Simple Thoughts Without Theology: James 5

There is nothing wrong with wealth; it’s how you handle it that matters. As a Christian it really matters if you are a squanderer or a miser.  Money doesn’t really bring happiness and contentment because earthly possessions can become a disappointment. What good is hoarding money to never be used? In the end, someone will fight over it.

Watching how the Lord uses money we give back to Him is amazing and hearing from those who have been on the receiving end of what the Lord did is an encouragement to use it for Him. Just a few simple thoughts without theology from James 5.

Simple Thoughts Without Theology
Allowing God to Use our Wealth

James 5:1-3  Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you.  Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are moth eaten.  Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days.

We can have everything that we have ever wanted and still be unhappy. When we put our trust in earthly possessions, we end up being disappointed many times. We are not content. In this day and age, we see a particular cell phone being upgraded every few months. When the new one comes out, many people ditch the older one for the new one just to have a new function. Why? They are not content! There are those, that have more money than they know what to do with, but yet they dress shabbily or live in a run down house. Why? They want to leave their estate with millions? They want people to be surprised in the end?

James 5:4-6 Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth.  Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter. Ye have condemned and killed the just; and he doth not resist you.

To me these verses bring to mind those that own businesses and pay their employees peanuts. There have been many business men and women who have died after living a prosperous life, but they left nothing good for people to remember them by. My father in law owned a roofing business and he made sure his employees were paid before he even paid himself. I met one of those employees at his funeral, this man had nothing but praises for my father in law. What a wonderful testimony as a businessman! We can’t take our wealth with us when we die. We might as well have a generous spirit and share things with those that really could use it. We will enjoy it more, if we can see others enjoy it also.

James 5:7-9 Be patient therefore, brethren, unto the coming of the Lord. Behold, the husbandman waiteth for the precious fruit of the earth, and hath long patience for it, until he receive the early and latter rain. Be ye also patient; stablish your hearts: for the coming of the Lord draweth nigh.

We are living in a time, where I have read or heard many people say, “Lord, hurry back” or “Lord, please come soon.” You know, the Lord is waiting for the perfect timing to come and call His children home. There is a lot going on that makes me want to pray those little statements. There are a lot of things going on in Washington D.C. and in the middle east that is unnerving and I find myself praying. I’m not prophesying, but I feel that the Lord will return soon.

 James 5:9-12 Grudge not one against another, brethren, lest ye be condemned: behold, the judge standeth before the door. Take, my brethren, the prophets, who have spoken in the name of the Lord, for an example of suffering affliction, and of patience.  Behold, we count them happy which endure. Ye have heard of the patience of Job, and have seen the end of the Lord; that the Lord is very pitiful, and of tender mercy. But above all things, my brethren, swear not, neither by heaven, neither by the earth, neither by any other oath: but let your yea be yea; and your nay, nay; lest ye fall into condemnation.

When I see the Lord’s face, I want Him to have a countenance that shows me that He is happy with me. I really don’t want to have to see Him as an angry judge. Just thinking what that must be like makes me shutter. I’m happy to know that no matter what dumb thing that I do, He is always merciful.

James 5:13-14 Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms. Is any sick among you? let him call for the elders of the church; and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord:

There are times when I feel that I am at my lowest. When I hit that rock bottom, I need to pray. In fact, I need to be praying while falling and not just when I finally land. When I am at my happiest, I need to let others see it. I need to make sure that I have a joyful countenance and sing. Singing is such a stress reliever for me. I find that when I sing a song I feel even better. That happiness even moves on to others around me. I’m a private person so when there are times of sickness or sadness, I don’t let people outside my family know it. I remember once I had some minor surgery right after Jamie was born. No one knew about it except for my immediate family. After being out of church for a week, I was asked where I was the past week. Me, being me, I did not tell them, I just used the “I wasn’t able to be here” excuse. It really doesn’t hurt to let people know about illnesses and things, so they can help me pray. Matthew 18:20 For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them.

James 5:15-16 And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him.  Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.

