Isaiah 30

 

James 1:19-27 True Religion - Part 3 = Week 40 - Wednesday

True Religion

The Wisdom Jesus Offers - Part 3

The Power of Listening and Doing

James 1:19-27

Summary: In James 1:19–27, the Apostle James emphasizes the importance of being quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry, urging believers to not just listen to the word but also to put it into action through their deeds.

Application: This message underscores that true faith is demonstrated through our actions. It encourages believers to reflect on how they listen to God's word and act upon it, transforming their lives and communities through active faith.

Teaching: This message teaches that faith without works is dead, as emphasized in James. Listening to God's word is essential, but it is equally important to live it out in everyday actions. Believers are called to reflect their faith through practical demonstrations of love and purity.

How this passage could point to Christ: In the larger context of the Bible, Christ embodies the perfect example of listening to God's word and acting upon it. He fulfilled the law and illustrated through His life what it means to serve others selflessly, showing us how to live out our faith.

Big Idea: True faith in Christ is rooted in active obedience, as we are called not only to hear God's word but also to live it out every day.

Recommended Study: Consider exploring the connections between faith and action in the book of James. Focus on the cultural context of the letter and how it addresses the challenges faced by early believers. You might also investigate commentaries that discuss the Greek terms used in the passage, particularly around the concepts of 'hear,' 'do,' and 'pure religion,' to deepen your understanding and application.

1. Practice Patient Listening

James 1:19-21

Perhaps you could emphasize the need to cultivate a heart that truly listens—both to others and to God. By being quick to listen and slow to anger, believers can embody a Christ-like patience and calmness that transforms relationships. This passage urges the removal of moral filth to humbly accept the word planted in us, echoing Christ’s call to purity and righteousness.

2. Put Faith Into Action

James 1:22-25

Maybe you could stress the importance of actively living out the teachings of Scripture rather than merely listening to them. As demonstrated by the mirror analogy, believers are encouraged to continually assess their actions against the word of God. This passage calls for reflection and diligent application of Scripture, mirroring Christ’s example in daily life.

3. Pure Faith in Practice

James 1:26-27

You could highlight the emphasis on tangible expressions of faith and the true essence of pure religion. This involves controlling the tongue and caring for those in need, which directly aligns with Christ’s mission of compassion and love. This passage underlines the call to actively engage in meaningful acts of service, reinforcing the message that true faith manifests through deeds.

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Verses 19-27 (True Religion)

Don't just listen to God's Word, But Do it 

Questions:

1. Who do you admire as a religious or spiritual role model?

2. How does it affect you when someone is caught doing what he or she tells others not to do?

3. When are you most likely to lose your temper?

4. Can you share a time when listening before speaking made a positive difference in your life?

5. When have you given someone advice only to have that person completely ignore it to his or her own peril? Why didn’t that person do what you suggested?

6. Think of a time recently when you looked as though you were listening to someone but the words were going in one ear and out the other. What were you thinking about instead?

7. What keeps you from doing what you read in the Bible? How could you make a closer link between what you read and how you behave?

8. What can you do to put the truths of the Bible into practice?

A look in the mirror

- Darrell Powell

Our society is addicted to "reality." I guess it started a good while back with crime shows like Cops and Real TV. Then, we made the switch to relationship shows like The Bachelor(ette). It seems that nothing is too sacred or outlandish for people to turn into a reality show. There is even one now that consists of two families swapping mothers/wives for two weeks (if this isn't evidence that our nation's family values are out of whack, I don’t know what is).

The lure of these shows is the fascination we have with seeing "real" people in "real" situations… seeing who they REALLY are! Yeah right! With cameras in their face and the world watching, how real do you think these people are being? Reality or not, the key word is "show." Do we ever put on a show for others? What is the truth about who you are? What if everyone you know was able to look in your mirror and see exactly what you see… who you really are (James 1:23-25)?

How would your friends react? Would your Christian friends be shocked at the person you are in secret? Would your non-Christian friends be shocked to find that you are a Christian at all? Are you the kind of person who "observes himself, (in the mirror), goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was?" (1:24).

