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Wednesday, October 2, 2024

James 1:1-27 Faith and Endurance = Week 40 - Wednesday

Faith and Endurance

James 1:1-27







Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
  • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. It is a great app, better on computers or on a smartphone)
StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)
Literal Word  (New American Standard Bible) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
Biblia.com (New Century Version) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)


Summarize the main story: Describe the events of the scriptural story in your own words.

  • Review and retell the story.



Themes
Wisdom and Understanding
Perseverance through Trials
The Danger of Temptation
True Religion and Genuine Faith

Topics
Trials and Suffering
Wisdom and Knowledge
Understanding Temptation
The Immutability of God
The Power of the Word
Pure and Undefiled Religion

Hashtags:
#Hashtags
#Faith
#Trials
#Maturity

Potential Sermon Titles: ??

Intro Questions to get us thinking:

ESV Text with Highlights
#God =
#People =
  • James
  • The twelve tribes scattered abroad
  • Every good and perfect gift-giver (God)
  • The person lacking in wisdom
  • The rich and the poor
  • The man who is tempted
#Time =
#Place =
  • Jerusalem (implied, as the assumed place of James' writing)
  • The Diaspora (the twelve tribes scattered abroad)
#Obedient faith = 
#Sin = 
#Key Idea = 

James 1:1-27 ESV

Greeting

1James, a servanta of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion:

Greetings.

Testing of Your Faith

2Count it all joy, my brothers,b when you meet trials of various kinds, 3for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. 4And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.

5If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. 6But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. 7For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

9Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, 10and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grassc he will pass away. 11For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.

12Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. 13Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. 14But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. 15Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.

16Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. 17Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.d 18Of his own will he brought us forth by the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

Hearing and Doing the Word

19Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; 20for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. 21Therefore put away all filthiness and rampant wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.

22But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. 23For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks intently at his natural face in a mirror. 24For he looks at himself and goes away and at once forgets what he was like. 25But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.

26If anyone thinks he is religious and does not bridle his tongue but deceives his heart, this person’s religion is worthless. 27Religion that is pure and undefiled before God the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction, and to keep oneself unstained from the world.





OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
Bible Project (NLT) (Helpful videos and instructions for the bigger picture)
Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions

In James Chapter 1, James addresses Jewish believers, encouraging them to find joy in trials as a means to strengthen their faith and endurance. He emphasizes the importance of asking God for wisdom with unwavering faith, warning against divided loyalty. James highlights the transient nature of wealth, stating that both the poor and the rich have their own reasons to boast in God. He reassures that those who endure testing will receive the promised crown of life. He clarifies that temptation arises from personal desires, not from God. James urges believers to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and to act on God's word, warning that mere listening without action is self-deception. True religion involves caring for the vulnerable and remaining untainted by the world.

Trials and Maturity (Verses 1-4)

James encourages believers to view trials as joyful opportunities for spiritual growth:

  • "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds" (v. 2)
  • Trials develop perseverance, which leads to spiritual maturity (v. 3-4)

Wisdom and Humility (Verses 5-11)

James emphasizes the importance of seeking God's wisdom:

  • Ask God for wisdom generously and without doubt (vv. 5-8)
  • Be humble and content regardless of circumstances (vv. 9-11)

Temptation and Sin (Verses 12-15)

James explains temptation and sin:

  • God cannot be tempted or tempt others (v. 13)
  • People are tempted by their own evil desires (v. 14-15)
  • Temptation leads to sin, which leads to death (v. 15)

God's Goodness and Faithfulness (Verses 16-18)

James reminds believers of God's goodness and faithfulness:

  • Every good gift comes from God (v. 17)
  • God does not change; He remains faithful (v. 17)
  • Salvation is a gift from God through His word (v. 18)

Practical Faith (Verses 19-27)

James emphasizes the importance of putting faith into action:

  • Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger (vv. 19-20)
  • Lay aside evil desires and receive God's word with humility (v. 21)
  • Pure religion involves caring for widows and orphans (v. 27)

In summary, James 1 sets the stage for the rest of the book by emphasizing the practical application of faith, the importance of trials, seeking wisdom from God, understanding temptation, and living out authentic Christianity through actions and attitudes.