How much faith do I really have? Do I have enough to go to the Lord when someone is sick physically or spiritually? I like to think I do. I know that I could have more faith. Why would I ask the Lord to do something for me or someone else, when I don’t even have enough faith to trust Him? The Lord did say that He would answer our prayers. Verse sixteen is one that many people think differently about. Some think that you are to confess every sin that you have committed to another Christian. Some think that you are to confess a sin that you can’t seem to get away from; something that stays in your life. While there is nothing wrong with either, you must be careful with whom you are telling these things to. You really don’t want Mrs. Ratchet Jaws who can’t keep her mouth shut, knowing every little detail about your life and then sharing it with everyone. Be careful with whom you ask to help pray with you over a matter.

Being able to pray while being close to the Lord is a tremendous thing. I may not be able to do much for someone, but when I’m close to the Lord, I can pray. Prayer is the best thing someone can do for me.

Prayer does not equip you for greater works. Prayer is the greater work. —- Oswald Chambers

James 5:17-18 Elias was a man subject to like passions as we are, and he prayed earnestly that it might not rain: and it rained not on the earth by the space of three years and six months. And he prayed again, and the heaven gave rain, and the earth brought forth her fruit.

It’s amazing to see what the Lord will do when ordinary people pray.

James 5:19-20 Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.

It is my duty to work at winning lost souls to Christ. It is also my duty to help continue to teach these souls as they grow in the Lord. People can get saved, but they have to be converted. I remember a story a visiting pastor told about a little run down house in a community that was a huge eye sore. The people of the community raised money to purchase the land and house to try and do something positive with it. The day the house was to close, the owner asked the people if they noticed anything different. Well, they did not. The owner was disappointed, he went on to tell them that he had cleaned the inside, made some repairs, and moved around furniture so the new owners would be more comfortable. They community people felt a little remorse, when they told the man that the house was not being used for a family, but for the good of the neighborhood.

Simple Thoughts Without Theology: James 4

As Christians, we have to live in this world, but we are not to live of this world; we are to avoid all sin in any form. Just because we are human and we’ll never be completely Christ like, it should not keep us from living a separated life. – A few simple thoughts without theology.

Simple Thoughts Without Theology

Living a Separated Life

James 4:1-3 From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members? Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not. Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume it upon your lusts.

What is my motive in the prayers that I pray? Am I really wanting the Lord’s will in a situation or am I just being selfish? I need to make sure that I’m not being selfish when praying.

James 4:4-5 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. Do ye think that the scripture saith in vain, The spirit that dwelleth in us lusteth to envy?

I can’t live in the world and be of the world. To truly love the Lord, I have to live a separated life. I must love Him and allow His love to be shown through me. Do I really believe the words in the Bible? The words were not written, just so I could skim through them.  They are the precious words of God, and they were written so I could read them, believe them, and follow them.

James 4:6-10 But he giveth more grace. Wherefore he saith, God resisteth the proud, but giveth grace unto the humble. Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Draw nigh to God, and he will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.

Resist the devil and he will flee is a lot easier said then done. I can’t resist Satan without submitting to God first. I can’t fight Satan on our my own. Only with the Lord’s help will Satan leave me alone.  If I am willing to draw near to God, He will draw closer to me. I want God’s grace on me, all I have to do is humble myself before Him.

James 4:9-10 Be afflicted, and mourn, and weep: let your laughter be turned to mourning, and your joy to heaviness. Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and he shall lift you up.

How can I draw near to God, when there is sin in my life? The sin may not be as “bad” as murder or adultery, but what about the television program or the music I find myself humming or singing? I have sin all around me and most of the time, I don’t even blink an eye at it. I need to really take hold of myself and see  ALL sin as what it is ~ SIN.  I need to humble myself and seek the Lord, so He can lift me up above the mess that is around me.

James 4:11-12 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge. There is one lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy: who art thou that judgest another?

I remember a school teacher explaining to my class in about the 7th or 8th grade, that when we talk badly about someone, we are talking badly about God’s handiwork. A sentence that has stuck with me since, and it is a sentence that I quoted quite often when teaching school. Think about it, God’s work is perfect. Although a person is not perfect,  what God created is.  How can I judge someone for what they look like or for what they have done, when I am no better than them? The Bible specifically tells us not to do it! God’s the only one who can do the judging.

James 4:13-15 Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain:  Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.