Most importantly, what do you see when you look in the mirror of truth? Perhaps you yourself are fooled into seeing something that's not true (2 Thessalonians 2:10-12). This is especially dangerous when it relates to eternal salvation. The devil says, "Everyone's ok," and "God doesn't mean what he says." But God will keep His promises, including, "Not everyone who says to me, 'Lord, Lord,' shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of my father in heaven" (Matthew 7:21).

The REAL you peeks out when no one is looking (Mama always said). And the REAL you is determined by your actions… not by your intentions. Make your reality pleasing to God by obeying His will.

 

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LOOKING IN THE MIRROR

 

Have you ever been guilty of looking at others your own age and thinking, "surely I can't look that old?" I love this story below that has been widely circulated:

 

I was sitting in the waiting room for my first appointment with a new dentist. I noticed his DDS diploma, which bore his full name. Suddenly, I remembered a tall, handsome, dark-haired boy with the same name had been in my high school class some 37 years ago. Could he be the same guy that I had a secret crush on, way back then?

 

Upon seeing him, however, I quickly discarded any such thought. This balding, gray-haired man with the deeply lined face was way too old to have been my classmate. Hmmm..., or could he?

 

After he examined my teeth, I asked him if he had attended Morgan Park High School.

 

"Yes. Yes, I did. I'm a Mustang," he gleamed with pride.

 

"When did you graduate?" I asked.

 

He answered, "In 1967. Why do you ask?"

 

"You were in my class!" I exclaimed.

 

He looked at me closely. Then, that ugly, wrinkled old man asked, "What did you teach?"

 

It's so easy, isn't it, to see the faults in someone else? We see their wrinkles. We see their gray hair. Even more than that, we see all the "specks" in their eyes (Matthew 7:3). But we are not so quick to notice those flaws in ourselves.

 

When I was young, I was determined to change the world and make it a better place. As I grew older, I realized that was an unrealistic goal and re-committed myself to changing the people around me. I've gotten a little bit older (and grayer). I still want to try to influence people around me, but I have learned that, ultimately, the only person I can change is me, and there is plenty that still needs to be changed.

 

James compares reading the Word of God with looking in a mirror:

 

"But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves. For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was. But he who looks into the perfect law of liberty and continues in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer of the work, this one will be blessed in what he does." (James 1:22-25)

 

May we truly view the Word of God, not as a microscope to examine the lives of others, but as a mirror to search into our own hearts and lives.

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3 Ways to Revive Your Lukewarm Faith

 

Here are three ways that I recommend to revive a lukewarm faith. Which ones would you suggest?

Witnessing to the Lost

If you want to turn a tepid faith to boiling hot, start witnessing to the lost. What this does is give you a good memory bank of Bible verses because you’re going to need them: verses that talk about the eventual fate of all who refuse to repent and trust in Christ (Rev 20:12-15), why we need the Savior (John 3:18b, 36b), what Christ’s death on the cross can do (2 Cor 5:21), and every one of us having an appointment with death and then the judgment (Heb 9:27). Witnessing to the lost is a scary thing, yes, but it is one of the most rewarding things that a Christian can do. There is such indescribable joy and peace after you have shared the gospel of Jesus Christ, and it forces you to memorize scriptures that show people why they need Christ (Rom 3:10-11, 23; 6:23).

Start a Ministry

A few years ago, I jumped into a nursing home ministry with cold feet and started a Bible study. I had no clue what I was doing. I was apprehensive because I didn’t know anyone, nor did anyone know me, but after a few weeks, the residents, their families, and the staff began to look forward to my visits, and I found out that next to witnessing, there is no greater joy than to visit with these seniors, who are very lonely and just want someone to talk to. And guess what? “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress” (James 1:27). There are two things worth mentioning here. This is one thing that God the Father accepts as pure and faultless religion. Also, how many in a nursing home are orphans and widows? Almost every one of them! That will fire up your faith, I guarantee it!

