June 4, 2020

Favoritism

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?  James 2:1

Wow!  This passage is fitting for today.  It talks about showing favor for some people over others.  It actually says that as believers, favoritism locates our faith.  I don’t know how you can get any clearer than that.  Verse 9 plainly says it is sin to prefer some over others.  Yikes!

So let’s evaluate how we stand on this issue.  It’s easy to look at the media and say “oh that’s terrible, I can’t believe there are people that actually hate others because of who they are.”  Yet when it comes to doing things for others that are different than us, how willing are we to go out of our way to let them know we care about them.  Even worse, are we afraid of those who are different than us? How do we treat those who are different and how do we show them the love of God?

This attitude can be about race, status or even saved vs. unsaved.  The truth is that it doesn’t matter who a person is, Jesus came to die for all people!  Regardless of who they are or where they came from.  There is no difference to God.  All He looks at is the heart.

Lastly, I want to remind you of the mercy and grace that God has extended to each one of us who first show it to others. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you (James 2:13)  According to this scripture, you must first show mercy/grace then you will receive it from God. 

Today I want to encourage you to take a deep look into your own heart!  Are you loving those around you with the love of God or are you running away and ridiculing those who are different that you.  No matter what color your skin is, begin to look at all people as those who need salvation and have compassion.  God is not willing that any should perish without knowing about His great love for them, and He is depending on you to show that love to all, no matter where they come from.  People are people and God wants them all back!

Today’s scripture reading: James 2:1-13

June 3, 2020

Implanted the Word

Therefore, lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.  James 1:21

Here is a scripture that is perfect for all the craziness in the world today.  From pandemic to rioting, this is the answer to every kind of trouble.  It says put away all that stuff, the bad news, wickedness and immorality of the world.  Instead, receive the Word of God with meekness/humility.  Receive God’s Word and good news with a submitted heart and commitment to live by it.  It says to implant it like a seed in the ground of your heart.  As you spend time with God and His Word each day, you are continuously planting new seeds while watering the ones you have already sown.  If you neglect to have your own personal time with God each day, you are not attending to the seeds that have been sown.  If you say, I go to church on the weekend, so I have God in my life.  This is not the same as personal time with Him.  It is much like having a natural garden of your own that needs to have some attention each day in order to produce a thriving crop. 

Although it is important to gather with other believers, your personal time with God is necessary for your daily life successes.  This is the time you spend each day reading His Word and praying/conversing with Him.  Converse with your Heavenly Father and delight in the time you get to spend with Him, not just asking for what you need today and the future.  Include a time for listening also.  The Holy Spirit of God lives on the inside of every believer and He is always giving direction and wisdom.  It can come through God’s Word, but it can also come with a quiet voice within your heart.  Take time to listen each day and learn to recognize what wisdom He is giving.  After you spend some time worshiping, reading and talking, ask Him if He has anything you should hear today? Then wait for a short time to hear.  If you hear nothing, that’s OK.  Start making it a habit and soon His voice will become very familiar to you.

This passage goes on to compare reading God’s Word with looking into a mirror.  If you look into the mirror and see issues, but you walk away and don’t fix them, that’s what God says about reading His word but not doing what it says to do.  This is the first place to start.  Practice what you read in the Word and Ask the Holy Spirit to help you accomplish all that you read. Make daily adjustments to stay on course.

Today I want to encourage you to step away from all the bad news for a time to focus on God’s love and goodness.  Take time to implant God’s Word into your heart and then incorporate it into your daily walk.   Approach each day of your life determined to live by the perfect law of liberty and then continue in it.  Do not forget the wisdom and instruction that you have read in it, but rather make that what is most important in your world today.

Today’s scripture reading:  James 1:19-27

June 2, 2020

            The secret is love Him more      

Blessed is the man who endures/overcomes temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him..  James 1:12

Here is something in the heart of God.  He wants us to become overcomers.  A good place to start is when temptations comes.  Our job is to resist and overcome.  We don’t linger or see how close we can get without falling into it, we get far from it as quickly as possible.  Sometimes that is easier said than done.  However, there is a secret to getting good at resisting temptation and that is loving God.  When you cultivate your relationship of love for your Heavenly Father, temptation no longer has a hold on you.  Your desire becomes that you want to honor Him in all you say and do.  You then recognize when you are getting close to things that are not His best for you and quickly separate from them because you don’t want anything to interfere with your relationship with Him.  It is not a matter of do’s and don’ts or rules and conduct, it is a matter of love.  Your love for God!

