Quick to Listen
Often the first step is seeing how sinful our angry responses are then repenting of them and asking for forgiveness from God and the ones you have offended.
The Goodness of God
We know God is good when we make the team or experience personal success. But do we feel that God is good when we lose our job, or we don’t make the team? Do we feel that God is good when the diagnosis comes back positive, or we don’t get into the school we wanted?
Don’t Blame God
“Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him. Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone. But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death. Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.”
See Yourself from God’s Perspective
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.
Godly Wisdom
Wisdom comes to those who ask in humble faith with reliance upon the Holy Spirit.
Count It All Joy!
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.
The Crisis of Western Civilization
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
“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.”
Lessons from a Wildebeest
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 Gospel Eclipsed
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.