Joy from Trials - James 1:1-8
Wisdom For Handling Rough Times - James 1:1-8
Poverty and Wealth - James 1:9-12
Wisdom For Handling One's Economic Status - James 1:9-18
Quick to Hear, Slow to Speak, and Slow to Become Angry - James 1:19-20
Doers of the Message, Not Just Hearers - James 1:21-27
The Nature of Genuine Religion - James 1:19-27






STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
Rhys N. Thomas @ Thomas Theology Hub has written on James.
NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text/manuscript information)
BlueLetter  (King James Version) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BibleHub (BSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
BibleRef.com (New King James Version) Basic able to compare core translations.
StudyLight (Amplified Bible) (Great site with commentaries by Burton Coffman)
KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
Bible.com (Lexham English Bible) App is best on a mobile device.
  • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
  • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?



APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
ESV (English Standard Version) Good translation with some helpful resources.
Biblegateway (Christian Standard Bible) has some application resources.
The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)

  • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
  • What transformative move needs to be made?
  • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others by social media links at the bottom of this.


Take Away Challenges

  • What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?

  • Whom do you know who needs to hear this?

  • What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?


PRAYER: God, help me to be a person who is always quick to listen and slow to speak. In the Name of Jesus.


  • Other YouTube Videos
SearchTV





Beyond the Trouble (James 1) | Mike Mazzalongo
https://youtu.be/f0QHM1Lpv5Y
James explains the radically different way Christians deal with trouble in life, and why they do so. (James 1:2-12)


Trial and Temptation - James 1:12-18


Dealing with the Dragon (James 1:13-15) | Mike Mazzalongo
Sin is everybody's problem and in this lesson Mike reviews the true tested method that James provides to successfully deal with the everyday temptations to sin. (James 1:13-15)


The Bottom Line (James 1:16-27)
https://youtu.be/UauOB8S_P0U
This section in the Book of James defines the type of thinking and behavior that constitutes the "bottom line" in what it means to be a disciple of Jesus Christ. (James 1:16-27)








    • Articles

    • Devotions

    • Links 


      Please let me know if you find any broken links or corrections that need to be made. Thank you for helping to make this useful.


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      James 1:1 Intro = Week 40 - Wednesday

      Key Facts

      • James was written by James, most likely Jesus’ brother
      • He wrote it to early Jewish Christians scattered around first century Israel and Syria
      • It appears to be one of the earlier NT letters, perhaps written in the 40’s.
      • In this letter, James offers wisdom for living faithful, God-centered lives.






      James Bible Study for Beginners – Mike Mazzalongo | BibleTalk.tv
      https://youtu.be/owgPlqK0qzg
      This introductory lesson reviews the author, date written and general purpose for this practical book on Christian living.


      #James, Book of James





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      Saturday, August 24, 2024

      Proverbs Quick Links - Reflections = Week 34 - Saturday

      Here are the quick links to each section




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      Saturday, August 3, 2024

      Proverbs 29:1-27 Understanding Wisdom and Justice = Week 31 - Saturday

      Understanding Wisdom and Justice

      Proverbs 29:1-27



      Reminder: Pray to God to set your heart right as you engage His word. The text you are about to study was not written to you but is written for you. So, before applying we must ask the following questions:
      • What did it mean to the original reader or original audience?
      READ THE SCRIPTURE (Multiple times & translations and notice the words that standout)
      Biblegateway (NIV) (My choice of all-round site. It is a Great app, better on computers or on smartphones)
      StepBible (ESV) (Great on phone or computer with good resources.)
      Literal Word  (New American Standard Bible) (Works well on a smartphone or computer + for searching for words like a printed concordance)
      Biblia.com (New Century Version) (Great on a computer especially if you have a logos account)



      Themes
      Righteous Leadership and Governance
      The Importance of Discipline
      The Power of Wisdom
      The Dangers of Pride and Ignorance
      Consequences of Wickedness
      Justice and Social Stability

      Topics
      Leadership
      Wisdom
      Discipline
      Pride
      Justice
      Wickedness


      Potential Sermon Titles: ??