God does not send temptation.  As this passage says, He is not tempted with evil, nor does He have any evil in Him to tempt us with.  When evil comes our way, we do have hope and we do have a way to escape it.  It is in loving God and knowing that He has a good plan for our life.  1 Corinthians 10:13 – No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear (overcome) it.  God will not allow evil to overcome you as long as you stick close to Him and follow His direction, He keeps you in His protective care.

Here’s what we do know:  God is good and good comes from Him.   In verse 17 of this chapter in James it says that good and perfect gifts come from God and He never deviate from that.  This is one of the sure guides in life:  God is a good God and the devil is a bad devil.  If it’s good, it’s from God if is bad it is from the enemy.  This truth also helps us to know who we are up against.  Of course when good things happen, we are thankful and give God the glory, but when bad things get close, don’t wonder if God is trying to teach you something, recognize that evil is at the door and trying to get in.  That is the time to run to God for shelter and wisdom.

Today I want to encourage you to flee temptation and run to God’s goodness.  In this day of turmoil and distress, know that God is close and all you have to do is call on His name and He will answer.  Don’t assume you know what is going on or that God is trying to punish us.  Give him glory and reject the enemy.  Most of all, focus on His love for you and decide to love Him more each day.  As you grow your relationship of love, your heart’s desire will be to resist the devil and all of his temptations and run to your loving Heavenly Father.

Today’s scripture reading: James 1:9-18

June 1, 2020

The purpose of faith

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  James 1:2 & 3

The book of James.  It has been said to be the Proverbs of the New Testament.  I want to go through this book in much the same way we did the book of Proverbs, but only in small sections instead of whole chapters each day.  Today we will look at James 1, verses 1 – 8. 

This book starts with the admonishing to think of trials as a joyous thing.  It’s not an easy thing to do.  We all are in a trial right now and although we are all together in this thing, I haven’t heard anyone say we should chalk this up as a joyous event.  What is there to be joyful about a quarantine, social distancing and  covering your face in public places.  James points out that trials are the reason for our faith.  We spend our time building up our faith by spending quiet time with God, reading His Word and loving others, but the times we actually are using our faith is when we are going through something.  This is when James says we should get excited and be joyful.  Imagine the next struggle that comes your way and when you see it you say “Oh good, I get to use my faith now and trust God to get me through this and bring a good result for all involved.”  It usually doesn’t happen that way, but what if we trained or grew our faith to that extent.  How would going through trials be so much more different?

James goes on to say in verses 4 – 8 that faith works patience and then patience produces a perfect work which results in our lacking nothing.  That sounds pretty good.  The only problem with that is most of us don’t want to ask for patience because we have been conditioned by the world that patience brings the trial.  It turns out, that is totally backwards.  James says it gets you through the trials as you combine it with your faith.  (The trials are coming either way, with or without patience)

Now we ask for wisdom to know the right steps to take as we go through trials.  We are also assured that we have that wisdom because God said He would give it generously.  Even though we don’t feel like we have it, we just go ahead and thank God for it because He said He would give it.  That’s when we receive it, when we believe He will do what He said He will. Lastly, it says if we waver or debate that we have wisdom or question whether God will give it, we can expect to receive nothing because we are unstable and not only in receiving wisdom, but also in all our ways.

I want to leave you with this passage in the book of Acts of how the apostles rejoiced after they were beaten for preaching the good news.  Acts 5:40 – 42 And they agreed with him, and when they had called for the apostles and beaten them, they commanded that they should not speak in the name of Jesus, and let them go. So they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, and in every house, they did not cease teaching and preaching Jesus as the Christ.  This is truly an example of being joyful in the midst of a trial.  They recognized that the trial was the purpose they were given faith in the first place.

