other Scriptures about God answering prayer) is taken alone and made into a theological doctrine. No, read and study the entire Word of God to show yourself approved and to know correctly what it says.

Pastor Moore gave four reasons why God might not have answered your payer. First, he said, “You may have a broken relationship.” In Mark 11:25, one is praying and the Lord said that if you are praying but have something against you, forgive that person so God will forgive you (PM). Pastor also used Matthew 5:23-24 to tell the importance of being reconciled to others for prayer to not be hindered. I Peter 3:7 is a reminder that “when one mistreats those closest to us, prayer could also be hindered” (JM).

The second possibility for why God did not answer your prayer according to Pastor Moore is, “Maybe you have wrong motives.” Is the reason for your prayer selfish motives – to build yourself up to others, to be seen by as others (like the Pharisees in the Old Testament)? In Matthew 5, Jesus called those who prayed to be seen and prayed using “vain repetitions” hypocrites. Prayer is to be done in a “secret place; and your heavenly Father will reward you openly” (Matthew 5:6). “Jesus did not condemn public prayer but prayer that was self-serving” (David Jeremiah Study Bible).

“Maybe you do not believe God ‘will’ do it.” This is not a reflection of whether God “can” do it but a question of “if” He will do it. In Mark, Jesus dealt with this idea when a father comes to Him and states “If, You can do anything….” The father did not have great faith; he may have heard of miracles Jesus had done but he did not know what Jesus would do for him. That may be where many Believers are today. They know Jesus can do anything, but they are not sure He will for them. So, they struggle with whether God “will” answer their prayer. Hebrews 11:6, “And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” Jesus said to the father, “Everything is possible for those who believe.” The father’s answer is one every Believer needs to speak to God, “I do believe – help my unbelief!”

The last point, “Maybe God has something better for you!” “God knows better what you need more than you do” (PM). 1 John 5:14-15 tells us God hears our prayers, but they must align with His will. “He may have something different for you than you are praying. God’s grace is all you need (2 Corinthians 12:9).

“God’s power works best when we are at our weakest. When we do not get what you want or need, His power is still with us. He wants to set you free on the inside to deal with what we are dealing with on the outside. Persevere, develop greater faith in the face of tough situations. Remind yourself that you are not in control; you need to get closer to the One who is.” (Pastor Moore).

That is great advice!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Galatians 3:1-3, O foolish Galatians! Who has bewitched you? It was before your eyes that Jesus Christ was publicly portrayed as crucified. Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh?

Pastor Ed Newton, lead pastor at Community Bible Church, spoke this weekend with this thought in mind: “Religion is what I do. Christianity is what Christ has done.” This was the target statement on the Listener Guide. What did he mean by this? He is building on the Galatians 2:21, “I do not nullify the grace of God, for if righteousness were through the law, then Christ died for no purpose.” Paul wrote that if anyone can be made right by God by following the law, then Jesus dies for nothing. He is writing to the people of Galatia who had believed in Jesus and His death and resurrection while Paul was in their region on one of his missionary journeys. But since then, they had begun to believe the lies of Judaizers, a group of Jews who taught the Gentiles needed to be circumcised and follow the law to be saved. Paul called them “foolish” and “bewitched.” Paul said they had clearly seen the power of the cross and God’s grace when he had described it to them. Now they were believing foolish teachings!

Last week, Pastor described the various “isms” that people believe – false doctrine. This week he described the various religions that people have bought into and follow – again false doctrines. He began with progressivism (post-modernism) – multiple different teachings that provide salvation. False doctrine! This includes humanism – man does not need God, secularism – if it feels good then do it whether it is right or wrong, tolerance – everybody is right, Marxism – oppressed/oppressor that states you will never escape the category you are in, nationalism – placing one’s hope in political figures, and evolutionism – evolved from a one-celled ameba. False doctrine! He mentioned Islam – a works-based salvation based on Five Pillars to follow and the prophet Mohammed who did not die on a cross nor walk out of his grave. All based on fear. The Jehovah Witnesses believe in a Jesus as a created being, salvation through works, loyalty to the Watch Tower Society, and only 144,000 people go to heaven. False doctrine! He finished with Mormonism – Jesus is a spirit-child and the elder brother of Lucifer. One goes to heaven through Jesus, repentance of sin, being baptized in the Mormon Church only; there are different levels in heaven depending on how obedient you are to the temple rights and how much money you give to the church.

What does all this mean and how does it relate to us? People are still getting distracted from walking with Jesus on the narrow way by trying to do something, by trying to work their way into heaven. “Oh, foolish people! Stop being deceived by what the world’s ‘isms’ and religions made by man are trying to speak into you!” “Religion is about human effort trying to reach God, about doing, and about performance to get into heaven. Jesus broke the curse of the law. The law was given to show mankind that he /she could keep it to perfection; it was never given so you could fix yourself.” (EN).

When Jesus becomes your Savior, “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, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” (Romans 8:16-17). He looks at you and at me as if we had never sinned. “Your name is written in the Lamb’s Book of Life because of Jesus only!” (EN).

 

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 4:7-8, Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

The last page of the blog was about those who refused to trust God to provide for their needs and did not give them what they wanted. They were following the way of the world rather than God’s way. James now provides five steps that lead to an inner peace with God when one realizes he has been walking as the world leads: “submit – resist – draw near – cleanse – humble yourself.”