      Intro Questions to get us thinking:
      • When do you break into melody to yourself: (a) With the radio? (b) In the shower? (c) After church? (d) Never? 
      • As for your ability to sing, are you a Johnny one-note, a joyful noise, or a one-man barbershop quartet? 
      • What song is part of your bedtime ritual or teaching method with your children? 


      ESV Text with Highlights
      #God = 
      #People = 
      • The Wise
      • The Fool
      • The Righteous
      • The Wicked
      • The Ruler
      • The Servant
      #Time = 
      #Place = 
      #Obedient faith = 
      #Sin = 
      #Key Idea = 

      Proverbs 29 ESV

      1He who is often reproved, yet stiffens his neck,
      will suddenly be broken beyond healing.
      2When the righteous increase, the people rejoice,
      but when the wicked rule, the people groan.
      3He who loves wisdom makes his father glad,
      but a companion of prostitutes squanders his wealth.
      4By justice a king builds up the land,
      but he who exacts giftsa tears it down.
      5A man who flatters his neighbor
      spreads a net for his feet.
      6An evil man is ensnared in his transgression,
      but a righteous man sings and rejoices.
      7A righteous man knows the rights of the poor;
      a wicked man does not understand such knowledge.
      8Scoffers set a city aflame,
      but the wise turn away wrath.
      9If a wise man has an argument with a fool,
      the fool only rages and laughs, and there is no quiet.
      10Bloodthirsty men hate one who is blameless
      and seek the life of the upright.b
      11A fool gives full vent to his spirit,
      but a wise man quietly holds it back.
      12If a ruler listens to falsehood,
      all his officials will be wicked.
      13The poor man and the oppressor meet together;
      the Lord gives light to the eyes of both.
      14If a king faithfully judges the poor,
      his throne will be established forever.
      15The rod and reproof give wisdom,
      but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.
      16When the wicked increase, transgression increases,
      but the righteous will look upon their downfall.
      17Discipline your son, and he will give you rest;
      he will give delight to your heart.
      18Where there is no prophetic vision the people cast off restraint,c
      but blessed is he who keeps the law.
      19By mere words a servant is not disciplined,
      for though he understands, he will not respond.
      20Do you see a man who is hasty in his words?
      There is more hope for a fool than for him.
      21Whoever pampers his servant from childhood
      will in the end find him his heir.d
      22A man of wrath stirs up strife,
      and one given to anger causes much transgression.
      23One’s pride will bring him low,
      but he who is lowly in spirit will obtain honor.
      24The partner of a thief hates his own life;
      he hears the curse, but discloses nothing.
      25The fear of man lays a snare,
      but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe.
      26Many seek the face of a ruler,
      but it is from the Lord that a man gets justice.
      27An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous,
      but one whose way is straight is an abomination to the wicked.






      OBSERVATIONS (Reflect on the topic and build the concept the writer is trying to communicate to the original audience)
      ebible (NLT) (Best for having Bible sections divided by "pericope" or sections by thought)
      Bible Project (NLT) (Helpful videos and instructions for the bigger picture)
      Thematic Bible (Books and Chapters Structure)
      Bible Hub = Outline, Themes, Topics, People, Locations, and Questions

      Wisdom instructs against stubbornness and insubordination.

      Accepting Criticism (29:1): If you refuse to accept criticism, you will be broken.
      Wisdom and Wickedness (29:2–8): “The man who loves wisdom brings joy to his father.… Evil people are trapped by sin.”
      Facts about a Fool (29:9–11): A fool has no restraint on his emotions.
      Potentates and the Poor (29:12–14): If a king honors liars, all his advisers will be wicked. He will have a long reign if he is fair to the poor.
      Spanking, Not Spoiling (29:15–17): Discipline produces wisdom, but spoiling a child brings a mother disgrace.
      No Revelation, No Restraint (29:18–19): If people are not wise and accept guidance, they run wild.
      Thoughtless Speech (29:20–26): There is more hope for a fool than for one who speaks without thinking.
      The Godly and the Ungodly (29:27): They detest each other.


