The Prayer of Faith

 James 5:  13-20:  

"The Prayer of Faith"

¹³ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 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.

¹⁷ Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. ¹⁸ Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

¹⁹ My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, ²⁰ remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

The title of our last blog entry of the summer is so perfect.  "The Prayer of Faith"  To appeal with assurance to our Savior.  It is a great conclusion to James' challenging and comforting book.  I hope you will be as encouraged as I am through the last verses we will review this summer. 

¹³ Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise.¹⁴ Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵ And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. 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.

This might be one of my favorite groups of scripture in James.  It warms my heart and soul to know that in each season there is an appropriate response.   Responses that remind once again, that our God answers prayer and is faithful.  We are the body.  We are the church.  We should pray for each other in times of trouble, sing together for joy in times of praise and thanksgiving, and fervently pray for each other when we are sick.  We should do all of these things with gratitude as shared in Colossians 3:16: "¹⁶ Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts."  

I found the references to characteristics of the person presenting the prayer in verses 15 and 16 intriguing.  Verse 15 says that "Prayer offered in faith will make a sick person well- the Lord will raise them up!"  And in verse 16 ... "confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed," and lastly, "the prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective."  Hopelessness is not an option for a follower of Christ.  When one confesses their sins, and has faith in Christ as their personal savior, their prayers are not only heard, but answered.  Just as it is written in John 9:31, "³¹ We know that God does not listen to sinners. He listens to the godly person who does his will." Our reassurance is solidified in Psalm 50:15,"15 call on me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you will honor me." 

¹⁷ Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. ¹⁸ Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

Verses 17 and 18 remind us that we, mere mortals, have access to the power of God.  If we pray earnestly, or seriously, our prayers will be answered.  God can and will do miraculous things as exhibited in Elijah's situation.  Can you imagine it not raining for three and 1/2 years?  Well, all of you in Texas may be thinking it is possible after these drought filled couple of years, but really- never a drop?  And then when the request was presented, a rain shower poured down from heaved that produced a harvest.  Believe God when He says He answers prayer.  And when you forget His faithfulness, open his Word and read account after account of His provision and answered prayers.  I can reflect over my short life and see many Elijah moments and in my minuscule life those times seemed as important as a 3 year drought.  Do you have a story of His provision for you?

¹⁹ My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, ²⁰ remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Verse 19 is sometimes hard to live out.  When you see a brother or sister in Christ choosing the wrong path, it is often hard to go and confront them.  We consider that we may come across as being hypocritical or that we will be received with contempt.  This practice is so important as evidenced in the scriptures devoted to the task of keeping each other in communion with Christ.  Galatians 6:1 gives us guidance in how to hold another accountable..."6 Brothers and sisters, if someone is caught in a sin, you who live by the Spirit should restore that person gently. But watch yourselves, or you also may be tempted."  As does Matthew 18:15 "15 If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over."  And finally, 1 Peter 4:8, "⁸ Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."  As addressed in the above scriptures,  the meeting with a brother or sister in need of redirecting should be first and foremost be handled with true motivation from the Holy Spirit. It should also be done with caution, to protect oneself from temptation.  Lastly, it should occur in a private setting with the purpose being to restore the brother or sister in a gentle, loving way.  In doing so, if the brother or sister turns back to Christ they will be saved "from death."

Verse 19 reminds me of someone special in my life that has "found the truth."   And if she wanders from it- please direct her back!!  Just last week something breath taking happened at our house.  Our eldest daughter reserved her spot in Heaven.  :-)  I was out running errands and received a text from my husband that our daughter just accepted Christ as her Savior.  When I arrived home I received all of the beautiful details from my sweet husband.  Our eldest was peppering him with questions about good and evil.  Salvation and eternity.  My husband was impressed with her deep questions and answered them.  Before he could tuck her in for the night she said that she wanted to ask Jesus to live in her heart forever and for Jesus to forgive her for her sins.  Then she asked my husband to step out into the hall because she wanted some privacy with Jesus while she confessed and asked Him to save her... ;-)  He came back in after she called and talked with her more about her newly solidified salvation.  I can't think of a moment more precious in her beautiful life than this moment of deliverance.  As parents, we were beyond excited.  We know that this is the first step in her journey with Christ.   Today we had the opportunity to celebrate her salvation by baking a white cake to symbolize her purity (so appropriate for a girl who's name means purity already- she is fulfilling her God given destiny).  We invited one of her friends over to play and help us bake.  Unbeknownst to us- her little friend had asked Jesus in her heart this summer as well!  What a sweet time of celebration we had today.  It gives a new meaning to the phrase "best friends forever."  