As a Believer, you face a spiritual battle each day. Jesus told His disciples that walking the narrow way would be difficult. If you have walked with Him for very long, you have realized the truth in what He said. It begins with submitting to God. You better not try to resist the devil without submitting to God. The submit means to “line up;” it is acknowledging God’s sovereignty and trust in His perfect plan for our lives. This requires humility, obedience, and faith. It is surrendering our desires and allowing God to work through us to accomplish His will.

 “Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.” James wrote in chapter three that worldly wisdom was, at least in part, was from the devil. The devil has been responsible for creating a self-centered system from the time of Adam and Eve. When you decide to submit to Christ and His will you will have gained a new enemy – Satan. However, you can resist him. Resistance requires you to actively move away; it demands that we counter his lies with the truth of God’s Word. He will not be able to stand in the presence of God’s Truth. That is why it is so important to be reading/studying/meditating on His Word every day! It leads to putting on the whole armor of God; “Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (Ephesians 6:13). You must stand firm! You must resist! When you do, the devil will flee. Do you believe that? “Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” (1 John 4:4). Jesus is greater than the devil! “And Jesus came and said to them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” (Matthew 28:18). Who has all authority? Jesus does, Satan’s authority over you is only what you give to him.

“Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” James is not necessarily writing about salvation here. He is writing about repentance. For those Believers who are still trying to follow the worldly philosophies and trying to obtain what they want – stop doing this and repent. “Draw near to God!” Stop cooperating with the devil! Look at what this does; God draws near to you! That is God’s grace. When one draws near to God, He provides the protection and strength to overcome the attacks from the devil.

“Cleanse your hands, you sinners.” You cannot serve yourself and God. Repent. This is the key to drawing near to God. James is pleading to all who read this to purify their hearts and to decide to follow God. Walk the narrow way in faith and in obedience to God’s will. I suggest that you take a moment to read Psalm 15.

“Purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Humble yourself and God will lift you up. His plans and His ways are so much higher than ours. He knows what is best for each of those who follow Him. To humble ourselves before God is to admit we are spiritually bankrupt without Him; it is to admit how much He is needed in our lives.

God hates sin, especially pride (Psalm 6:16-17) and does all He can to “knock” it out of us. The good news is His wonderful grace is given to those who humble themselves before Him.

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 4:4, You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.

James is writing directly to those who claim to follow Christ but find themselves tangled up with worldly desires and affections. He is very clear: when one chooses to be a friend of the world, he is choosing to be an enemy of God. When James writes “adulterous people”, he is writing, he is highlighting a betrayal of trust, a prioritizing of worldly values over a commitment to God. These worldly values begin with living according to worldly wisdom which says to be successful, one must do whatever it takes to get what we want out of life. It says to take care of yourself because no one else is going to.

The apostle John wrote “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” (1 John 2:15). Make no mistake, these writers are clearly saying that those who love the world, the fallen, man-centered, way of life, cannot really love God. By seeking to be friends of this world, seeking the fame, fortune, and approval of others before seeking God, puts himself at odds with God.

 Tim Keller wrote, “To love the world is to be in a conflict with God. We must choose our allegiances wisely because what we embrace will ultimately shape who we become.” I want to encourage each person reading this to do what Keller said, “choose our allegiances wisely!” When we begin to desire things of this world more than we desire the things of God, we commit “spiritual adultery”. Jesus warned the church of Ephesus about this when He told them, “But I have this against you, that you have abandoned the love you had at first.” (Revelation 2:4). Leaving something implies personal responsibility. If this is you, may I encourage you to ask for forgiveness, change your ways seek to follow Him by walking the narrow way every day. Read verse 5 in Revelation 2! Read/study/meditate on God’s Word. Spend time in prayer. Be obedient to His Word as you walk with Him. Have a hunger and thirst for God’s righteousness and seek His kingdom before all else (Matthew 5:6 and 6:33).

The days we live in are evil. As you have witnessed on the news, no one is promised another day. I am tired of hearing the commentators making these atrocities a matter of the left versus the right. No! It is a spiritual battle, good versus evil. No, this world is not getting better; it is growing worse. Evil is more open, challenging and trying to destroy the Word of God and those who are walking in it. Believer, you cannot ignore these things any longer. God is calling each of us to walk humbly with Him (Proverbs 3:34), putting the world’s man-centered life behind. Doing so may mean for you to examine your priorities, your goals, your desires. Do they conflict with walking the narrow way and being obedient to the Lord Jesus Christ? There is no better time to consider your loyalties; strengthen your loyalty to God and be stronger in resisting worldly attractions. Understand what it means to be true believers of Jesus Christ, who make choices that reflect our love for Him each day!

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 4:13-15, Come now, you who say, "Today or tomorrow we will go into such and such a town and spend a year there and trade and make a profit" yet you do not know what tomorrow will bring. What is your life? For you are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that."

James writes about the arrogance of imagining one has over their own life. The person James is describing lives as if tomorrow never comes. This person is obsessed with making money, getting more of material things. One might think this “business plan” is not a bad thing; the problem lies in being self-reliant. This person is not a bad person. I would believe his confidence, goal setting, and profit motivated thoughts would get him hired by most companies. His actions are not in question. His attitude is the issue. He has made all his plans without consideration of God’s will.