      Proverbs Chapter 29 discusses various moral and social principles, emphasizing the consequences of actions and the importance of righteousness. It states that stubbornness leads to destruction, while the righteous bring joy and stability. Wisdom is valued, contrasting with the folly of squandering wealth. Justice is crucial for a king's stability, and flattery can ensnare individuals. The righteous care for the poor, while the wicked do not. Discipline is essential for children, and pride leads to downfall. Trusting in the Lord provides safety, and true justice comes from Him. Ultimately, the righteous and wicked are depicted as opposites, with their actions leading to distinct outcomes.

      Proverbs Chapter 29 offers a collection of wise sayings that emphasize the importance of righteous leadership, self-discipline, and humility. The chapter highlights the consequences of foolishness, stubbornness, and wickedness, while promoting justice, humility, and the fear of the Lord as the foundation of a prosperous life. Here are the key themes:

      Proverbs 29 offers timeless wisdom on leadership, justice, discipline, and personal conduct. Here's a summary of its key themes and teachings:

      Leadership and Governance
      The chapter emphasizes the importance of righteous leadership and its impact on society:
      •     When the righteous are in authority, people rejoice; when the wicked rule, people groan
      •     A just ruler brings stability, while the wicked bring turmoil
      •     Leaders who listen to lies will have corrupt officials
      •     Kings who judge the poor fairly will have their thrones established forever
      Discipline and Correction
      Proverbs 29 stresses the value of discipline and heeding correction:
      •     Those who repeatedly ignore rebuke will face sudden, irreversible destruction
      •     A rod of correction imparts wisdom, while a child left to themselves brings shame
      •     Disciplining children brings peace and delight to parents
      Wisdom vs. Folly
      The chapter contrasts the actions and outcomes of the wise and foolish:
      •     A wise person brings joy to their father, while one who consorts with prostitutes squanders wealth
      •     The wise calm heated situations, while mockers inflame cities
      •     Fools vent all their feelings, but the wise hold them back
      Justice and Social Responsibility
      Solomon emphasizes the importance of justice and caring for the vulnerable:
      •     The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern
      •     Both the poor and the oppressor receive light (understanding) from the Lord
      Personal Character
      The chapter offers insights on personal integrity and behavior:
      •     Flattery is described as setting a trap for one's neighbor
      •     The fear of human opinion leads to a snare, but trusting in the Lord keeps one safe
      •     There's more hope for a fool than for someone who speaks hastily
      Righteousness vs. Wickedness
      Proverbs 29 repeatedly contrasts the outcomes of righteous and wicked behavior:
      •     The righteous will see the downfall of the wicked
      •     An unjust person is detestable to the righteous, and the upright are detestable to the wicked
      Proverbs 29 presents a comprehensive view of wisdom, emphasizing the importance of righteous leadership, justice, compassion, self-control, and parental discipline. It contrasts these virtues with wickedness, folly, pride, and rebellion against God's ways. The chapter offers guidance on personal conduct, interpersonal relationships, and societal structures, providing timeless wisdom for ethical living and moral decision-making.




      STUDY RESOURCES (This takes some work and here are more resources than you can go through completely)
      Rhys N. Thomas @ Thomas Theology Hub is a great resource.
      NETBible (New English Translation) (Great for original text information)
      BlueLetter  (King James Version) (A variety of resources and good on Phones / better on Computers)
      BibleHub (HCSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
      BibleHub (BSB) (Good on computer or app/phone with lots of well-organized information.)
      BibleRef.com (New King James Version) Basic able to compare core translations.
      StudyLight (Amplified Bible) (Great site with commentaries by Burton Coffman)
      KnowingJesus (Phone / Computer and great for comparing translations)
      Bible.com (Lexham English Bible)
      • God is ... What do we learn about God in this passage?
      • We are ... What do we learn about people in this passage?
      • If you were to put mood music to the reading of this chapter, would it be classical, up-beat or just old-fashioned? In a major or a minor key? 
      • What might the righteous person of Proverbs 29:6 choose to sing about? 
      • What else marks the righteous (Proverbs 29:2, 7, 16, 27)? What notes would they be singing? 
      • Proverbs 29:8-9, 11, 20, 22 again raise the twin issues of anger and fools. How do you deal with the temperament of a fool? What hope does Solomon offer here? 
      • Who are "stiff-necked" folk (Proverbs 29:1)? How and when do you think such irrevocable destruction occurs? 
      • What is the result of dishonesty in leadership (Proverbs 29:12)? Are "lies" (Proverbs 29:12) more powerful than "rebukes" (Proverbs 29:1) or "mere words" (Proverbs 29:19)? Why might that be? 
      • How might "discipline" give meaning to "words" (Proverbs 29:19)? 
      • Of what value is a "revelation" (Proverbs 29:18)? Why is that? What incident in Israel's early history might be in mind here? What is significant about this convergence of law, the prophets and wisdom literature in one verse?