Girls, this summer has been so quick, but very purposeful.  God has used this season to create in me more self discipline and has poured into me more knowledge in His truth.  Self discipline and biblical knowledge are two things that I strongly desired and prayed for in the Spring.  God delivers... :-)  I am so grateful that many of you have read, studied, and prayed.  God speaks to those who listen and seek Him.  Thank you for your obedience in doing so...  Thank you also for encouraging me and cheering me on when I have felt stumped, slowed, or empty.  God has filled my vessel and it is overflowing.  His blessings are immense- I am so humbled and grateful.  

To those of you that are local:  I invite you to join us at Soul Sisters at Valley Creek church this fall.  You can find more information about this bible study that reaches all ages and backgrounds of women from various denominations at http://valleycreek.org/ministries/women-soul-sisters/.  The first meeting will be the second week in September.  Looking forward to connecting with many of you then!

Until next summer...many blessings to you!

In Him,

M

Patience in Suffering

James 5:7-12

Patience in Suffering

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.   The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else.   All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.

This week's verses focus on God's faithfulness and our need for patient, perseverance.  James 5:7-12 has strengthened my faith and reminded me of God's abundant power and mercy.  Let's dive in...

7 Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. 8 You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. 9 Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Verse 7 calls us to be even tempered with our "brothers and sisters" (other believers) until the Lord comes back.  The example given is a farmer that is patient for his land to yield its crop.  He prays for God to bless his efforts when he harvests the crops in the autumn.  He prays for rain in the spring to bring nourishment to his bounty.  To reap the reward for his labor.  Just as it is written in Joel 2:23, "23 Be glad, people of Zion, rejoice in the LORD your God, for he has given you the autumn rains in righteousness. He sends you abundant showers, both autumn and spring rains, as before."  The Lord is faithful- be patient.

In verse 8 James warns us to be patient and not waiver in our faith because His presence is imminent.  Likewise it is shared in Luke 21:19, "19 Stand firm, and you will win life."  In verse 9 James says not to quarrel with one another because there will be consequences for our sinful behavior.  That time is near.

10 Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. 11 As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Verses 10 and 11 remind of us of the testimony of the prophets, namely Job.  If you have not read the book of Job I encourage you to do so...Satan comes to the Lord and challenges that Job will not be a loyal servant.  God agrees to test Job, contending that he is loyal.  Satan takes everything away from Job- hundreds of livestock, 10 children, servants, etc.  He was very wealthy.  Job worships the Lord.  Then Satan strickens him with sores all over his body and fever.  He is miserable and naked.  Everything has been stripped from him.  In his misery he gives God all glory and honor.  God comes to his aid and blesses him.  God gives him way more than he had before (Job 42:10-12).  He gives him 10 more children, thousands of livestock, and 140 years of full life.  Job was patient.  He suffered greatly.  He preserved and was blessed.  The Lord was full of mercy to him who called upon His name as the Almighty. 

12 Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple “Yes” or “No.” Otherwise you will be condemned.
In the last verse we are called to, above all, not "swear- not by heaven or by earth or by anything else."  We are not to say things like "I swear on my life that this is true," etc.  Because after all, who are we to have control over our own life or anything else?  We have no right to swear- to claim that we are more powerful than the Living God.  God is sovereign.  Mathew 5:34-37 puts it this way, "34 But I tell you, do not swear an oath at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; 35 or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. 36 And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. 37 All you need to say is simply 'Yes' or 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one."  If we act like we are in a sense god, we will be condemned for it.