Is anyone able to see yourself in this individual? Let me say I regret so many decisions based on confidence in my ability to make decisions and justifications than I can count. Yes, the decisions cost me something each time. Too many times, “it” looked good, and I knew God was in it. I did not need to consult Him. Wrong! I should have said, “Instead you ought to say, "If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that." This is approaching tomorrow with humility and dependence on God; it is an acknowledgement that only He knows the future. Proverbs 27:1 adds to this, “Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring.” Perhaps greater consideration should be made about how we are living today than thinking about tomorrow. I would offer that goes for living for the prophesies we are seeing about the days ahead as well – live today living ready for the trumpet to blow to meet King Jesus in the air.

James is not being pessimistic here nor is he denying sound planning. He is condemning those who do not seek God in their planning. “You do not know what tomorrow will bring!” Too many people live as if this life is all there is. James asks, “What is your life?” Then He answers, “You are a mist that appears for a little time and then vanishes.” A vapor is here one moment and gone the next. You might not have recognized that, but life goes by quickly! If you realize how fragile and dependent you truly are, you are making a major step toward being free from the pursuit of cash, power, and pleasure. James is more concerned about day to day, being aware every moment depending on God’s grace.

I want to end this today with a reminder that God does not hide His will from Believers when they earnestly and diligently seek it. He wants you to know what it is and walk in it! He wants every Believer to be dependent on Him, asking Him His will before we make plans, and then trusting Him for the results. It is time to pay attention to James’ advice and stop making foolish presumptions about tomorrow. It is the only way to have a proper perspective on life and to walk the narrow way aligned with the Lord’s priorities.

 

LEARNING DAILY

Psalm16:8-9, I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety. (NLT)

Psalm 88:13-14,“But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you. O Lord, why do you cast my soul away? Why do you turn your face from me? (NLT)

That is quite a difference in thought – God is right with me and I will not be shaken and wanting to know why God has hidden from the Psalmist. It is knowing God’s presence in one’s life and then going through a time when God does not seem near. What happens when God feels far away? Pastor Jonathon Moore had four thoughts about what might be happening during this time.

“Maybe you are over sensationalizing God’s presence.” “Perhaps you are looking for God to give you a dream, or a vision, or a sign regarding something you want to know. During the time Jesus walked on this earth, there were those who asked Him for a sign. John 6:30, “So they said to him, "Then what sign do you do, that we may see and believe you? What work do you perform?” Those in the crowd asked for a miracle or a sign to believe in Jesus and to follow Him. In fact, the miracles were the reason many followed Him. Audrey wrote in her notes, “If you always felt God, you would not need faith.” Feelings are too often used to replace faith; and those feelings often lead one astray. Be careful! Pastor Moore stated that the Bible should be consulted for all the answers the Believer has to life’s questions.

“Maybe your heart has hardened.” Matthew 13:14-15, “Indeed, in their case the prophecy of Isaiah is fulfilled that says: ‘You will indeed hear but never understand, and you will indeed see but never perceive. For this people 's heart has grown dull, and with their ears they can barely hear, and their eyes they have closed, lest they should see with their eyes and hear with their ears and understand with their heart and turn, and I would heal them.’” When one is hurt, or betrayed, walls can be built to prevent things from entering your life. But God often uses people to build faith or bring a message of hope to us (JM). Audrey wrote, “The main cause of a calloused heart is ongoing sin that [a person] tries to justify/rationalize so it is accepted in their life. When you get comfortable with the unholy, you get calloused toward the holy.” The answer is to be forgiving toward those who have hurt you and be repentant for your actions.

“Maybe you need to pursue God.” Acts 17:26-27, “And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place, that they should seek God, and perhaps feel their way toward him and find him. Yet he is actually not far from each one of us.” “God’s purpose is for Believers to seek, pursue, chase after Him!” (JM). Audrey wrote, Deprivation (lack, denial, scarcity) draws out desire.” Jeremiah 29:13, “You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” James 4:8, “Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”

“Maybe you are not recognizing God in your situation.” Read Matthew 14:24-27. The disciples were in a great storm but did not recognize Jesus when He came. When the storm comes and we do not know what to do, reach out to Jesus. Seek Him, diligently. Jesus said to His disciples in the storm, “But Jesus spoke to them at once. “Don’t be afraid,” He said. “Take courage. I am here!” “Just because God feels distant it does not mean He is absent.”

Psalm16:8-9, “I know the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for He is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and I rejoice. My body rests in safety.” All of us need to keep this in mind – at all times.

 

LEARNING DAILY

1 John 3:11-16, For this is the message you heard from the beginning: We should love one another. Do not be like Cain, who belonged to the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own actions were evil and his brother’s were righteous. Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you. We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love each other. Anyone who does not love remains in death. Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him. This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.

I am going to do today’s blog a little different. The pastors from the two churches began their messages the same way this weekend. They both reacted to the murders that have happened in the last week or so. Today’s blog will reflect their thoughts and some of my own.

 Read the words of John above and know that the world, those who do not follow Jesus Christ as Lord hate you, Believer. “Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” Those who are “in the world” hated Jesus and are going to hate you. Pastor Ed Newton stated, “The tension is growing!” What tension? The tension “between good and evil, light and darkness, right and wrong!” stated both pastors. Pastor Newton was specific when he spoke about the one who killed the two children in the Minneapolis school. This guy wrote messages on the magazines used to shoot into the church. “Where is your God now?” In his journal he wrote that he used the face of the Lord Jesus Christ for target practice. Evil! Pastor Newton asked where the help was when the young girl was brutally stabbed to death.