Take a Risk for the Kingdom

In many ways, a faith that has never been tested can never be trusted, so if you ever get an idea about doing something radical for the kingdom, do it. I would put it this way: Never suppress an urge to be generous. I heard one pastor who was in a grocery line watching a woman with two children and no wedding ring. This poor woman was counting out her change to see if she had enough to pay for her groceries. It appeared that it was going to be close, so the pastor had an urge, or perhaps a Spirit-induced impulse, to just pay for the woman’s grocery bill. This woman saw what he did, started crying, and thanked him. The pastor never said who he was but only said that “God has been good to me, and He seemed to be telling me to help you, so I did.” Interestingly, a few weeks later the woman happened to show up at his church, and she recognized him. That woman later came to a saving faith in Christ. Being a single mother might be the hardest job on earth, so if you get an urge or impulse to be generous to a single mother, or anyone for that matter, do it–take a risk. God will not forget your generosity.

Conclusion

Do you really want Jesus to feel like He wants to spew you out of His mouth because your faith is so lukewarm that it’s disgusting to Him (Rev 3:16)? Think that’s not serious? The Greek word for spew is “emeō,” which literally means “to vomit” or “throw up.” That’s how sick our lukewarm faith can make Jesus feel–so sick to His stomach that He vomits us out. Gross, I know, but that is the original language it is written in, so fire up your faith, witness to the lost, minister to the lonely, take a risk, and help someone who needs it. You’ll revive that lukewarm faith into a boil.

May God richly bless you,

Pastor Jack Wellman

James 1:12-18 The Gift of Endurance = Week 40 - Wednesday

The Gift of Endurance: Finding Joy in Trials

The Wisdom Jesus Offers - Part 2

James 1:12-18

Summary: In this passage, James encourages believers to find joy in their trials, highlighting that perseverance produces maturity. He contrasts God's good gifts with the temptations that lead to sin, emphasizing that God is the source of what is good and perfect.

Application: This message can help Christians and others understand that trials are a vital part of spiritual growth. By reframing their difficulties as opportunities for joy, they can develop resilience and a deeper faith in God's goodness.

Teaching: This scripture teaches that enduring trials leads to spiritual maturity and that God’s gifts are always good, reassuring believers of His unfailing nature even in the midst of hard times.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ exemplifies perfect endurance through His suffering and ultimately brings His followers victory over sin and death, encouraging believers to rely on Him during their trials.

Big Idea: Embrace trials as opportunities for growth, knowing that God’s gifts are good and lead to deeper faith and maturity in Christ.

Recommended Study: As you prepare, consider examining the Greek terms used for 'trial' and 'temptation' in this passage, as they have nuanced meanings that can affect interpretation. Explore the theological implications of perseverance in the Christian faith and how God's unchanging nature shapes our understanding of trials. Utilizing Logos, delve into commentaries that discuss the historical context of James's audience and their struggles.

1. Persevere For The Prize

James 1:12-13

You could explore how James presents a contrasting picture of a person who perseveres under trial with those who succumb to temptation. Emphasize that perseverance brings about a crown of life, a reward from God, while succumbing to temptation leads to sin and death. Encourage the listeners to see trials as divine opportunities for growth rather than obstacles. Highlight that God never tempts us; instead, He empowers us to endure and mature through our challenges.

2. Protect Against Deception

James 1:14-15

Perhaps consider how temptation arises from our own desires and then manifests into sin. Explain that sin can deceive us, luring us away from God's path. Stress the importance of being aware of our weaknesses and guarding against the deception of sin which ultimately leads to death. Highlight the hope found in Christ’s ability to transform our desires and to realign them with God's will, offering His true path to life and righteousness.

3. Praise The Perfect Provider

James 1:16-18

Maybe reflect on how God is portrayed as the unchanging source of good gifts in contrast to the deceptive nature of sin. God’s perfect gifts include wisdom and strength to endure and grow through trials. Encourage the audience to trust in God’s unchanging goodness and to receive His gifts with gratitude, knowing that through Christ we are brought forth as new creations. Use this to challenge others to align their lives around the truth of God’s good character.

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Verses 12-15 (Understanding Temptation)

James blesses the man who perseveres under trial. Upon standing the test, that person will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him. He clarifies that God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone. People are tempted by their own evil desire, which leads to sin and, ultimately, to death.