I am looking forward to studying James 5:13-20 with you all next week.  I can't believe it will be the last entry of the summer!  This summer has flown by! 

Blessings,

M

Warning to Rich Oppressors

James 5:  1-6

Warning to Rich Oppressors

5 Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. 2 Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. 3 Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days.4 Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. 5 You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.[a] 6 You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.

This segment of scripture gives a warning to the rich.  It is a stern warning to those whose wealth is based in greed and selfishness.  1 Timothy 6:9 further describes this mentality, "Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction."  The above verses do not say that being wealthy in and of itself is bad- it is the paradigm in which you see your wealth, or the condition of your wealth and ultimately the heart, that can be sinful. 

Verse 2 speaks to the result of greed and selfishness.  The materials the "rich people" hoard are rotting and disintegrating because their wealth is sitting in its stingy shelter.  This rotting pile exemplifies the idolatry of self and focus of materialism from its owner.   The decay is evidence that everything on Earth is temporary and will eventually be destroyed.  Mathew 6:19-21 confirms this idea- "Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal.  But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also."  Where do your treasure and heart reside?

In verse 3 James indicates that the "rich people" have gathered and stored their wealth in their "last days."  What do you think he meant by their "last days"?  Do any of us know when our last days will be?  As far as I am aware, my last days are any day after today.  Their treasures were stored for good- intended to be stockpiled until they expired.  At which point they may have been completely worthless to those in need because they would have been so damaged from idleness. 

Verse 4 shows that the "rich people" have been so self seeking that they did not even pay workers the money owed to them for their labor.  The "cries of the harvesters" brings a clear mental picture to me...  The laborers in the fields working day and night with sweat on their brow.  Then at the time of harvest- the time they should reap their reward for their labor, they receive nothing.  Not because the money was not available to be paid to them, but because the land owner is so self indulgent that he would rather withhold compensation than pay the people that harvested his fields.  Jeremiah 22:13 and many other verses in the Bible discuss the consequence of not paying people for their work. 13 “Woe to him who builds his palace by unrighteousness, his upper rooms by injustice, making his own people work for nothing, not paying them for their labor."  The consequence of this behavior is great.   The money in the land owner's pocket is not his to keep anyway, it belongs to God.  

Verse 5 sums it up..."you have fattened yourself for the day of slaughter."  What do you think James means by "the day of slaughter."  Judgement day...the day in which all people will sit before the Lord Almighty- fat and full of gluttony.  Just like a fattened cow- at which point it would be ready for slaughter and to be devoured.  Verse 6 states "You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you."  You have been so selfish and have taken advantage of the people who have not even acted against you...

The stockpile of wealth described in these verses is a testament of how the wealth these people had was not used to bring Glory to God.  If you believe that everything comes from God, including your wealth, it should be easy to use it in and for His name.  Generosity should be the point to the accumulation of wealth so that the money can be circulated to various needs.  Much can flow through the storehouses to help those in need.  As the wealth comes in and goes back out it will be in good condition- not rotted or corroded because of lack of use.  It's condition will be a testament of generosity, not of greed.

Blessings,

M

2 Entries for the Price of One

Hey Girls:
2 Entries for the price of one next week!  Looking forward to sharing the great stuff that God has for us with you...

Hope you all are having a great week!

M

Boasting About Tomorrow

James 4: 13-17


Boasting About Tomorrow


¹³ Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵ Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. ¹⁷ If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.

This week's segment of scripture is short, but powerful.   Let's take a look...

Verse 13 starts by sharing a sense of urgency with the use of the words, "Now listen."   The message given in verse 13 assumes that the receivers of this message are making plans for the future with confidence that they have complete control of each day.  In doing so, they are ignoring the sovereignty of God. 