Today I want to encourage you to count it all kinds of joy when trials come because it gives you to opportunity to let God come in and work all the circumstances together for good.  Let your faith and patience work together in whatever struggle you are going through and receive wisdom from God to get the plan for victory!

Today’s scripture reading: James 1:1 – 8

May 31, 2020

The virtuous woman

Who can find a virtuous wife?  For her worth is far above rubies.  Proverbs 31:10

Finally, my favorite Proverb.  I know many people think this is a hard one and even avoid it because it seems unattainable to be like the virtuous wife talked about In this chapter.  However, I find it inspiring and encouraging and although I am far from matching up to this pattern for women, I aspire to step up each time I read it.

So in today’s dose, I am taking each verse from 10 – 31 and bringing them into today’s example to make it a little more attainable.  I hope you will enjoy and identify one or two areas that you can become more like her.

Vs. 10 – Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?  She is more precious than rubies.

Vs. 10 – Who can find a godly woman?  Her value is a rare find and her goodness is even harder to find.

Vs. 11 – Her husband can trust her, and she will greatly enrich his life.

 Vs.  11 –Her husband is completely secure and trusting in her. He will never be hurt by her words or actions.

Vs. 12 – She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

Vs. 12 – She always looks for ways to make him feel loved, wanted, encouraged and respected.  She would never think or say bad things about him or do things to get back at him or punish him all the days of her life.

Vs. 13 – She finds wool and flax and busily spins it.

Vs. 13 – She seeks to make her home welcoming by designing, decorating and keeps her home with joy.

Vs. 14 – She is like a merchant’s ship, bringing her food from afar.

Vs. 14 – She’s like a grocer.  She hunts the brands and foods he heeds and likes from far away – even searches the world wide web.

Vs. 15 – She gets up before dawn to prepare breakfast for her household and plan the day’s work for her servant girls.

Vs. 15 – She gets up early enough to ensure the day’s direction received from spending time with the LORD. Their breakfast and coffee is ready – lunches prepared.  Not scrambling about and setting a frazzled tone for all day for everyone.  Every task is carried out.

Vs. 16 – She goes to inspect a field and buys it; with her earnings she plants a vineyard.

Vs. 16 – She sees their home, she sets her faith to buy it, not neglecting her husband or family to do her seeking or praying.  Then when her faith comes to sight she plants flower gardens and trees with her own ideas and hands and monies she has gained from her own sowing and investments.

Vs. 17 – She is energetic and strong, a hard worker.

Vs. 17 – She exercises and works out to stay strong for her task – not weak and feeble and run down and then she just looks good not just physical but mental and spiritual.

Vs. 18 – She makes sure her dealings are profitable; her lamp burns late into the night.

Vs. 18 – When she sits quiet before the LORD, she sees what the LORD has blessed her with and is thankful for all that she has in her life.  She feels good about what she has accomplished that day.  She stays up late to finish the needed tasks for that day not begrudging the time she has enjoyed with her family. 

Vs. 19 – Her hands are busy spinning thread, her fingers twisting fiber.

Vs. 19 – She is skilled in the crafts of home and is diligent being a homemaker.

Vs. 20 – She extends a helping hand to the poor and opens her arms to the needy.

Vs. 20 – She always seems to know who is hurting in mind or in body.  She is aware of those sick in the church or her neighborhood and is quick to check up on them and give a hand.  She is never too busy to stop by and pray.

Vs. 21 – She has no fear of winter for her household, for everyone has warm clothes.

Vs. 21 – She has no concern if an emergency arises for her family because she knows she has their home ready.  She watches over the supplies and makes sure there is plenty to eat and the right clothes.  No matter what the next season brings, they are prepared.

Vs. 22 – She makes her own bedspreads; she dresses in fine linen and purple gowns.

Vs. 22- She buys linens and rugs to make her home look top of the line.  She always looks her best and the LORD helps her combine the best of outfits and shop to find the finest apparel and deals to do the tasks He has called her to do.

Vs. 23 – Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.

Vs. 23 – Her husband is known as he sits and meets with godly men or his bosses or with the leaders of our time. 

Vs. 24 – She makes belted linen garments and sashes to sell to the merchants.