Both pastors spoke to the shooting of Charlie Kirk, a conservative and a strong Christian who spoke Jesus into the lives of many people. Yet, there has been celebration and cheering for his death. There are those who are saying, “he got what he deserved,” “good riddance,” and “he’s finally dead!” Is that what this country has come to be? Pastor Newton said,” This is not a left vs right issue; it is an up and down issue, heaven versus hell.” Understand that this issue has been around for a long time. Since Jesus walked on this earth, there have been those who have tried to silence His followers. Early Christians were killed as entertainment in the Roman coliseums and the desire to quiet those expressing their belief in Christ has continued. Once again, people are being killed for their profession of faith in Him. “The tension is growing!” It has become “devaluing people so one does not feel bad about getting rid of people who are living and speaking a biblical worldview.” (EN). The result of what we are seeing is a clear division between those with a biblical worldview and those with living in the world.

I am embarrassed to admit that I have had a casual attitude toward this. Yes, I felt troubled by these events, but these men woke something up in me. “God’s Word cannot be silenced by these events; they only magnify God’s Word” (JM). “Stop living casually; those following the Lord need to rise up. Jesus did not die as a martyr; He died as a Savior. The issue causing all the problems today is sin! The world is not getting better; it is getting darker” (EN).

I am going to join Pastor Newton. I am going to do better to stand for Jesus, call sin what it is, and not buckle to society and the world. It is time to stop worrying about what others think and say about me. It is time to truly “die to self.” It is time to do as Pastor Moore said, “Pray first. Humble yourself, seek God’s face, and turn from my evil ways. Then God will hear my prayers. Do not hate. Instead love and spread the love of God.”  

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 3:17-18, But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

The wisdom from above allows Believers to apply God’s Word to the earthly challenges faced each day. Proverbs 2:8, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding; he stores up sound wisdom for the upright; he is a shield to those who walk in integrity; guarding the paths of justice and watching over the way of his saints.” He gives His wisdom to anyone who asks for it; that is the only requirement – ask! It is important to go back to what James wrote in 1:6, “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.” This is not asking for more money, power, or pleasure. It is asking for more opportunities to serve others.

When Believers ask for God’s wisdom, James writes it is “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” Do you understand that this is a supernatural gift that God gives and aligns with God’s nature and character. God’s wisdom places high value on conflict being resolved. It focuses on being considerate and peace with others rather than the desire to fight; it is always ready to serve, instead. It is always ready to see another point of view and try another way. God’s wisdom is full of mercy and forgiveness. Jesus told His followers they would be known “by their fruits” (Matthew 7:20). The wisdom does not show favoritism and does not try to get something from others in return.

What James writes reminds us of what Paul wrote in Galatians 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.” Do you see the difference from earthly wisdom which results in envy, selfish ambition, and division? It is amazing how much easier and more peaceful life becomes when one (especially a Believer) gives up having to have their own way or getting what he wants at the cost of others. The wisdom from above can change your life. The choice is each Believers to make.

James concludes his thoughts with an interesting picture, “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” Matthew 5:9 talks about peacemakers, "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.” Peacemakers actively pursue peace and settlement of difficult situations. The crop of this field to be harvested is righteousness, goodness, and everything those who walk with God want to see in this world. Do you see who sows the seed? It is done “by those who make peace.” It is done by those who are fully committed to making peace, by those who know God is providing for them. They do not need to fight others for what they need and that leads to righteous choices.

That is the result of the wisdom from above. God knows Believers need His wisdom today!

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 3:14-16, But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

Is there any doubt what James wrote about earthly or worldly wisdom – “For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.” (new Living translation). John wrote it this way. “For all that is in the world — the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life — is not from the Father but is from the world.” (1 John 2:16). Worldly wisdom comes when one’s mind is set on earthly things and based on feelings. He writes for Believers to not deceive themselves!

Jealousy and selfish ambition are not of God! Jealousy means a greedy or prideful desire for something that belongs to another; it might be something another physically has or might be something like a skill. It might be an aggressive desire to promote their opinion or position on a topic that rejects every other person’s thought. Selfish ambition implies that a person will do whatever it takes to get ahead. Worldly wisdom cannot connect man with God; this view to life contrasts with the way God calls Believers to walk.

James wants to wake Believers up! There is danger walking (the broad way?) that is self-centered, seeking personal gain, and success at the expense of others. Proverbs14:12, “There is a way that seems right to a man, but its end is the way to death.” 1 Corinthians 3:19, “For the wisdom of this world is folly with God. For it is written, ‘He catches the wise in their craftiness’." There is a consistent theme regarding worldly knowledge in God’s Word. There are many examples in God’s Word that give the causes and results of following the world’s wisdom. Eve made a choice to eat from the tree that would make her wise (the world’s way) because the devil’s deceit suggested a selfish desire leading to a sinful decision. Envy caused Cain to kill his brother Abel. Joseph’s brothers threw Joseph into a pit because of their envy.