Verse 14 reminds us that we have no idea what will become of tomorrow or the next day.  We are here on Earth for such a short time in God's grand plan.  The Psalmist describes this season in Psalm 39:5, "5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you.  Everyone is but a breath, even those who seem secure.[a]"  Psalm 144:4 says that "4 They are like a breath; their days are like a fleeting shadow."  Like a "fleeting shadow", "a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes"... this quickly puts life into perspective.   The description reminds me of the dew that forms on top of leaves on trees and on top of blades of grass early in the morning.  It quickly evaporates as the sun rises. How do you view your life? Do you have a verse 13 perspective or a verse 15 perspective?

I feel like Verse 15 is the banner over my life and plans.  "If it is the Lord's will," then we will go here and do that...  Deo Volente is Latin for Lord Willing.  "Lord Willing, I will have another baby (No announcements here! :-) this is just an example) or live to travel the world with my husband".  I once read that if you would like to make God giggle, tell him your plans. :-)  He has a plan and it will be fulfilled with or without us.  We should make plans and fulfill our purpose here on Earth using the gifts that God gave us.  But, we execute those plans with the understanding that the days will come only as God is willing to give them and that our short time here should be focused on His Purpose and "do(ing) the good (we) ought to do" as stated in verse 17.

In verse 16, James warns about boasting about our plans and how that is sinful and flat out "evil."  To "boast" is defined as bragging or being prideful.  In this case, it is being prideful that you are in control.  Proverbs 27:1 puts it simply- "Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring."  We should take each day as it comes with humility and gratitude.  For we do not have the power to control how many days we receive and what each day will bring.  How dare we take credit for the Author's work?

Verse 17 is sobering; especially for believers that know what God calls us to do and do not execute that calling in our lives. Take a look at John 9:41 "41 Jesus said, “If you were blind, you would not be guilty of sin; but now that you claim you can see, your guilt remains."  2 Peter 2:21 illustrates the message in James, verse 17 even further- "21 It would have been better for them not to have known the way of righteousness, than to have known it and then to turn their backs on the sacred command that was passed on to them."   How obedient are we to what God calls us to do?  Is there some good that you feel called to do?  Good that the Holy Spirit continues to remind you to do, that you continue to resist? 

Looking forward to studying James 5: 1-6, "Warning to Rich Oppressors" with you next week. Deo Valente! :-)


M

Submit Yourselves to God

James 4:  1-12:  


Submit Yourselves to God

4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? ² You desire but do not have, so you kill.  You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. ³ When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

⁴ You adulterous people,^[a] don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. ⁵ Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us^[b]? ⁶ But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud
    but shows favor to the humble.”^[c]
    

⁷ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands,you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

¹¹ Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister^[d] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. ¹² There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Girls, there is so much meat in these verses!  Please, grab a cup of tea/coffee and carve out 15 minutes to meditate on these verses, it will be worth replacing your Pinterest free time today :-).  This entry got a little long, so forgive me for the length- I just couldn't stop myself!

When I read Chapter 4, specifically verse 3, I was hit with conviction. If I may be transparent with you all, I fought my sinful self this very evening. My fabulous mother in law is visiting and encouraged my husband and I to go out  after dinner. My husband has some prep work to do for an upcoming men's retreat he is attending and this is my only opportunity this week to spend time working on this blog entry. But, instead of yearning to be sitting here digging into God's word, I suggested we go to Target and stroll through the toy aisles (one of my husband's favorite things to do :-)) where I saw lots of clearance tags on an earlier visit. Thankfully, my husband has more self discipline than me and he drove us to Barnes and Noble where I agreed that was the better place to spend our free time.

I share this story not to say that strolling toy aisles is bad- it is not- but that many times my motives are misguided.  My prayer to God to bless me with extra time may be rooted in my desire to squander it on self pleasures like Target.  :-)  This segment of scripture has commanded my attention.  I need a full selfishness shower from these raw, sinful thoughts.

I think these verses will cause us to pause and reflect on whom and what we serve on a daily basis.  Let's take a look at the wisdom God has for us starting in verses 1-3...