I can make all the plans I want. There is nothing wrong with planning. In fact, I think it is good to make plans. Instead of being a “fly by the seat of your pants” kind of person all the time.  When planning, there is a “but” to the process. Just because we make those plans, doesn’t mean they will come about. Looking at verse 14 is very thought provoking.  Our life ~ many or blessed with an extremely long life, while others are not. God says that our lives are as just a vapor – here one moment, gone the next. When I plan for my future, I need to keep in mind ~ IF THE LORD ALLOWS IT.

James 4:16-17 But now ye rejoice in your boastings: all such rejoicing is evil. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin.

It’s a sin brag.  I for one, do not like to be around people that brag about something all time. I’ll be seen running from a person who says, “I’ll do this, if it’s the last thing I do.” I’m not going to be anywhere near that person when the streak of lightning comes down and the clap of thunder sounds. I can’t stand to hear “if it is the last thing I do.” You know what, you may get your wish. When we are faced with the decision about doing something that we know is right and we don’t do it ~ it’s a sin. No matter what that decision is, we need to make sure that doing the right thing is a priority.

If you missed the  previous posts for Simple Thoughts Without Theology you can find James 1,  James 2 ,  James 3 at these links.  Join me next week when I continue Simple Thoughts Without Theology in the fifth chapter of James.

Simple Thoughts Without Theology: James 3

It takes wisdom to live life. Wisdom and self control brings about a little more peace each day. Do you struggle with self control? We all do. It takes wisdom to know when to hold our tongue. It takes wisdom to not action too quickly in decision making. Without wisdom and self control our lives would be in a mess. While we cannot live a perfect life, we can live a more spiritually mature life. These are my simple thoughts without theology on James 3.

Simple Thoughts Without Theology
Living a (Spiritually Mature) Perfect Life

James 3:1-2 My brethren, be not many masters, knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.

The word PERFECT, means spiritual maturity. We need to work at being spiritually mature by keeping our actions and words under control.

James 3:3-4 Behold, we put bits in the horses’ mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.  Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.

These verses show that everything has to have some control. Without this control our world would be in total chaos. 

James 3:5-6 Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth! And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.

Our tongue is a small member of our body but yet it can do some great things. The word great doesn’t necessarily always mean wonderful. All it takes is a little “spark” to start a forest fire. That forest fire can be two things ~ Something to glorify God. One word or sentence can be used to start a heart beat in someone to serve the Lord. Or something destructive – one word or sentence can ruin a person or a situation for life. Sadly, most of the time that little spark is on a path of destruction and it is going to destroy everything that is in its path. Have you ever seen the effects of a forest fire? When we lived in western Montana we did all the time. It takes years for what has been destroyed to begin new growth. It can take years to heal what our tongue has destroyed.

James 3:7-9 For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind: But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God.

James 3:10-12 Out of the same mouth proceedeth blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not so to be. Doth a fountain send forth at the same place sweet water and bitter? Can the fig tree, my brethren, bear olive berries? either a vine, figs? so can no fountain both yield salt water and fresh.

Man has a better chance of taming and training an animal than he does his own tongue. A scary thought ~ We use our tongue to praise the Lord and the next minute that same tongue is being used to tear apart someone. God did not intend for our tongue to be used in this manner. When He created us, we were made to give Him praise and honor. Unfortunately, we have allowed our flesh to take control over this one small thing in our lives. There are many things in our lives that we can control, but our tongue is normally not on that list.

James 3:13 Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom.

I’ve met several people with countless degrees. They were well educated and knew how to do many things. Sadly, some of them were not wise. We can have all the diplomas hanging on the wall, all the little degree initials behind our name, and we can quote countless facts, but those things don’t make us wise. True wisdom ~ is shown in our lives. How we live, talk, and handle situations show how wise we really are.

James 3:14-15  But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish.

These are the characteristics of earthly wisdom. The kind that we as Christians need to stay away from.  Glory not – that’s boasting. We don’t have to boast about our wisdom, it will be known by others. Self glorying will only make people to not like you and want to be around you. 

James 3:16-18 For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.

