James

March 5th – James 5:16

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James 5:16

I love the quote, “I may not be able to depend on people, but I can always depend on God.” One of the best ways we show our dependence on the Lord, is through prayer. And James agrees. With everything Israel faced, good and bad, James encouraged the people to pray. Pray for deliverance, for healing, to give thanks, and most importantly, for each other. Because part of being a powerful prayer warrior is praying fervently for others. And here in James 5:18  James tells us to confess our sins to one another and lift each up in prayer, so we may be healed. Healed from more than just our transgressions, but also physical ailments, sorrows, discouragement and weakness. In all things, we are to pray for one another. Why? Because prayer is our lifeline to God. And to the prayer of a righteous person, He promises to hear and respond!

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March 1st – 1 John 5:14-16

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1 John 5:14-16

The apostle Paul tells us in Ephesians 6:12 that there is a great spiritual war waging all around us. As such, we are commanded to be warriors in God’s army. Soldiers armed against the Enemy’s attacks, and at the ready with our spiritual weapons. And some of the greatest ammunition we have is prayer. Prayer is an unbreakable bond between us and God. And a great privilege, for it allows us to get closer to our heavenly Father. There is no special formula, ritual, or words that have to be said. All God wants is for us to come to Him in complete and humble faith. Through the blood of Jesus Christ we have unlimited access to the Father and His throne. And He wants to hear from us! James 4:2 tells us we don’t have, because we don’t ask. So today I challenge you to ask! Go to God in prayer. Give to Him your heart and all it holds. And have unshakable faith that if it is His will, He will see it done!

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February 24th – Colossians 1:10

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Colossians 1:10

We are almost at the end of the winter season and most of us are getting ready for the spring! Some are excited to begin working in their gardens. Because although it involves lots of work and dedication, in due time they get to see the results. They enjoy the beauty, and can’t help but smile and sigh knowing the work was worth it! Those who are pros know they need to have good soil so whatever they plant will grow and bloom. And the plants have to be protected from weeds and pests so they will grow and bear fruit. So almost on a daily basis the gardener must bend down and look for those weeds and pests in order to get rid of them ASAP!!

In today’s scripture Paul has written God’s heartfelt desire for His people to walk in spiritual wisdom and understanding. He wants us to, “please Him in all things, bearing fruit in every good work and steadily growing in the knowledge of God.” In our Christian walk we as “the gardeners of our soul”, must also protect our hearts and minds from those “weeds and pests” that will prevent us from growing and bearing fruit. James 1:21-22 tells us how. “Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

I would like to ask you to take some time and prayerfully, in wholly surrender, ask our Abba Father to show you, what you are to get rid of to fully please Him and be able to bear fruit? He will show you and will also help you. You only need to ask. Because God loves you and He is Faithful!!

Blessings,

Mari

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October 24th – James 1:27

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James 1:27

We all know that actions speak louder than words. As Christians, hearing and knowing God’s Word is vital. But even more important is putting that Word into action. Because if as believers we aren’t actively out demonstrating the Lord’s goodness through loving acts, charity, and edifying speech, than we become ineffective witnesses for the Lord. The world in which live is stained with the pollution of sin and suffering. And we, as followers of Jesus, need to remain unblemished by the inequity of the fallen. To have a “pure religion”, which casts aside the evil of this earth and its selfish desires. One which focuses on caring for its most helpless and needy. And when we do, we both become a blessing and receive a blessing. For as Jesus taught, “When you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous” (Luke 14:13-14)

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Man Plans, God Laughs – Proverbs 16

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Proverbs 16 

I’m a list maker. I love to sit down with a cup of hot coffee and make a list of things I need to do for the day. My lists keep me organized, and I get a small feeling of accomplishment as I cross off each task. One Friday night I sat down with my trusted pad of paper and pen, and eagerly wrote down all of the things I planned to get done over the weekend. And as I went to sleep that night with the thoughts of all I wanted to tackle, I awoke to a son with a migraine, a dog having stomach issues, an unexpected early morning visitor, and a complete change in the plans I had so carefully laid out. Hence the quote Man plans, and God laughs. …