4 What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? ² You desire but do not have, so you kill.  You covet but you cannot get what you want, so you quarrel and fight. You do not have because you do not ask God. ³ When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures.

How often have you asked for God to bless you with something, but with the wrong motives?  It seems we ask for things and assume that our motives are just, but then as we peal back the layers of the request we recognize that we want to be blessed because we are coveting something and want to spend the blessing on our own pleasures, not on what the Lord desires of our blessing.  Those motives rooted in selfish desire create discord and disagreements, etc. as described in verse 2.

For example, think for a minute about the news stories we view of people that are having money troubles that lead to divorce, broken relationships with business partners/friends, and general destruction of their lives because of the desperation of greed.  This greed lies in the world, not in communion with our Lord.  When you really examine the bedrock of the arguments witnessed around you, they are born out of sin. Matthew 6:24 clearly states that ²⁴ “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and money."  With the aforementioned example, if this person cried out to God to bless him, only to go and spend the money on his continued self absorbed pleasures- Do you think that God would bless him?  This story portrays a person serving the world, money, or himself, not God. 

Verse 3 states that when asked, God does not bless because selfish motives were the intention of the blessing.  God most certainly does answer prayer and will give to us what we ask.  Take for example, 1 John 3:22, "...receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him." And in 1 John 5:14, "This is the confidence we have in approaching God: that if we ask anything according to his will, he hears us." And lastly, in   verse 7, "⁷ Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. ⁸ For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened."  It is important to note that in each of these verses it does not say, "ask for anything your sinful heart desires, even if it is not according to my purpose", etc.  There is a qualifier in each verse, "you do not receive because you have wrong motives," "receive from him anything we ask, because we keep his commands and do what pleases him", and "we ask anything according to his will."  So, God will always hear us and will give us what we ask under the circumstance of His good and perfect will for our lives.

⁴ You adulterous people,^[a] don’t you know that friendship with the world means enmity against God? Therefore, anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. ⁵ Or do you think Scripture says without reason that he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us^[b]? ⁶ But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says:

“God opposes the proud
  but shows favor to the humble.”^[c]

I read this segment several times before I really understood what I think James is telling us.  "You adulterous people,"  meaning you people worshiping the world- cheating on God.   Romans 8:77 describes this mindset..."7 7 The mind governed by the flesh is hostile to God; it does not submit to God’s law, nor can it do so."  These cheaters are showing hatred against God because they are basically wearing 1/2 of a "BFF" heart necklace with the world.  Those necklace carrying friends are not in communion with Christ as described in 1 John 2:15.- "15 Do not love the world or anything in the world.  If anyone loves the world, love for the Father[a] is not in them."   I don't know about you, but I want to have a crystal clear love for Christ, without a glimmer of a World BFF necklace around my neck.

 

In verse 5 James suggests that "Scripture" consistently has purpose.  I studied the word "Scripture" more and was lead to 1 Timothy 16-17, "All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work."  After much reading and discussion, I feel that James' reference to the word "Scripture" means whatever was written at the time, perhaps the Old Testament, or other teaching that is and was God-breathed and used for learning, correction, instruction, edification, etc.

Verse 5 goes on to say that God meant what he said when it was written "he jealously longs for the spirit he has caused to dwell in us."  The statement was not just said in jest.  Our God loves us jealously as further evidenced in Exodus 34:14, "Do not worship any other god, for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God."  Our God does not tolerate us splitting our servant hood among masters.  He commands (for good reason) our full attention and devotion.

I love what John 15:19 says on this topic: "¹⁹ If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you."  We should not be "besties" with the world, in fact, we should feel like aliens living here temporarily.  The world unquestionably does not "love" us as its own.  Have you ever felt the "love" from this world?  If anything, I feel like when you hand your heart over to this world it sucks you into its volcano like pit and then spits you out at the timing of its pleasing.  There is no loving relationship, it is the exact opposite. 