Philippians 2:3, “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.” This certainly reminds me of those in the political arena. It seems those running for a political position will say anything they need to anyone anywhere and at any time to get elected. Would you agree that this leads to confusion, conflict, division, and harm.

The wisdom of the world promises to give a person the desire of their heart. Instead, it fills one with envy; one is never really satisfied because he continually wants what another has. That only fills the heart with a selfish ambition which often leads harming another to get what we want. That leads to justifying actions for selfishness and more compromise to keep moving forward in the world’s system.

Tomorrow, I want to look at what James writes about those who follow the self-sacrificing way of wisdom from above. They experience a very different reality!

LEARNING DAILY

James 3:13, Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.

James asks a challenging, almost confrontational, question.  

Wisdom is from the Greek “sophos” which relates to a practical, real-life use of moral reasoning. He is not writing that one’s intellect is not important; his point is more about what one does. I do not believe it is an understatement to write that we live in a time where knowledge is literally at our fingertips. All one has to do is get on their phone or computer and he is able to find more information on any topic than is needed. World events are known about right after they happen and anything anyone says about anything is easily seen. I remember having to go to the library to look in the card catalogue to find information, or I looked in encyclopedias and magazines for information. Not anymore! Knowledge, today, is available to anyone looking for it.

The problem is wisdom seems nonexistent. Look around and see the evidence of what I am writing about. Look at those who have had their dreams destroyed by bad investments, bad decisions, and bad judgment. Look how easily people are deceived by the “stuff” that comes out of people’s mouths, deception and promises are rampant, and people are falling for what is said; the promise of position, power, and prosperity do not come.

There is a difference between knowledge and wisdom. Knowledge is accumulating facts. With dedication to the goal(s) set, the determination to work more diligently, and commitment, anyone can accumulate facts. That is not the problem. The problem is not being able to put the facts one learns into real-life situations and the times needed.  I want you to realize that happens in the area of faith as well; be careful to call yourself wise when you have some scriptural training or have spent time learning Bible facts. There are those false teachers who use the Bible to twist the meaning to fit their own particular agenda. Remember Ed Newton’s teaching from Monday when he stated anyone who teaches a gospel that is different from what Jesus taught is “fake news.”

James understood that if one was going to put their faith into action by doing good works, he would need to have wisdom. He pointed out that there was natural wisdom from the world system and the philosophies of man, and there was supernatural wisdom which comes from God. I will deal with each of these in the next two pages of the blog.

There has never been a greater need for God’s wisdom than today. As a Believer, you have a huge advantage over the unbeliever; the unbeliever only has the wisdom of the world at their disposal. Consider Solomon who was about to be crowned the king of Israe1 Kings 3:5, “At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, "Ask what I shall give you." Solomon’s answer came in the following verses. Here is verse 9, “Give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?" Solomon’s priorities were in the right order; he did not have to stop and think about what he wanted. No, he knew right away he needed wisdom. Later he would write, “Wisdom is the principal thing; Therefore get wisdom. And in all your getting, get understanding.” (NKJV)

If God would ask you right now the question He asked Solomon, what would you say? My prayer is you would ask Him to work in you and through you to make you a person with His wisdom.

 

LEARNING DAILY

John 8:34-36, Jesus answered them, "Truly, truly, I say to you, everyone who practices sin is a slave to sin. The slave does not remain in the house forever; the son remains forever. So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.

Pastor Jonathin Moore of NorthRock Church asked the question, “What does freedom look like to you?” He said, “All of us want to be free of something. Perhaps you thought you would be free when you got your driver’s license, or went on a cruise, or when you went to a new location. But you found you had the same problems because you brought ‘you’.”  Read the verses above and you will see the only real freedom is found in Christ. Galatians 5:1, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Pastor Moore shared three areas the Believer has been set free.

The Believer has the “freedom from paying for [his/her] sins.” 2 Corinthians 5:21, “For God made Christ, who never sinned, to be the offering for our sin, so that we could be made right with God through Christ.” (NLT). Audrey wrote in her notes, “Because we are all sinners, we all owed a payment, a sacrifice of death for it. Since creation, through the Old Testament, there was animal sacrifice to pay for sin.” 1 Peter 3:18, “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God, being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit.” “Jesus took our place, a substitute for the payment of our sins” (Audrey). All sin! “Sin has the propensity to bring shame and guilt into one’s life” (JM). Jesus came to pay the ultimate sacrifice for whosoever would believe in Him.

The Believer has the “freedom from the pain of his/her past.” Pastor Moore said many, if not most believers have experienced something that has happened in their past – emotional or physical pain, perhaps rejection. Isaiah 53:3, “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” “Jesus knew rejection; He was bullied, mocked, laughed at, and said in the Garden of Gethsemane He did not want to do what He knew He had to do. He did not deserve punishment, but He took our sins that we might be free. In doing so, He took the brokenness of our past and makes it beautiful” (JM). I know the difficulty of forgetting and forgiving the things done in our past. It is important to know that Jesus has redeemed every Believer from their sinful past. That is part of what He did at the cross. As a Believer, you and I need to know that and give our past to Him and move on. I know – it seems too simple.