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September 27th – James 5:7

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James 5:7

Endurance can be defined as the act of bearing or suffering; a continuing patience under pain or distress without being overcome. As Christians, our lives should be shining examples of patient endurance. One that waits expectantly and joyfully for the return of the Lord; no matter what. To illustrate patience, James uses the example of a farmer. From seeding until harvest, he must wait to see the result of his work in the precious produce of the soil. And the same goes for us. The work we do for the Lord, we do with the sweet anticipation of laying our precious produce before the Lord. For one day soon Christ will be returning. James tells us the “Judge is at the door”. So until then may we be over-comers of the world. Workers of God’s kingdom, who patiently endure the trials of life. And May we follow the advice of James who tells us to, “strengthen our hearts, for the coming of the Lord is near.” (James 5:8)

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September 23rd – James 3:18

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James 3:18

Relationships are hard. And right now we are living in divisive times marked by anger, hatred, and even violence. But such ways don’t bring people together, or change one another’s opinion. And Christians need to stay out of the fray, instead sowing seeds of peace and producing fruits of righteousness. How? By setting aside the flawed, selfish, jealous, me-first, wisdom of the world. And instead apply the wisdom from above. For godly wisdom is, “pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy, and good fruits, unwavering, without hypocrisy.” (James 3:17) We’ve all heard the phrase, “Do you want to be right, or happy?” With God we can have both. But it’s important to always check our motives and attitudes when dealing with others. Are we examples of God’s love and grace? Are we sharing God’s truth in love and humility, or are we using the Bible as a weapon; proving others wrong and justifying our own actions?

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August 15th – James 1:12

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James 1:12

It’s often our darkest times, that reveal our true feelings toward God. When trouble hits do we run to His open arms to receive His grace, love, and strength? Or do we let the Enemy plant seeds of discouragement, despair, and doubt in God’s goodness? For those who persevere in trials, who never give upon God no matter how bad the circumstance, He promises to give the crown of life. Five eternal crowns God offers. Rewards for His children who have been faithful throughout their lives. The crown of life is bestowed to those who love God. Those who believe in Him for eternal life, and who, in faithful obedience, keep His commandments; especially during suffering. So when the storms of life surround us, we can rejoice knowing the crown awaiting us. A crown that we will proudly lay at the feet of our Savior Jesus Christ, the author and finisher of our faith” (Heb. 12:2)

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July 14th – James 1:25

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James 1:25

James describes the Word of God as the perfect law of liberty. Why? Because in it we learn the gospel of Jesus Christ, which gives us freedom from sin, bondage, and death. And the more time we spend in the Bible, the freer we become. Which is why James stresses that we need to “look intently” at what God says. In the ancient Greek language, to “look intently” spoke of a penetrating examination. To peer so intently, that a person would go to great extremes, even physical, to get a better look. Adam Clark calls “looking intently” as taking the time to, “see and examine the state of his soul, the grace of his God, the extent of his duty, and the height of the promised glory.” Being able to both own and read the Bible is a privilege we should never take for granted. And when it comes to the Word of God, James promises great blessings for those who instead of being forgetful hearers, become effectual doers!

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July 9th – James 2:12

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James 2:12

As followers of Jesus, we receive the gift of liberty. Liberty from the Law, sin, and death. We are new creations in Christ, freed from the bondage of living in darkness and condemnation. But that doesn’t mean we are free to speak and act like the rest of the world. Just because we are saved, doesn’t give us cart blanche to walk by the flesh or disobey God. For our freedom was purchased with the blood of Jesus Christ. And as such, He expects us to be His ambassadors to a darkened world, reflections of His love and grace. That includes making sure our speech and actions line up with the Word of God. For saved or unsaved, we will all stand before Him and give an account of our lives. Every word we speak and every deed we perform will be laid bare before our Creator. (Matt. 12:36, Rom. 14:12) And the goal of every Christian should be to stand before our Maker and hear Him say, “Well done good and faithful servant!” (Matt. 25:23)

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