Have you ever been a room where there is a lot of commotion going on? Can you find peace and quiet there? No, the same goes when we are trying to sort our problems in our lives and Satan brings on some of his best work ~ Confusion. Sometimes that confusion causes us to make a wrong decision.  We need to be aware of what he is doing and really focus on the Lord. When we have wisdom that comes from God, we don’t have to worry; He is going to work according to His will. And if we really trust in Him, then when what we think of as a bad outcome happens, we can hold our heads high and know that He did it.  Just think, that kind of wisdom is Pure, Peaceable, Gentle, Good, Merciful, has Good Rewards, No Favoritism, Not Hypocritical, any Christian can have it.  For us to have peace, we have to plant peace (be peaceable), then let God do the rest.

No, life is not easy. But it can be a little easier if we only use the wisdom God gives and use our self control in situations.  If you missed the two previous posts for Simple Thoughts Without Theology you can find James 1 and James 2 at these links.  Join me next week when I continue Simple Thoughts Without Theology in the fourth chapter of James.

Simple Thoughts Without Theology: James 2

As I mentioned last week, I am bringing back some old posts from days gone by. My simple thoughts on the book of James brought back memories of when I studied the book. I’m not a theology teacher, nor do I spend a lot of time studying it. I like simple thoughts and words on things related to the Bible. These are my simple thoughts without theology on James 2.

Simple Thoughts Without Theology

James 2:1  My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.

How can we say that we love the Lord and live for Him when we so quickly can become a snob? Think – Jesus died for all. He loves all people and so should we. We should show that we care by not becoming “cliquish” with others.

James 2:2-11  For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment;

And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool:

Are ye not then partial in yourselves, and are become judges of evil thoughts?

Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he hath promised to them that love him?

But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats?

Do not they blaspheme that worthy name by the which ye are called?

If ye fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well:

But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors.

For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all.

For he that said, Do not commit adultery, said also, Do not kill. Now if thou commit no adultery, yet if thou kill, thou art become a transgressor of the law.

I remember when I was in my early twenties a former Pastor made a point in church to point out a visitor. He had their family come and sit in a “special” place for all the church to be able to see them. When this happened, a long-standing member’s family had to move to the back, where the doctor’s family had originally started out. Why? I believe that the Pastor wanted everyone to know that a medical doctor was possibly thinking about joining our little church. When I look back on that day, a faithful family was put out by having to move to the back. This family was not in the least bit wealthy. But they were faithful. They were moved so someone with a bit of wealth could have a better seat.

Favoritism was shown that day. What did it get the Pastor and church? Nothing! That doctor’s family would not come back because of the way the situation was handled.  All I could say was “Kudos, to that doctor’s family!” The other family continued coming, and they held their head high when they walked through the doors of the church. They acted as if nothing ever happened. This family is still precious to me, I taught some of their children in Sunday School and love them so much.

Is it worth treating people differently because of their  place in society? Or because of the way they look?  No, it is not. We are to look past the clothes and earthly possessions to see a person for who they are ~ A soul that is going straight to Hell if they are not saved.  A soul that may be struggling in their Christian walk or in their home life. Everyone needs a friend. I’ve always been told, if you can find one true friend then you have found a treasure.

Favoritism – Murder they are both a sin and one is not bigger than the other. A sin is a sin is a sin in the eyes of God. We should look at sin the same way.

James  2:12-13 So speak ye, and so do, as they that shall be judged by the law of liberty. For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.

If we show mercy and kindness to others, then others are going to show mercy and kindness to us.  “We reap what we sow.”  There are times we are judged by others for doing something. It is not our job to be judgmental towards them when something happens. We need to show mercy and kindness in all things and to all people.

James 2:14-17 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?  If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

Saying we have faith and actually giving of ourselves in faith are two different things. We can talk all we want about having faith, but we need to put a little action behind all the talking. ~  An old saying, “You need to put your money where your mouth is.”

James 2:18-19 Yea, a man may say, Thou hast faith, and I have works: shew me thy faith without thy works, and I will shew thee my faith by my works.Thou believest that there is one God; thou doest well: the devils also believe, and tremble.

Faith and works go hand in hand. Can you really have one without the other?