The Believer has the “freedom to find purpose for your future.” Pastor asked, “Why are you here? What is your purpose? Are you aiming at the right target for your life?”  He said, “Don’t be successful at getting to the wrong destination.” Jeremiah 29:11, “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” Jesus has a purpose, a plan for each Believer! “You are not an accident; He did not mess up when He made you. He knew what He was doing!” (JM). Ephesians 1:11-12, “Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan. so that we who were the first to hope in Christ might be to the praise of his glory.” 2 Corinthians 5:15, “He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them.” He died for everyone so that those who receive his new life will no longer live for themselves. Instead, they will live for Christ, who died and was raised for them. Jesus wants every Believer “to thrive and not just survive. He made you for more than just a good life – He made you for significance!” (JM).

 

LEARNING DAILY

Galatians 1:1-4, Paul, an apostle — not from men nor through man, but through Jesus Christ and God the Father, who raised him from the dead — and all the brothers who are with me, To the churches of Galatia: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father.

Pastor Ed Newton began a series of teachings on the book of Galatians. It will be impossible to write in this space all he said so I will focus on two of his points. First, he said there is only one true source of the gospel – it came from God and not man. “To add or take away from what is written in the Word of God is a false gospel. The true Word always points one to Jesus Christ, and Jesus always points to the Word of God” (EN). He continues “Anyone teaching anything or anyone sets a person free is teaching a false gospel – false news. Talking about religion does not bother the devil, but when one starts talking about Jesus, people get upset.” Can anyone else relate to that last sentence?

Look at what Paul said about God choosing him. Remember it was this same Paul who was persecuting Christians before Jesus got a hold of him on the road to Damascus. He was facing those who were trying to cancel his gospel message to those in Galatia. But God! God had called him to be an apostle – one called by God to tell others about Jesus – and “you cannot cancel one who had died to self” (EN). Paul was not perfect; you and I are not perfect; we have been set free from our sinful past and are to die to self. As Believers we are to share the Good News of the Gospel of Jesus Christ with others through what we say and by what we do. The Believer’s identity is in, “I was lost and now I am found by Jesus Christ” (EN).

The other point I believe is important is the “attempt to shift one’s focus away from this gospel” (EN). Verse 6, “I am astonished that you are so quickly deserting him who called you in the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel —.” Paul was astonished; he was shocked at how quickly the enemy was able to deceive (emphasis is mine) and cause the Galatians to deviate from the Gospel. “THER IS NO OTHER GOSPEL!” (EN, my emphasis). Pastor made the following very clear. “No man has special revelation that is not revelation to all (take time to think that statement through). All revelation must go through the Word of God to be validated.” I want that to sink in because of the individuals today who say God has given them special revelation about this or that. I even heard one person say that what he was given was the last revelation to be given and it better be heeded! Be careful in listening to any individual who states this sort of thing.

I want to end with the attempts seen in the world today to deceive people and get them to move away from the Gospel. Pastor gave this list with their definitions. I believe it is important to recognize each and not be deceived. Each of these is false doctrine!

Legalism – I got Jesus but have to live by these rules, regulations, and traditions.

Moralism – Just be a good person and you will go to heaven.

Prosperity – Because you have “stuff” you are blessed.

Performance – If I serve enough in church God will love me more.

Poverty – Since I have little or nothing, I am more holy than another.

Universalism – Everybody goes to heaven.

Tolerance – Don’t call sin sin because it offends people and everybody is really okay.

Relativism – Truth is subjective. You got your truth, and I have mine.

Spiritism – Elevating encounters with angels and new revelation over the teaching in God’s Word.

New Age – I love Jesus, but I got my crystals, tarot cards, palm reading, energy, and horoscopes.

Syncretism – This is taking teachings from all religions like at a smorgasbord and throwing it altogether.

There is only one Gospel – Jesus Christ made the heaven and the earth, took the form of a human to come to walk on this earth, and took the place of whosoever would believe in His death on across, believe in His resurrection to save them and set them free from their slavery to sin!

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 3:5-6, So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the entire course of life, and set on fire by hell.

We finally got to these verses! I suggest you read James 3:1-12 to get the full thrust of what James wrote about the human tongue. Verse 9 continues, “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.” The tongue – such a small part of the body, but oh the trouble it gets each of us in. I wonder if any of us realize the power that the tongue or what we say has. James writes it is a small organ that boasts of great things. He is not writing just about boasting but that it has the capacity to effect great results. He writes that the one who gains control of their tongue will be able to control their whole body.

The tongue can be used to accomplish great things. Be careful it also has the power to do great harm. It can create great chaos and destruction – “a fire, a world of unrighteousness.” Fire can be either a constructive or destructive force, depending on how it is controlled; the same is said of the tongue. The gift of speech is a great benefit. We use it to communicate information, express affection, and to praise God, among many other uses. When made use of in the proper way – under control – God’s truth can be spoken into those around us. It can be used to discipline children and those under one’s supervision. It can be used as a motivating factor in many different situations. But without control the results of words spoken in anger, frustration, and to control others can be that fire that “sets on fire the entire course of life and set on fire by hell.”

Here is the problem with lacking control over our tongue. The words we say without control are powerfully evil and destructive; that is a problem. Going back to verse 9, James points out two contrary ways the tongue is used. After James writes about the evil, untamable, unstable tongue, he writes that the same people use his/her words to praise the Lord. It would be easy to write that James was writing about nonbelievers and bad people. However, he was writing to those worshipping the One true God – Believers, you and me! Yikes!