Vs. 24 – She makes deals, contracts, jobs and clothes.  She sells them to buyers and She knows how to trust God and believe for things herself, putting no added pressure on her husband to bring all the moneys in.

Vs. 25 – She is clothed with strength and dignity, and she laughs without fear of the future.

Vs. 25 – She knows her place as his wife and is secure in being called Mrs. ______ and is prepared for the future looking forward to it with great excitement and joy.

Vs. 26 – When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.

Vs. 26 – She always thinks about what she is saying to encourage those who are hearing it.  She is never mean, harsh or negative.  She doesn’t lose her cool when teaching or instructing.  She does it all with patience and kindness.

Vs. 27 – She carefully watches everything in her household and suffers nothing from laziness.

Vs. 27 – She is alert and aware and her home is working like clockwork, never spends time lying around feeling sorry for herself or gossiping on the phone or being just plain lazy.  She remembers that she is ordained as a helper of God and has faith to do preparations and be that helper.

Vs. 28 – Her children rise up and call her blessed; Her husband also, and he praises her:

Vs. 28 – Her Children are confident because of their mother’s love and attention to their life.  Her husband is amazed and compliments her accomplishments.

Vs. 29 – There are many virtuous and capable women in the world, but you surpass them all.

Vs. 29 – There are many godly and working women in this world but you out shine them all.

Vs. 30 – charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last; but a woman who fears the LORD will be greatly praised.

Vs. 30 – Being a show off is phony and looks depend on plastic surgery these days, but a woman who loves and fears and worships the Lord is the one who will end up with all the praise.

Vs. 31 – Reward her for all she has done.  Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.

Vs. 31 – She will live in the good fruit that she has sown and her husband will tell of all the amazingly awesome and outstanding things the LORD has allowed and used her to do as he fellowships with the leaders around the globe.

Today I want to encourage you to step up in you daily walk as a virtuous wife/woman.  Take some time to set a new goal and put a plan together on how you can accomplish that goal.  We all have areas that we can improve ourselves in. If we don’t keep growing and moving forward, we will drift backward and slip into habits that will cause life to be dull and boring.  Seek the LORD on how you can become stronger in your life walk and follow the direction He gives.

Today’s scripture reading: Proverbs 31

May 30, 2020

God’s Word is pure

Every word of God is pure;  He is a shield to those who put their trust in Him.  Proverbs 30:5

This is such a powerful verse and shows the importance of knowing the Word of God.  First of all it says that God’s Word is pure.  It means it has no imperfections in it, but it is also innocent and without shame.  It is untouched by corruption and cannot be tainted.  However, no matter how much you know this truth, if you don’t actually know His Word, you can never know the depth of the power and pureness in it.  The truth is in knowing God’s Word is where the ability to trust Him is.  God does not say one thing in the scriptures and then act a different way.  He is consistent with His Word and His character is revealed in it.

For example, God doesn’t say in His Word that He will never leave you or forsake you and then go off somewhere where He cannot be found.  He is always available, just like He said He would be.  If you don’t know His Word, you cannot know Him.  As we begin to study and learn God’s Word, we are actually learning about who He is.  God’s Word tells us He is faithful, He is just, He is pure, He is eternal, He is good and He is love.  Now you can trust Him because you can see that He is full of goodness and there is no evil in Him.

This chapter also speaks of knowing God through His creation.  It talks about such things as the wind, the seas and the boundaries of the world that He established.  Through the natural elements, we can also know God.  Out of Him comes beautiful things, abundant and unstoppable, no matter how hard people try.  We also trust God because we can see that the things He created far exceed any of man’s inventions.

Lastly, He is our shield when we trust Him.  Just as you used your faith to receive His salvation and enter into relationship with Him, you use your faith to receive His shield of protection.  Because you know His Word and know the many promises He has made to protect and guard you continually.  The bottom line is that we trust God because He has given us His Word to know Him and believe His promises.

Today I want to encourage you to get to know God by getting to know more of His Word.  Hide it in your heart like a great treasure that you draw from continually.  His promises will get you through every struggle that comes in life and give you His peace as you go through them.  As you read this chapter today, identify some things that reveal something about God that you didn’t realize before.  Then focus on that attribute today and trust Him more than you did before you learned it.