Verses 16-18 (The Immutable God)

James admonishes not to be deceived. Every good and perfect gift comes from God, who does not change like shifting shadows. Of His own will, He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of His creatures.

 

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KEEPING YOUR EYE ON THE WARNING LIGHT

Dr. Joe Pettigrew

 

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” James 1:12-15

 

A few weeks ago, the low-coolant warning light came on in my car. I took it to a shop and was assured that nothing was wrong. The light had just turned itself on for no reason. The light irritated me, but I could live with it over the next four weeks.

 

After taking a short trip, my car leaked all over the place after it was parked. I took it back to the shop and they examined it again and found the problem. A $12 hose had a hole in it. They fixed it for me. When I got home, I noticed the coolant warning light was no longer glowing. 

 

I was a bit alarmed. What if the warning light was on for a reason over the last four weeks? What if the car had been running hot and the temperature gauge was not working?

 

I checked the oil and it looked funny. Back to the shop I went and found out that it had a blown head gasket. Now instead of a few dollars, that $12 hose was going to end up costing me over $800. Needless to say, I went to another mechanic.

 

Our sins seem to snowball on us, much like my car problems. Problems start small and when we ignore them, they get bigger and more expensive. The alcoholic had a first drink. The drug user had a first-time use. The adulterer crossed that first line somewhere. The malicious person was mean for a first time. The thief had to first feel envy. Some of us (like me) had to eat too much for a first time.

 

Thought of the Day = Keep your eyes on lifes warning signs when you first receive them. Then, your sins will not grow into expensive problems.

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WHERE ARE WE HEADED?

Dr. Joe Pettigrew

 

“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.” 

James 1:14

 

There was a time when all the talk after the Super Bowl was regarding the brilliant commercials. Last nights Super Bowl game was one of the greatest football games I can remember. It has also developed into an enjoyable time for our families and friends to get together and watch something together on TV.

 

Reaction to the Super Bowl halftime show has been largely positive, with critics calling it “showstopping” and “flat-out electric,” but I am questioning the message the NFL was sending millions of young fans.

 

The halftime show was shocking and disappointing. The NFL should take a hard look at what they are trying to accomplish while having such a large age diverse audience watching. Has America fallen to the point where we accept this type of entertainment as “family friendly.” I wasn’t expecting to see a replay of one of the old Billy Graham revivals last night, however, I was saddened in the way our society has accepted things in prime time that would only a few years ago been viewed only on a Pay Per View channel. 

 

We've seen it all before. But it still retains its ability to shock when presented on one of the biggest stages in the world, reaching the widest audience – an audience that, indeed, included kids. Sunday night families were gathered around the TV to watch one of America’s most talked about events, and for some they got more than they expected. While I realize that to some I sound like a prude this morning, Scripture teaches us that the wise believer should guard our private thoughts, realizing how much power they exert on behavior. We must be vigilant about protecting our imagination, trying to think only about things that are wholesome and pure.

 

Pepsi and the NFL let down America for showing us that the sexual exploitation of women is still okay in America instead of raising the standard of what is acceptable and what is not. The show was filled with lots of pelvic thrusting, grabbing private parts, and costumes that left little to the imagination. We should be troubled by the sexually suggestive nature of the halftime performances. However, as I read this mornings paper it is being hailed as the most outstanding halftime show in Super Bowl history.

 

But if the Super Bowl is going to be touted as family entertainment, or at least not marketed as adult entertainment, perhaps the NFL has an obligation to warn people with children that what they're about to see may be upsetting to some viewers.

 

We just continue to accept what the world throws at us. After a while we aren’t even shocked anymore as we are shamed into being tolerant of the things that go against the teachings we say we believe. 

 

Thought of the Day = It does make you wonder, what will next year’s Super Bowl halftime showcase? 

James 1:1-11 Embracing Trials and Temptations = Week 40 - Wednesday

Embracing Trials and Temptations

The Wisdom Jesus Offers - Part 1

Finding Joy in Trials: A Pathway to Maturity

James 1:1-11

Summary: In this passage, James encourages believers to find joy in their trials and to understand that these hardships are a means of developing perseverance and maturity in faith.