Then in verse 6 James says that God gives us "grace"- he gives us unmerited favor.  Favor not because of anything we have done, but only what Christ has done on our behalf.    In the later part of verse six it says that "God opposes the proud, but gives favor to the humble."  Mathew 23:12 further demonstrates God's favor on humility:  "For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted."  Lastly, Proverbs 3:34 says that "He mocks proud mockers but shows favor to the humble and oppressed."  From the consistency of these verses it is clear that God desires humility from us, not pride. 

⁷ Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸ Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹ Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom.¹⁰ Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Verse 7 is so reassuring to me as a sinner.  "Resist the devil, and he will flee from you."- that is all I have to do, as a believer-  take a sin scrub in the tub/resist the devil,  and seek God.  In doing so, I will no longer be chained to my sin and will ultimately enjoy the freedom that fellowship with God brings. 

By seeking Him first with humility, he will carry us to safety.  In Job 5:11 it says, "11 The lowly he sets on high, and those who mourn are lifted to safety."  Chapter 4 speaks distinctively about the importance of humility.   I read a great quote about humility as I studied these verses..."Humiliation is shame. Humility is meekness, not out of shame, but out of righteousness".  Because as as Proverbs 22:4 shares, "By humility and the fear of the Lord are riches, and honour, and life."  Humility = to be Christlike.

   

¹¹ Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another.   Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister^[d] or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. ¹² There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

With some research I found that the Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a "believer", whether man or woman, as part of God’s family.  Verse 11 commands us to not disparage one another.  We too often take judgment lightly and shift into judgement gear as if it were part of our job descriptions.  The later part of verse 11 was enlightening to me because of the statement "sitting in judgment on it."  Have you ever thought of judgment in that way?  By judging others and the law, we are in effect not keeping the law and are in fact breaking the law in that very moment ourselves.   

Chapter 4 gives so much focus to humility, but verse 12 particularly serves me a silver platter full of humility.  There is "ONLY ONE JUDGE"- it is certainly not me.    Many of you may be familiar with Matthew 7: 1-6.  It is a great illustration of how judgment is pointless and our participation in it is futile.  “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. ² For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ³ “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? ⁴ How can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when all the time there is a plank in your own eye? ⁵ You hypocrite, first take the plank out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to remove the speck from your brother’s eye."  The next time I start to judge a "brother" or "sister" I going to remind myself of these verses and the grace bestowed upon me through Christ. 

I hope these verses have been as encouraging and challenging to you as they have been to me.  Thanks again for your patience in my timing of posts.  :-)  Looking forward to studying James 4:13-17 with you next week!

M

Two Kinds of Wisdom

James 3:  13-18: 

Two Kinds of Wisdom

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.

Hope you all had a great holiday last week!  Just want to give a shout of to my sweet husband...who encourages me and asks thought provoking questions to jump start my examination of scripture.  I suffered from some serious
"writer's block" over this small section and after some prayer and about 10 minutes discussing with my husband I was back on track...thanks, honey! 

This week's segment of scripture is short and sweet.   Just as we discovered last week about taming our tongues in this world, this week we are examining our motives based on the wisdom that we subscribe to in this world.  This segment of scripture focuses on the importance of good wisdom.  Let's take a look... 

¹³ Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴ But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵ Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. ¹⁶ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.

What type of wisdom do you feel fills your heart?    I think it is interesting that according to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, the definition of wisdom is this "1. Accumulated philosophic or scientific learning; knowledge.
2. Ability to discern inner qualities and relationships; insight.
3. Good sense; judgment."  So wisdom impacts the paradigm in which we use to walk through life.  It is the foundation from which we take action.  We must use "good" wisdom in which to base our lives. 

As we examine the first group of scriptures, the rhetorical nature of verse 13 begs the question of our motives behind our deeds.  Why do we do the things we do?  Are we completely motivated to be Christlike or just a little bit and more motivated to show the world that we are great people that should have attention paid to them?  Do we diminish our deeds by making them known- do they then become born out of our desire to covet and focused on our own interests?  What is the fruit of your wisdom? From verse 13 we see that wisdom is born in a good life full of "deeds done in humility" or actions taken in Christ's love. 1 Peter 2:12 describes this type of living in wisdom further; "¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us."

