There is a worldly tendency to judge by external criteria and this often happens among Christians in the church. More than that, it can happen in how we view ourselves. Many times in this book, James challenges us to not view people based on outward considerations of how much money they make or how well they are dressed. But these same worldly evaluations can happen to us as we consider ourselves so James warns against that.
Wisdom comes to those who ask in humble faith with reliance upon the Holy Spirit.
The next time you face a trial, rejoice. Not because of the trial itself, but what God is doing through that trial to make you more like Jesus.
It won’t do for us to ignore it and huddle in our churches. We need to understand what is going on and try to engage people lovingly and patiently with the truth. It won’t be easy, and it will not go quickly. Our children, grandchildren, and neighbor’s kids are living in this culture, and it is the air they breathe. But truth is stronger than lies.
“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their toil. For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up! Again, if two lie together, they keep warm, but how can one keep warm alone? And though a man might prevail against one who is alone, two will withstand him—a threefold cord is not quickly broken.”
Peter warns us, “Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” (1 Peter 5:8) We need to be on the alert and watch out for one another. As I reflect on the wildebeest I notice that they live at peace with one another because they recognize that the true enemy is not in the midst but is outside ready to attack them.
The light of the gospel of the glory of Christ was meant to shine through us. Rather than eclipsing that light, our lives and our words ought to magnify it.
Jesus answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If my kingdom were of this world, my servants would have been fighting, that I might not be delivered over to the Jews. But my kingdom is not from the world” (John 18:36). The Christian life is challenging because we live in two worlds. Our ultimate allegiance is to a Heavenly […]
“Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land until the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried out with a loud voice, saying, “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” that is, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” And some of the bystanders, hearing it, said, “This man is calling Elijah.” And one of […]
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit—just as you were […]