      APPLICATION (God wants us all to arrive at action, life-changing faith)
      ESV (English Standard Version) Good translation with some helpful resources.
      Biblegateway (Christian Standard Bible) has some application resources.
      The Message (MSG) (An easy-to-read paraphrase that helps some with application)
      Heartlight (Great for practical application of scripture)
      • Which proverb here penetrates an area of your life? 
      • If "mere words" (Proverbs 29:19) or "rebukes" (Proverbs 29:1) are not enough to correct someone, but only make one "stiff-necked" (Proverbs 29:2), what else is needed? What does this say about nagging mates? Stem-winding preachers? Self-help books? The Bible itself? Why are flesh and blood examples and multi-image shows more forceful than mere words? 
      • These proverbs seem to suggest that lasting change is not externally imposed but internally motivated. When is "leaving a child to himself" (Proverbs 29:15) a healthy corrective? And when is that too permissive? 
      • If "from the Lord we get justice" (Proverbs 29:26), what does this say about courts of appeal (civil and church)? Does one judicial process exclude the other? Or reflect the other? How will you handle your next disagreement with someone concerning this truth? 
      • What threats do righteous people face (Proverbs 29:10)? What threats do you fear most?
      • I will ... What has the Holy Spirit revealed to us in this passage? How can I apply it to my life this week?
      • What transformative move needs to be made?
      • You can ... Who do you know who needs to hear this? Feel free to share with others via social media links at this bottom.

      Take Away Challenges
      • What has the Holy Spirit revealed to you in this passage? How will you apply it to your life this week?
      • Whom do you know who needs to hear this?
      • What is God bringing to your attention in this discussion? What beliefs, thoughts, or actions need to be addressed or changed?

      PRAYER: Dear God, may I never lose sight of what is right, and help me to always do what is good in your eyes. In the Name of Jesus.

      NOTICEABLE GROUPINGS IN CHAPTER 29

      “Ruler”—
      “When a wicked man beareth rule, the people sigh” (Proverbs 29:2).
      “The king by justice established the land; But he that exacteth gifts overthroweth it” (Proverbs 29:4).
      “If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, all his servants are wicked” (Proverbs 29:12).
      “The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established for ever” (Proverbs 29:14).
      “Many seek the ruler’s favor” (Proverbs 29:26).

      “Righteous”—
      “When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice” (Proverbs 29:2).
      “The righteous doth sing and rejoice” (Proverbs 29:6).
      “The righteous take knowledge of the cause of the poor” (Proverbs 29:7).
      “The righteous shall look upon their fall” (Proverbs 29:16).
      “An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous” (Proverbs 29:27).
      “He that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked” (Proverbs 29:27).

      “Trap”—
      “A man that flattereth his neighbor Spreadeth a net for his steps” (Proverbs 29:5).
      “In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare” (Proverbs 29:6).

      “Wise”—
      “Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father” (Proverbs 29:3).
      “Wise men turn away wrath” (Proverbs 29:8).
      “If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest” (Proverbs 29:9).
      “A wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it” (Proverbs 29:11).
      “The rod and reproof give wisdom” (Proverbs 29:15).

      “Parenthood”—
      “Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father; But he that keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance” (Proverbs 29:3).
      “The rod and reproof give wisdom; But a child left to himself causeth shame to his mother” (Proverbs 29:15).
      “Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; Yea, he will give delight unto thy soul” (Proverbs 29:17).
      “He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child Shall have him become a son at the last” (Proverbs 29:21).