Today’s scripture reading: Proverbs 30

May 29, 2020

I just want to vent

A fool vents all his feelings, but a wise man holds them back.  Proverbs 29:11

Sometimes I just feel like venting.  I don’t want anything to come out of it, I’m not even trying to sway others to take on my opinions.  I just feel like I want to let it all out instead of holding back.  The problem with that is, I don’t feel better after.  In fact, I often feel worse.  I feel like I have release a bad attitude and said things I really shouldn’t have felt, let along said.  Today’s verse says the fool is the one that wants to always let his feelings out.  You could say the fool likes to give others a piece of their mind.  It doesn’t help anything and it never encourages others or builds them up.  Even if you say, I’m not hurting anyone, but I just want my say in the matter, that doesn’t make it any less foolish.

In contrast, the wise person holds back from releasing bad feeling.  In fact, the wise can actually keep their emotions in check by not allowing the bad thoughts in.  Consider this:  If you train your heart (aka guard) to recognize when a wrong feeling or thought is trying to get in, you can stop it immediately.  I now do this instead of venting my feeling.  My secret is to pray for the person that is causing me to have the negative thoughts and feelings immediately when the idea comes.  There is nothing that closes the door faster on those negative, unwanted emotions than lifting others up in prayer.  The best thing about that is God gets the victory!!

Today I want to encourage you to be wise with your changeable feelings.  Take control of your thoughts and words, don’t let them control you.  Whatever the situation is that has you rattled, look for ways to be a part of the solution, not part of the problem.  Lift other up to God that may be frustrating you or coming against you, and don’t be foolish by venting all your feelings, exercise grace and compassion instead!

Today’s scripture reading: Proverbs 29

May 28, 2020

Confess and forsake    

Whoever covers their sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.  Happy is the person who is always reverent, but whoever hardens his heart will fall into calamity/disaster.                   Proverbs 29:13 & 14

Did you ever try to cover something up?  Maybe you made some excuses for why something went wrong to make yourself look innocent in a matter when the truth was you were caught red handed?  Today’s verse says that when we confess and turn away from our errors, we will have God’s mercy.  Think of it on a grander scale.  Making excuses and covering things up is what criminals do.  They run and hide after committing a crime.  When they do get caught, they have excuses about being a victim of their circumstances.  It is rare that a criminal comes right out and confesses.  Even when they are pronounced guilty in a court of law, many still will try to justify and cover up the real truth.  When we bring this scenario back down to a personal, everyday level, you can see how easy this trap is to fall into.  When confronted about a decision made or an action taken, it is easy to blame the decision on the current circumstances.  It’s been that way from the beginning.  When Adam and Eve sinned in the garden, their first response was to blame others.  In fact, there really isn’t any record that they ever confessed and forsook their sin.  Their lives could have taken a different turn if they had fallen on their knees before God and said ”forgive us for we have sinned”  Instead, they had to be forced out of the garden and separated from the home that God had given them.  God was still merciful, but their hearts were hardened and their lives fell into calamity.

Obviously, this is still going on today.  It is a form of pride in that we don’t like to admit when we have done wrong or missed in some way.  The truth is God is so gracious and will forgive if we just come clean and admit we were wrong, and most people will be gracious too.  Here’s the reality:  covering sin + a hardened heart = calamity, disaster and defeat.  The good news is that confession + forsaking sin + being reverent and respectful = happiness, success and prosperity.

Today I want to encourage you to forsake sinful habits in your life.  Even things as simple as gossiping, complaining and criticizing others.  Yes, these are sinful habits, and yes, they will lead to destruction, especially if you want to hide them and hold on to them.  Get rid of them and forsake them.  Whatever it is that is keeping your heart hard and full of pride, determine to turn away from it right now.  Confess these things to your Heavenly Father and receive His forgiveness and unconditional love!  He has a successful and happy life for you to live, but you have to first turn away from the things that are against Him.