Application: This message can help Christians and others recognize that trials are not merely obstacles but opportunities for growth. By reframing their perspective on hardships, they can cultivate a more resilient faith that relies on God’s wisdom and grace.

Teaching: The teaching of this message is that facing trials with joy can lead to spiritual maturity and completeness. It emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s wisdom in difficult times and trusting in His greater purpose.

How this passage could point to Christ: This passage points to Christ as the ultimate source of our joy and strength in trials. Just as He persevered through suffering for our sake, we are called to follow His example, trusting in God’s character and promises.

Big Idea: Enduring trials with a joyful heart leads to spiritual maturity and deeper faith through reliance on God's wisdom.

Recommended Study: As you prepare your message, I recommend diving deeper into the historical context of James, particularly his audience and their challenges. Explore commentaries and resources that address the cultural implications of joy in suffering, and consider the Greek terms used in the text for a richer interpretation of 'trials' and 'perseverance.' Additionally, examining early church practices in dealing with trials could provide practical examples for your audience.

1. Joyful Endurance in Trials

James 1:1-4

You could emphasize how trials are an opportunity for growth in faith. James tells believers to consider trials with joy because they test faith, producing perseverance. Perhaps explain that perseverance leads to maturity and completeness. This passage challenges believers to see difficulties through the lens of God's purpose, reminding them of the example of Christ's endurance. By accepting trials joyfully, Christians can develop a more resilient and faith-filled life, trusting that God uses every trial to refine and mature them.

2. Seeking Divine Wisdom

James 1:5-8

Perhaps point out that when facing trials, believers should seek God’s wisdom to navigate their struggles. James encourages asking for wisdom confidently, without doubt. Emphasize the importance of steadfast faith in God’s character and promises during uncertain times. Relating this to Christ, who trusted God’s wisdom completely, encourages believers to rely on divine guidance rather than their understanding, thus aligning their hearts with God’s purpose and growing in maturity.

3. True Wealth in Christ

James 1:9-11

Maybe explore how trials reveal the true value of spiritual richness over material wealth. James contrasts the lowly believer with the rich, highlighting the fleeting nature of earthly wealth. This passage suggests that joy and maturity come from knowing one's identity in Christ rather than possessions. Relate this to Christ’s teaching on eternal treasures versus earthly gain, encouraging believers to find joy and contentment in their spiritual status, which empowers them to endure trials with grace.

Verses 1-4 (Perseverance through Trials)

Life's Trials Produce Endurance and Can Make Us Perfect

Verses 5-8 (Asking for Wisdom)

God Gives Wisdom to Those Who Ask in Faith

Verses 9-11 (Contrast between the Rich and the Poor)

Poverty Can Force Us to Trust God; Wealth Will Pass Away

Echoes of the Jesus Tradition in the Epistle of James

 

Subject	James	Gospels
Joy During Trials	James 1:2	Mt 5:10-12, 48; Luke 6:22-23
The Importance of Perfection	James 1:4	Mt 5:48
Asking for God’s Generosity	James 1:5-8	Mt 7:7-9, Luke 11:9-11
Faith and Doubt	James 1:6	Mt 21:21
Riches	James 1:9-11	Mt 6:19-21
One who perseveres will be saved	James 1:12	Mt 10:22; 24:13

YOU THINK YOU GOT PROBLEMS

Dr. Joe Pettigrew

 

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

 

Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison for fighting for a cause he believed in. Mandela, met external prosecution with internal character. While jailed he spent his time learning and teaching, even mastering the language of his oppressors to be able to communicate with them.

 

Paul knew a few things about suffering as well, which makes the book of Philippians all the more remarkable. In 2 Corinthians 11:25-27, we read part of the list of those sufferings: “Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was pelted with stones, three times I was shipwrecked, I spent a night and a day in the open sea, I have been constantly on the move. I have been in danger from rivers, in danger from bandits, in danger from my fellow Jews, in danger from Gentiles; in danger in the city, in danger in the country, in danger at sea; and in danger from false believers. I have labored and toiled and have often gone without sleep; I have known hunger and thirst and have often gone without food; I have been cold and naked.”