      “Destruction”—
      “He that being often reproved hardeneth his neck shall suddenly be destroyed, and that without remedy” (Proverbs 29:1).
      “He that exacteth gifts overthroweth it” (Proverbs 29:4).
      “A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his steps” (Proverbs 29:5).
      “Scoffers set a city in a flame” (Proverbs 29:8).
      “The righteous look upon their fall” (Proverbs 29:16).

      “Wicked”—
      “In the transgression of an evil man there is a snare” (Proverbs 29:6).
      “The wicked hath not understanding to know it” (Proverbs 29:7).
      “The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect; And as for the upright, they seek his life” (Proverbs 29:10).
      “If a ruler hearkeneth to falsehood, all his servants are wicked” (Proverbs 29:12).
      “When the wicked are increased, transgression increaseth” (Proverbs 29:16).

      “Abomination”—
      “The bloodthirsty hate him that is perfect” (Proverbs 29:10).
      “An unjust man is an abomination to the righteous; And he that is upright in the way is an abomination to the wicked” (Proverbs 29:27).
      “Poor”—
      “The righteous taketh knowledge of the cause of the poor; The wicked hath not understanding to know it” (Proverbs 29:7).
      “The poor and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both” (Proverbs 29:13).
      “The king that faithfully judgeth the poor; His throne shall be established for ever” (Proverbs 29:14).

      “Fool”—
      “If a wise man hath a controversy with a foolish man; Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest” (Proverbs 29:9).
      “A fool uttereth all his anger” (Proverbs 29:11).
      “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words: There is more hope of a fool than of him” (Proverbs 29:20).

      “Speech”—
      “A man that flattereth his neighbor spreadeth a net for his steps” (Proverbs 29:5).
      “Scoffers set a city in a flame” (Proverbs 29:5).
      “The rod and reproof give wisdom” (Proverbs 29:15).
      “A servant will not be corrected by words” (Proverbs 29:19).
      “Seest thou a man that is hasty in his words? there is more hope of a fool than of him” (Proverbs 29:20).

      “Bad company”—
      “He that keepeth company with harlots wasteth his substance” (Proverbs 29:3).
      “Whoso is partner with a thief hateth his own soul” (Proverbs 29:24).
      “Anger”—
      “Wise men turneth away wrath” (Proverbs 29:8).
      “If a wise man that a controversy with a foolish man, Whether he be angry or laugh, there will be no rest” (Proverbs 29:9).
      “A fool uttereth all his anger; But a wise man keepeth it back and stilleth it” (Proverbs 29:11).

      “Established”—
      “The king by justice establisheth the land” (Proverbs 29:4).
      “The king that faithfully judgeth the poor, His throne shall be established for ever” (Proverbs 29:14).

      “Jehovah”—
      “The poor man and the oppressor meet together; Jehovah lighteneth the eyes of them both” (Proverbs 29:13).
      “Whoso putteth his trust in Jehovah shall be safe” (Proverbs 29:25).
      “A man’s judgment cometh from Jehovah” (Proverbs 29:26).

      “Rejoice”—
      “When the righteous are increased, the people rejoice” (Proverbs 29:2).
      “Whoso loveth wisdom rejoiceth his father” (Proverbs 29:3).
      “The righteous doth sing and rejoice” (Proverbs 29:6).
      “Correct thy son, and he will give thee rest; Yea, he will give delight unto thy soul” (Proverbs 29:17).
      “He that keepeth the law, happy is he” (Proverbs 29:18).


      THOUGHTS OF THE WICKED
      “The thoughts of the wicked are an abomination to the Lord: but the words of the pure are pleasant words” (Proverbs 15:26).
      The wicked have thoughts. They are usually expressing them too. You talk to them about Jesus, and you will see that they have thoughts. But, they are not the kind of thoughts that God would have. They are thoughts that do not agree with God’s thoughts. They are thoughts that lead away from God rather than to Him. They are thoughts that degrade instead of inspire. They are thoughts that oppose God rather than submit to Him.
      Because of the way that wicked people think, it is hard to help them, it is hard to deal with them for God. God knows this. The just deplore the way of the wicked, and the feeling is mutual—the wicked deplore the way of the righteous (Proverbs 29:27). God deplores the way of the wicked and would have them turn from it immediately.
       