Our society is full of ambitious, "it's all about number 1" mentality people. In fact, during my career I fought to try to be one of those people. Throughout different roles in my career, the common thread between them is that I, and my peers, competed to be the best.   Many times in striving to be the better employee or most decorated salesperson, we did so at the cost of others. We were measuring ourselves by worldly wisdom. Worldly wisdom encourages us to succeed in our career no matter the cost to others. Our prize lies in pride and accomplishment in the eyes of the people of this world because we rose to the top. We were never contented or satisfied.   The constant competition resulted in at times lack of teamwork, discord, and damaged relationships (evil practices). 1 Corinthians 3:19 explains this about wisdom: "¹⁹ For the wisdom of this world is foolishness in God’s sight. As it is written: “He catches the wise in their craftiness.”^[a]    Earlier in 1 Corinthians 2:6 (⁶ We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing) it further explains to us that the wisdom of this world does not lead us to the prize, but instead to a big pile of nothing.

In verse 14 the scripture says to not "boast" about the evil ambition of your hearts because in doing so you are "denying the truth."   Furthermore, Romans 2:8 defines the consequences of this, "⁸ But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger."   To deny the truth means to buy into the worldly wisdom and ignore God's truth, heavenly wisdom.  Let's examine what "heavenly wisdom" looks like in the following verses. 


¹⁷ But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. ¹⁸ Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness.


The worldy wisdom examined in verses 13-16 is characterized by earthly, unspiritual, and demonic motives and practices.  It breeds "envy and selfish ambition" and leads to "disorder and evil practices."  However, heavenly wisdom is described in verse 17 as "first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere."  What a breath of fresh air!  The adjectives used to describe heavenly wisdom are direct antonyms to the words used to describe worldy wisdom- submissive, the antonym to ambition, being considerate verses being envious, etc.  The first and second paragraphs give us a clear compare and contrast of the two types of wisdom. 




After verse 17, we have a definition of God's wisdom and then in verse 18 we see that the result of our obediance in being more Christlike will be righteousness.   If we can apply the wisdom of heaven, we will "reap a harvest of righteousness." 


The word, "peacemaker" makes me think of someone that is a representative of a nation at war with another nation.  The peacemakers of each nation meet to try to come with a resolution of peace, but neither side can be impartial or sincere.  They fight over resources and land, they are looking out for their own interests alone.  They are ambitious in the midst of chaos, rooted in evil practices.   In contrast, as a peacemaker representing heavenly wisdom described in verse 17, we will reap righteousness.  Do you remember how we defined "righteousness" in James 1:20.  "Free from guilt of sin" or "to be reconciled with God."  So if our foundation is built from heavenly wisdom, as peacemakers, we will harvest righteousness.  I love how Matthew 5:9 confirms the blessings of being a peacemaker, "⁹ Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God." 


In 2 Corinthians 1:12 it says "¹² Now this is our boast: Our conscience testifies that we have conducted ourselves in the world, and especially in our relations with you, with integrity^[a] and godly sincerity. We have done so, relying not on worldly wisdom but on God’s grace."  If you want to "boast" about something, this is it- that you conduct yourself  in this world with integrity and godly sincerity based on God's grace, not of worldly wisdom.




Girls,  I am looking forward to studying "Submit yourselves to God," James 4:1-12 with you all next week.  Thanks so much for the grace bestowed upon me with my "holiday" last week from posting and with the tardiness of my post this week.  Our house is in full swing of summer visitors :-)  My posts may not be as "on time" over the next couple of weeks, but rest assured, they will be posted!  God's Word is like oxygen to my soul, I can't live without it.  I am so grateful that you all are taking this journey through James with me this summer.  Thanks so much to all of you that have sent me notes throughout this study!  I love knowing that you are reading and that God is revealing Himself to each of you through this study.  He is faithful!


M