That brings us to verse 10. “From the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not to be so.” He is quite clear, and you and I must agree doing this makes no sense. Obviously, controlling the tongue is a problem for even Believers. We stumble over our tongue because we are not perfect! That is not an excuse, each Believe must do their best to imitate Jesus Christ in thought, word, and deed (Ephesians 5:1-2). Matthew Henry wrote this many years ago: “True religion will not admit of contradictions: how many sins would be prevented, if men would always be consistent! Pious and edifying language is the genuine produce of a sanctified heart; and none who understand Christianity, expect to hear curses, lies, boastings, and revilings from a true Believer’s mouth, any more than they look for the fruit of one tree from another.”

As Believers, each of us needs to strive to speak with kindness, honesty, and love by recognizing the impact our words have on others. A good beginning is asking the Holy Spirit to guide what we say and to help us control our speech. I’m going to strive to do better in building up those around me by putting controls on my tongue. Will you join me? God, I need your help, in the name of Jesus!

 

LEARNING DAILY

James 2:26, For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.

Ephesians 2:10, “For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” Paul wrote this after he wrote, “salvation is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.”  Believers are saved to do good works. These two writers are clear that faith without works is fatal. If you go back in the second chapter of James you will read that he calls the person “foolish” who has faith without works. In other words, the person who talks about their faith must be living it by being obedient.

Let’s be clear. “The works that God approves in a Christian’s life are those motivated by faith (obedience). A Christian does not do them to earn salvation but to fulfill the goal of salvation – being a steward of God on earth, using His gifts and resources to accomplish His will.” (David Jeremiah Study Bible). James continues in his writing by using Abraham and Rahab as examples to illustrate the obedience that accompanies one’s salvation.

The Lord Jesus Christ will judge the works of every Believer. 1 Corinthians 3:12-13, “Now if anyone builds on the foundation with gold, silver, precious stones, wood, hay, straw — each one 's work will become manifest, for the Day will disclose it, because it will be revealed by fire, and the fire will test what sort of work each one has done.” The fire will test each person’s work; what endures will be rewarded. That which is burned suffers a loss. This is not about one’s salvation; it is about the words and deeds that bring honor and glory to Jesus. It is about how Believers used their gifts and talents to build on the foundation of Christ. The quality of one’s work is so important it will be tested by fire. What remains of the tested works will result in a reward for the individual; Paul does not write what that reward will be. Let me add a comment in the DJSB, “Everything a godly steward does that displays the glory of the Lord is considered a good work in God’s sight.”

“Faith apart from works is dead.” One who professes to have faith in Jesus but has no outward signs of faith has “faith without works” – a dead faith. The lack of good deeds reveals an unchanged heart. Merely claiming to believe without living out that faith is meaningless. The Believer’s devotion to the Lord will show through loving, compassionate, and righteous deeds. The Lord’s power to save is the power to change their life. Warren Weirsbe describes such faith as “dynamic faith,” or faith that “is not intellectual contemplation or emotional consternation; it leads to obedience on the part of the will. And this obedience is not an isolated event: it continues throughout the whole life. It leads to works.”

Again, James is not saving one’s works will save him/her. Instead, he is writing that one’s actions are the result of or the evidence of salvation. James wanted his readers to understand the importance of putting their faith into practice.

 

LEARNING DAILY

James1:22-25, But be doers of the Word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the Word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

James continues about what genuine, trusting, and saving faith looks like. He has written that the Believer’s conversation must be consistent with biblical standards and Christian beliefs. James 1:9 tells the Believer to be “quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger.” Now he writes that Believers are to not only know God’s Word, they are to act on what they know. I remember trying to teach different skills to others like riding a bicycle or proper form for shooting a jump shot. The best way I found to learn various skills was to try repeatedly until it became routine. Reading the manual or sitting and watching was not enough. I remember my wife trying to teach the piano – it took repetition of those notes to play the piano.

To be a doer of the Word, one must do what it tells the reader to do. It is figuring out what God wants you to do and then doing it. It is a matter of demonstrating that one truly trusts what God says in His Word. James compares looking into a mirror with reading the Word of God; just looking is not good enough. What is seen must be retained, and what is retained must be acted upon. James writes about a person who looks at himself/herself in the mirror but then walks away and forgets what he/she saw. James compares this to one who casually listens to or reads God’s Word. This is more about listening or reading without any real faith.

Read the last verse above. James is contrasting the one who looks in the mirror and then forgets what sort of person was in the mirror with the person who looks into the mirror – really looks into it and acts upon what he/she sees.  The Bible is like a mirror; when you look into it, you see yourself as God sees you, not who you say you are or what others might think you are. Read Psalm 51 or Psalm 139. Take a good look at what God’s Word says. Psalm 139:23-24, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” The active Believer is one who hears (reads) with genuine faith, wanting to learn from God’s Word and do what it says. John 8:31-32, “So Jesus said to the Jews who had believed him, "If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples, and you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." James is writing about the person who opens the Word of God – every day – and looks at it, reads it intently! The result is the person stays on the narrow way with the Lord and is blessed in what he/she does. Obedience to the Word of God brings freedom from sin and death (Romans 5:19, 6:11-23).