 

In 2 Corinthians 12:7, Paul talks about a thorn in the flesh. “Therefore, in order to keep me from becoming conceited, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger of Satan, to torment me.” We don’t know what the affliction was although scholars have speculated things such as a chronic eye problem, malaria, migraines, epilepsy, and even a speech disability. We don’t know what it was, but it was a source of real pain in the apostle’s life.

 

No one likes to live in pain. Paul sought the Lord three times to remove this source of pain from him (2 Corinthians 12:8). He probably had many good reasons why he should be pain-free: he could have a more effective ministry; he could reach more people with the gospel; he could glorify God even more. But the Lord was more concerned with building Paul’s character and preventing pride. Instead of removing the problem, whatever it was, God gave Paul more overwhelming grace and more compensating strength. Paul learned that God’s “power is made perfect in weakness.”

 

I don’t believe God is in the rating and ranking of Christians, but Paul may have been the greatest Christian in history. He has probably done more to further Christianity than anyone living or dead. Paul wrote much of the New Testament and yet he still had more than his fair share of bad circumstances. 

 

Many of us think once we’ve made that decision for Christ that everything will fall into place and life will be easier. And when trials and tough times come upon us or continue, we begin to question, “why?” It is difficult to find joy in the midst of all the problems, hardships, and painful circumstances?

 

I have talked to many Christians who have faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles, mountains of medical bills, bankruptcy, and physical pain. But amidst it all, God’s joy really is there.

 

Thought of the Day = Whatever circumstances you are facing, I hope you realize that God is all you need to have real joy in your life.

 

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DO YOU WANT TO BE HAPPY?

Dr. Joe Pettigrew

 

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything" James 1:2-4

 

God has blessed us with laughter and joy. Christianity is joyful, and joy is good for our health.

 

We all know people who are happy and love life. I have many friends that fall into this category. When the world is coming apart, they stay focused and positive. People love to be around these three women because you can tell there is something different about them. All three of these women love Jesus, but they tend to face life from a different point of view than some. 

 

We all experience difficult times that hold no laughter, but during those trying times God provides joy regardless of our circumstances. One of Webster's definitions of joy is "a source or cause of delight." God is our source of joy and he never changes, no matter what is happening around us. 

 

He provides the reasons for our joy: his love, his forgiveness, his grace, his peace, his strength, his hope for today, for tomorrow, and especially for eternity.

 

All of these wonderful things are ours no matter what our circumstances, no matter what we are going through.

 

Thought of the Day.  We have a choice. When we are going through difficult times, we can choose to remember all those good things and to allow this joy to stay strong within us. Or, we can focus totally on the difficulties and fail to trust God to bring us through, to meet our needs, to ultimately work all things for good.

 

God loves you. He wants to bring you joy that is beyond understanding. Joy through the good times and the painful times.

 

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5 Blessings Brought By Deep Water

 

“God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse them.” – James H. Aughey

Storms of Correction

When the flood waters of trials are about to overwhelm you, remember that God has a life preserver in the Person of Jesus Christ Who hears us when we cry out for help. What we may think it could drown us, God can use to cleanse us. The psalmist sees the good in suffering as he wrote, “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes” (Psalm 119:71). When we look at storms as a corrective measure of God, done in love, we can look at storms much differently.

Storms of Direction

Sometimes the storms of life can send us into a different direction in our lives like the storm that God hurled at Jonah as he was running away from God on a ship. The storm threatened to sink the whole ship but when they discovered it was because of Jonah’s God, they hesitated to throw him overboard to save the ship, knowing that Jonah would surely die, but in a death-wish sort of frame of mind, Jonah told them to toss him in the sea and when they did, the storm immediately ceased and the crew finally found out Who the One, True God was and they worshiped Him…and the storm directed Jonah into the belly of a great fish where he was later deposited on land so that he could finish his mission of witnessing to Nineveh. Think of a storm in life as a course correction.