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      Our Daily Bread

      We were out on the lake and the fish were biting. Suddenly we heard a rumble in the distance. Looking up, we saw a mass of dark clouds in the west. The sound of thunder warned of a coming storm. It was a long way off, I thought, so I didn't heed the suggestion of my fishing partner that we start back to the cottage. I hoped the bad weather would move to the north or south of us. But then it happened! A fresh breeze sprang up, and the clouds mounted quickly overhead. We tried starting the motor—but no response. I cranked while my partner rowed frantically. The waves became whitecaps; the rain came in sheets; and the gale tossed our aluminum boat like an autumn leaf. That experience taught me a valuable lesson. Never wait when a storm is brewing!

      It also preached a powerful sermon. Judgment is coming! It may seem far off to those who are in good health, but our motor can "conk out" at any time. To heed the foreboding signals of death is true wisdom. Look in the mirror before you go to work and observe some of its warnings. Notice those gray hairs and wrinkles. Remember your stiffening joints, shortness of breath, that dizzy spell—it's all "thunder in the distance." Why not hasten to find shelter in Christ before it is too late? Don't depend on your motor or the oars of self-effort. You will have no excuse, for you have been warned! —M. R. De Haan, M.D.

      We are not truly ready to live until we are prepared to die.

      ==========

      Do you C.A.R.E?
      ―Darrick Shepherd

      We are just a little over a month away from 2014. It is hard to believe that 2013 is almost over. As we begin to look forward to 2014, what are your goals or what is your vision for your family, for the church at Southwest? I strongly believe that God intended for us to have a vision of where we want to go as His people. I am reminded of what was written in Proverbs 29:18, “Where there is no vision, the people perish….” I believe that as the people of God we need vision, what do us as His people want to do in 2014?

      I think the first thing we need to ask ourselves is, what are we doing here? Jesus told us His vision and His purpose for His ministry. He said in Luke 19:10, “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” This was the mission, the vision that Jesus had for his ministry. Let’s look at some things that I believe we as the church at Southwest can accomplish in 2014.

      First, Carry Christ to the Lost. This should be the goal of everyone. I believe that as God’s people we have responsible to carry Christ to the lost people that are all around us. The second thing we can accomplish is to Appreciate and love all people. I love what Paul said in Galatians 6: 9-10, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” What a beautiful thought. I believe we all can appreciate and love everyone. Even though it is hard, I believe we can find good in everyone. The Third thing we can accomplish is to Respect the word of God and His Purpose for us. God’s word is to be respected by every one of us. It has the power to save us and to set us free it must be respected. The Fourth and final thing I believe we can do in 2014 is to, Exalt Christ in all things. The word exalt means to hold in very high regard. Notice what Paul said about God exalting Christ. Philippians 2:9, "Therefore God exalted Him (Christ) to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name,”

      What is your vision and goals for 2014? Do you C.A.R.E enough to carry Christ to the lost, Appreciate and love all people, Respect the word of God, and Exalt Christ in all things? I am really looking forward to 2014.

      ==============

      September 8, 2009

      Anger: Reflect Before You Respond

      by Rick Warren"A rebel shouts in anger; a wise man holds his temper in and cools it" (Proverbs 29:11 TLB).

      When you're angry, don't respond impulsively. Delay is a great tool in controlling anger. I'm not saying delay indefinitely, or even beyond a day; the Bible says don't go to sleep when you're angry. I'm talking about delaying it for five minutes.

      When you start to get ticked off, you take 'time out' for a few minutes. Give yourself some time to stop, reflect and think it through. If you don't stop and think, you are likely to do the wrong thing. You need to reflect before you respond.

      When we get angry, we need to get in the habit of stepping back, waiting a few minutes, and looking at the situation from God's point of view. Notice the Bible says a wise man lets his anger cool down (Proverbs 29:11). So 'cool it' is a Biblical term! A modern translation might be: "The wise man waits and chills out." Thomas Jefferson, the author of the U.S. Declaration of Independence, said, "When angry, count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred."

      While you're cooling down, ask yourself three questions to help you understand why you are angry:

      • - Why am I angry?
      • - What do I really want?
      • - How can I get it?

      Understanding the reason for your anger will give you greater patience and, perhaps, even the ability to overlook an offense (Proverbs 19:11).

       


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