We’ve all heard it said that patience, (waiting without complaint), is a virtue. And the apostle Paul lists patience among the fruits of the Spirit. (Gal. 5:22-23) Unfortunately, for me patience has always been a struggle and waiting is definitely not one of my strengths. …
Waiting For The Lord – Psalm 27Read More »
Waiting For The Lord – Psalm 27 Read More »
James 5:7
I love having a garden. Whether it be flowers or vegetables, there’s nothing better than the satisfaction of a good crop. And although I’d love to instantly see the results of my time, attention, and work, I have to have patience. Yet having patience isn’t easy, especially in a world that covets instant gratification. But life is full of waiting. And to those who patiently endure until He returns, God promises a glorious reward. An eternal bounty of love, peace, and endless joy. Patience is a fruit of the Spirit, and one that produces endurance. An endurance to stay the course and strengthen our hearts for the soon coming of the Lord!
June 12th – James 5:7 Read More »
Exodus 33:14
Even though the Israelites were God’s chosen people, they continually sinned against Him. And constantly Moses interceded on their behalf. God is always looking for sincere, devout individuals to pray for their country. For as James 5:26 declares, “The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and wonderful results.” Our nation was one founded on the Word of God. And we as American Christians should be on our knees before the Lord. We need to be praying for the repentance of our people and that God will remain in our midst. For a country without God is doomed to fail. But to a country whose people put God at the forefront and abide in Him, He promises His continued presence, peace, and rest.
May 31st – Exodus 33:14 Read More »
James 2:5
The world in which we live values celebrity and wealth above all else. And those with are treated much different than those without. But in actuality, if we have faith and a heart for Christ, we are the richest of all. God isn’t impressed by the riches we possess or our status in society. God looks at our hearts. And to those who abide in Him in love and obedience, He gives the greatest richest of all. When we receive Jesus as our Savior, we are transformed into royalty. Through Christ, we become adopted heirs in the kingdom of God. Our sins are forgiven our debts cancelled, and we will spend eternity at the side of the King!
May 26th – James 2:5 Read More »
James 1:22
The Bible is more than just a good book to read from time to time. The Bible is the inerrant Word of God. And as such, we need to be not just readers or hearers, but doers of God’s Word. The Bible is our handbook for life. It shows us how to live, how to treat others, and how to please God. Luke 11:28 tells us that all who hear the Word of God and put it into practice are blessed. And although walking according to God’s Word isn’t always easy, it is always beneficial. Because abiding in the Lord and His Word, gives us everything we need to become doers, producing good fruits for the glory of God and His kingdom.
May 25th – James 1:22 Read More »
James 4:8
The Bible makes clear that once we receive Jesus as our Savior, our salvation is secure. And although nothing can separate us from His love, sin breaks our precious fellowship with God. A fellowship that remains broken until we come before the Lord with confession and repentance. When we come to God with contrite hearts that truly seek to draw near to Him, He too will draw near to us. For God loves us beyond comprehension. And washing our hands of sin, and purifying our hearts and minds, paves the way for us to abide in the Lord. This in turn allows us, to enjoy a perfect fellowship with God, filled with peace, joy, and love.
May 20th – -James 4:8 Read More »
After Stephen was martyred in Jerusalem, the Jewish Christians were persecuted, driven from the city, and scattered throughout the land. They were unwelcome in their new communities, and faced great pressure to fit in with those around them. These Jews felt the pull of drifting back into their old ways. They tried to walk with one foot on the worldly path and the other on the path of God. But the ways of God and of the world are so completely opposite that it’s impossible to love one without hating the other. And as James warns, “friendship with the world, is hostility toward God.” (v. 4) …
Friends With The World – James 4 Read More »
The Bible tells us that the Christian walk is made up of two paths. Daily we must make the choice of either following the path of godly living which leads to life, or the path of the world which leads to death. For as James reminds us, we can’t walk with God and hold hands with the devil. …
Friends With The World – (James 4) Read More »
At the end of the previous chapter, the angry mob attempts to beat Paul to death. They falsely believed he had defiled the holy temple by sneaking in Gentiles. Gentiles were not allowed in the inner courts of the temple, and doing so was a crime punishable by death. Now in chapter 22 after convincing the commander of the soldiers that it was a case of mistaken identity, Paul is allowed to address the people and give his defense. He delivers his testimony in the “Hebrew dialect” causing the crowd to quiet down and listen. Speaking as a Jew to his fellow Jews, Paul tells of his life and actions before knowing Jesus as his Savior, the events surrounding his conversion, and how he was called into ministry. The Jews listened intently to all Paul had to say until he finished with this, “And He said to me, ‘Go! For I will send you far away to the Gentiles.“, (v. 21) Once again, the mob rioted. They cried out for Paul’s death, “…throwing off their cloaks and tossing dust into the wind.“, (v. 23). What was behind the Jews anger toward the Gentiles? Jealousy. …
Israel’s Jealousy – (Acts 22) Read More »
James 1:2
No one likes a trial, but hardships are a result of living in a fallen world. Yet we can find joy even in the roughest of times when our focus remains on God and not the storms raging around us. How? By remembering that God uses all things for our benefit, both good and bad. If we trust Him completely, the Lord will safely see us through all circumstances while strengthening our faith, teaching us endurance, and drawing us closer to Him. And there is great joy in knowing that what God leads us to, He will see us through!
November 27th – James 1:2 Read More »