Storms of Affection

Ecclesiastes 8 can tell us a lot about suffering and some of the “whys” as Solomon writes, “For there is a proper time and procedure for every matter, though a person may be weighed down by misery” (Eccl 8:6). The author of Hebrews adds, “the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives” (Heb 12:6) because “It is for discipline that you have to endure. God is treating you as sons. For what son is there whom his father does not discipline” (Heb 12:7)? To God, discipline = love!

Storms of Reflection

When Joseph was unfairly thrown into prison, twice no less, he never complained or said “woe is me” but rather committed himself to the sovereign God, knowing that God can use evil for His own good (Gen 50:20). The Apostle Paul looked at life’s trials in this way; “And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, or those who are called according to his purpose” (Rom 8:28). He didn’t say all things were good but even the good and the bad work out for God’s purposes. We must simply trust Him in the storms of life and reflect on God’s ultimate best for us. See what God is trying to tell you.

Storms of Perfection

We get a lot of tornadoes in our state of Kansas but these storms do a lot more good than they do bad. The thunderstorms bring nitrogen rich water which feeds the plants and the strong winds make the trees much stronger here than in places where strong wind is rare. The author of Hebrews sees suffering as a perfecting work in us but of Christ, he wrote “During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him” (Heb 5:7-9).

Conclusion

Remember James H. Aughey’s wise saying that “God brings men into deep waters not to drown them, but to cleanse them” and these storms may be storms of correction, storms of direction, storms of affection, storms of reflection, and storms of perfection. He intends for them to do us good and not harm. We can trust the God of the storms, can’t we?

Read more: https://www.christianquotes.info/images/5-blessings-brought-by-deep-water/#ixzz4bES0M3Ln

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Need wisdom? Just ask.

by Rick Warren

 

"If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5 NIV)

Need wisdom? We all do. And the good news is that God wants to give it to you. He is eager to do so.

Just like it pleased God when Solomon asked for wisdom (1 Kings 3:7-14), it pleases God when we ask for wisdom. It's God's nature to give. He is a giving God.

The Bible says in James 1:5, "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (NIV)

This verse says three things about how God gives wisdom. He does so:

· Continually. "Ask God who gives ..." In Greek this is in the continuous tense. He keeps on giving. He doesn't run out of energy. He never wears out.

· Generously. God's resources are unlimited. He has enough resources for everyone. He's got plenty of wisdom to go around.

· Cheerfully. James says God gives "without finding fault." God loves to give. It's in his nature to give! Don't get embarrassed to ask. He wants to give you wisdom!

Where do you need wisdom? Got a big decision coming with your career, your marriage, or your kids? God wants to help. He has wisdom to offer. But remember what James says. If you want wisdom from God, you've got to ask! If you ask, he'll give it.

 

That's a promise!

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DO YOU WISH YOU WERE CLOSER TO JESUS?

Dr. Joe Pettigrew

“Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Their loyalty is divided between God and the world.”  James 1:7–8

The planet Mercury is hot, whereas Pluto is cold. That’s because Mercury is close to the sun and Pluto is a long way off. A planet’s temperature and climate are determined by its proximity to the sun. There’s an important spiritual principle here. As a redeemed child of God, our spiritual temperature is determined by how close we are to Jesus. 

 

You say, “I wish I were closer to the Lord.” The truth is that we are as close to Him as we desire to be, decide to be, and discipline ourselves to be. Our pursuit of God reveals our passion for God—or the lack of it. To experience true intimacy with someone, we must be willing to sacrifice other things and give ourselves fully to that person. 

 

The psalmist wrote: “You have said, Seek My face [inquire for and require My presence as your vital need]. My heart says to You, Your face (Your presence), Lord, will I seek, inquire for, and require [of necessity].” (Psalm 27:8)

 

You’ll notice that the psalmist didn’t say we were to seek God’s gifts, but His face! Not the gifts, but the Giver of the gifts! And a wonderful thing happens when we do that: “Delight yourself also in the Lord, and He will give you the desires and secret petitions of your heart. Commit your way to the Lord [roll and repose each care of your load on Him]; trust (lean on, rely on, and be confident) also in Him and He will bring it to pass.” (Psalm 37:4–5)