I found this illustration and thought it be good to conclude with. We like to eat out and have our favorite places to eat. I am laughed at for getting the same thing at each particular restaurant. Usually, I look at the menu as if I might try something different. I have found that looking at the menu does not have any particular nourishment to it nor do I get any real satisfaction from it. But when the order comes…. Can I tell you that the Christian who just stares at the Word of God is not finding the satisfaction that God desires them to have. It is only when the Word is eaten that nourishment and satisfaction come. Jeremiah 15:16, “Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.”

 

LEARNING DAILY

2 Chronicles 9:5-6, And she said to the king, "The report was true that I heard in my own land of your words and of your wisdom, but I did not believe the reports until I came and my own eyes had seen it. And behold, half the greatness of your wisdom was not told me; you surpass the report that I heard.

I have written several times about the importance walking the narrow way as Christ directs because it is never known when people are watching. People want to know if the talk is real by the walk Believers walk. I watch people to see if what they do in church is the same when they are outside of the church (not that I get to see too many people). I often wonder if those who clap and shout “Amen” in the church service are the same at work, at play, at home. Do they praise God at church but do not control their tongue at home? I only wonder because I know how my temper can flare up, I know I need to be different.

 Pastor Lonnie Keene spoke at NorthRock Church this weekend and talked about the Queen of Sheba going to see Solomon because she had heard of his great wisdom and wealth; she went to test him with hard questions and see for herself his wealth. 2 Chronicles 9: 3-4, “And when the queen of Sheba had seen the wisdom of Solomon, the house that he had built, the food of his table, the seating of his officials, and the attendance of his servants, and their clothing, his cupbearers, and their clothing, and his burnt offerings that he offered at the house of the Lord, there was no more breath in her.” What she observed was the “attitude of the people” (Audrey’s notes). “People are always watching; they want to see for themselves if the attitudes of Believers are real.” (Pastor Keene). “The attitude and the presentation [one’s walk] of Believer’s matter all the time. Believers need to represent Jesus” (Audrey’s notes). In yesterday’s blog, Ed Newton talked about being sealed by the Holy Spirit; the Believer was meant to worship and made to be a witness for His glory. People want to be seen and be sure that the Believer’s walk is consistent with what they profess! Solomon answered all her questions, and she observed all the things in the house of Solomon. Pastor Keene said, “She saw all the people were happy, and it took her breath away.”

The Queen of Sheba observed the people’s attendance, their attire, and the food of Solomon’s table (Audrey’s notes). She paid attention to the details. Speaking from a pastor’s point of view, Pastor Keene stated people know who attend church. She noticed the people’s attire, what they were wearing. People see those who are walking with God, walking in His Armor, those who have put on the garment of praise, and those prepared to do ministry. He also mentioned that its not so much the outward apparel being worn as it is the inward man who has been renewed that people notice today. She also noticed the food at Solomon’s table. Pastor Keene likened this to the Word of God that people are to consume today. “America is not short on words. But the food Believers should be getting from the Pastor’s table is critical. Being fed by the pastor should be about the Word of God dealing with the issues of life. There are pastors I do not enjoy listening to but there is always something I can take away from what they say. Hebrews 4:12, “For the Word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”  It deals with the details of the Believer’s life.

I want my Church to be a Church that is welcoming and friendly. I want it to be an atmosphere where true worship happens, faith is great, and where miracles occur, one that “takes the breath away” of those who see it. I want my life to reflect that as well!

 

LEARNING DAILY

Ephesians 1:13-14, In Him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in Him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of His glory.

Pastor Ed Newton told the congregation “You are completely saved. Faith in Jesus alone. Grace comes from Jesus alone. Christ alone saves a person.” Romans 10:17, “So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the Word of Christ.” Put this verse with what Ephesians 1:13 says and our faith comes from hearing the Word of God. It is very important to be in a church where the Word of God is spoken in Truth and completely. 2 Timothy 2:15, “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” The minister/pastor of the church must handle and speak the Word of God in a way that pleases God (not man). Each Believer must study the word of God to share with others correctly, in Truth, and to please God. When done in this way, the Believer has no “need to be ashamed.”

Why is this important? Romans 10:9, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” Hearing the Word of God becomes heart knowledge (Listener Guide) when we hear and then confess it with our mouth we will be saved. Pastor Newton pointed out that when a Believer (those who “confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart”) does this, changes begin to occur in their life. The Holy Spirit comes to live within the Believer and He helps him/her walk the narrow way, changing them from the inside out.

His second point was, “You are supernaturally sealed.” Being sealed means the Believer is marked. When one is marked it shows who he belongs to. A seal was a mark indicating a letter or scroll was closed or completed. When a king or a dignitary wanted to have an identifying mark with a letter, he would seal it with a resin imprint of his ring. The Holy Spirit puts His mark on the Believer showing he/she is accepted by Jesus. This seal is also a promise of empowerment (lG). The Holy Spirit will teach the Believer all things (John 14:26). This is not something the Believer gains on their own; it comes only through Jesus to help the Believer become more like Him. This seal “guarantees the Believer’s inheritance!” The Holy Spirit will convict the Believer of sin; that is why there is guilt when he/she sins. That is a good thing because the conviction causes the Believer to go to the Father in confession (1John 1:9).

Finally, Pastor Newton said the Believer was “sent” (“to the praise of His glory”). “You were made for worship (Praise) and you were made to be a witness (His glory). Believers are “to live for an audience of One” (EN), to honor the Lord and to give Him glory.