Today’s scripture reading:  Proverbs 28

May 27, 2020

Be a sharpener

As iron sharpens iron, so a man sharpens the countenance of his friend.  Proverbs 27:1

Do you have any friends that sharpen you?  What do I mean by sharpen?  Friends that bring out the best in you and inspire you be become greater than you are right now?  I’m not talking about just someone you may know that you occasionally come into contact with that entertains you with stories of great exploits. I’m talking about friends that you go through life with.  Your everyday friendships that are closest and most valuable to you.

Today’s verse is a comparison to how our friends and those we are closest to impact our lives.  It says that it’s just like iron that sharpens iron.  It can actually be explained by saying we become like those we hang out with and are closest to.  It is significant because the iron that is doing the sharpening is made out of the same material that it is sharpening.  So whatever kind of friends we have, they are rubbing off on us and us onto them. 

Now is when we evaluate who we are becoming and who we want to become.  If you consider who you want to become and the goals you want to attain in life, you can quickly assess if you are filling up your time with the right influences.  You do have a choice.  The first choice to make is that you are going to be sharpener.  Become the kind of friend that encourages and inspires others to become the best version of themselves that they can be.  Second, find the people that are accomplished in the things you want to be successful in and spend time learning from them.  Having a mentor is a great place to start.  Someone that can help you to set goals and make a plan to reach them. 

The kind of people you spend the most time with are going to be the ones that you can look at their life and pretty much see what yours looks like.  Take a good look but don’t let your surrounding determine who you will be and what you will accomplish, make that decision for yourself.  You can even become a great sharpener simply by leaving every meeting and conversion better than you found it.

Today I want to encourage you to become a sharpener!  Help those around you to become sharpeners too.  The best place to start is with attitude and outlook.  Encouraging your current friend to be people of grace, kindness and thankfulness will always leave them better than if you spend your time with them gossiping and complaining.  Next make a plan to find someone that can rub off on you.  Someone that is always growing and sharpening their skills and those around them.  Spend some time praying about who you should surround yourself with and then commit to learning and growing from those He leads you to.

Today’s scripture reading:  Proverbs 27

May 26, 2020

Don’t argue with fools  

Do not answer a fool according to his foolishness, or you will also be like him.  Answer a fool according to his foolishness, and he will be wise in his own eyes.  Proverbs 26:4&5

Have you ever had an argument with someone that was irrational and even foolish?  Sometimes the argument can be so far out there that you think, “Surely I can help them understand”.  Yet somehow, they just won’t get it.  I have had this type of “talk”.  I was always thinking that I could help the foolish find their way to some kind of rational thought process.  It turns out that foolish and irrational people really don’t want to know.  They just want to go the way of foolishness and take others with them.

Today’s verse is about that person and you, if you have ever pursued that conversation.  It says if you answer or talk to a fool to try to reason with them, you are just as foolish as they are. Not only that, but when you do answer them, they think they are wise because you engaged in their foolishness with them.  So, on both sides, no good comes and there is no change of heart. 

The entire chapter gives wisdom for dealing with the foolish at heart.  The first step is don’t argue or even try to reason with a foolish person.  It’s sad really, because even though you truly have it in your heart to help them and lead them to the truth of God’s love and ways, they only want to be the one that has all the answers.  In reality, the Holy Spirit is the only one that can reach a foolish heart.  The answer? Pray for them.  Ask God to open their eyes to the truth and their heart to be prepared to receive it.  Pray for others to come into their lives that they will listen to.  It’s hard to watch especially if it is someone close to you that you love.  However, God is faithful and when we purpose to keep them before the LORD in prayer, He will answer.  It is His will for all to come to the knowledge of the truth (1 Timothy 2:4), so you can be confident that He will answer that pray because it is according to His will!

Today I want to encourage you to pray for those who are close to you that you see going in a foolish direction.  Ask the LORD to protect them and keep them safe and for just the right person to come along that will help them receive the truth of His unconditional love.  Then ask the Holy Spirit to work on their heart and get it prepared for that meeting to come.  God will help a fool as we give Him access into the situation through prayer.  Don’t argue with a fool, take that foolish loved one right before God and know that God will get wisdom through.

Today’s scripture reading:  Proverbs 26