James 2:20-22 But wilt thou know, O vain man, that faith without works is dead? Was not Abraham our father justified by works, when he had offered Isaac his son upon the altar? Seest thou how faith wrought with his works, and by works was faith made perfect?

What great faith Abraham had! He trusted God enough that he placed his son on an altar of sacrifice. Would I be so trusting?

James 2:23-24 And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.

To be called the FRIEND OF GOD is an amazing honor. Abraham put action behind his faith. Do I have enough faith to trust God with everything ~ 100%?

James 2:25-26 Likewise also was not Rahab the harlot justified by works, when she had received the messengers, and had sent them out another way?For as the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without works is dead also.

Rahab, a woman most people would not have anything to do with. But God chose her to be used by Him, in saving the lives of the spies. In her faith and works, God protected her and her family. I want to be used by God by putting works behind my faith.

I hope you’ll join me next week when I share more Simple Thought Without Theology from James 3. If you missed my thoughts on James 1 you can find them HERE.

Simple Thoughts Without Theology: James 1

I’m updating several old posts over the next month or so. While reading through some, I found my thoughts on the book of James when I studied it. I shared those thoughts way back when I shared a weekly Fruitful Friday post of what I learned that week.  When I read what I shared all those years ago, I knew I had to bring them up again. The thoughts are just that, simple. No theology, just thoughts from a simple gal trying to learn more from God’s word. If you’re like me, then you know sometimes it’s just the simple thoughts you need to hear from others.

Simple Thoughts Without Theology

 James 1:1-2   James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting.  My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 

This is the day that the Lord hath made, we will rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalm 118:24) This verse is  easy to say and a song that is easy to sing, when you are living on the mountain top. But what about the valley I may face?  “Count it all joy” when ye fall into divers temptations~ That’s a big pill to swallow. Trying to have joy when our lives are in the middle of problems ~ it’s not easy. But knowing that I am a child of the King who will never leave me stranded in the middle of a mess, does make it a little easier to face those trials/testings . My God is in control on the days when I’m at the mountain top and He is still there when I’m in the valley. It is easier to face those kind of days knowing that He is right beside me.

James 1:3-4  Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.But let patience have perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.

In most things, I am a pretty patient person. I’ve been taught to never pray for patience because my faith is going to be tried some way. Having FAITH is a whole different story for me. This is something that I pray for daily. We face obstacles and people in our lives that will destroy our faith, it can be very discouraging. Because of this, I pray that I am not one of those who will destroy the faith of someone else. I want to be the one who encourages faith. Our family has gone through a lot over the past 5 years. No matter what, God has seen us through. Our needs have been met, we have not been left needing things. We have a vehicle to drive, a roof over our heads, clothes and shoes on our feet, and food on the table. What more do you really need? Most of the things that this world has to offer will come and go and some will be completely forgotten about. But God is always there to help me through.

 James 1:5-6  If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. 

I love knowing that the Lord is not going to say, “Why can’t you get this stuff through your head?” when I keep going to him for the same thing. Thankfully, we can go to Him and ask for wisdom and know that He is going to give it over and over.

 James 1:7-8  For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways.

I want to be stable in my heart and mind. I want stability in my personal world around my family. If I don’t have faith that God will answer my prayers, why should I even ask? What is the point? God doesn’t have to do anything for me, but He wants to. He wants me to have faith in Him, knowing that He is going to answer my prayers whether the answer is what I want or not. I am so thankful for a God who loves me and wants to supply my needs and wants.

James 1:10-11 But the rich, in that he is made low: because as the flower of the grass he shall pass away. For the sun is no sooner risen with a burning heat, but it withereth the grass, and the flower thereof falleth, and the grace of the fashion of it perisheth: so also shall the rich man fade away in his ways. 

We are all the same in God’s eyes, no one is better than the other. It does not matter if we have all the money and power in the world or not, we are all going to have times that are tough but we are also going to have times when life is good. We need to remember what we are going through~ good or bad, it is only for a time.

James 1:12 Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

These trials that we are going through are temporary. In the end we are going to be able to hold our heads high and know that we came out on top ~ with the help of the Lord.

James 1:13-14   Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man: But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

It is my responsibility to stay close to God. When He is not near, that is my doing. I am the one who moved away from Him. The Lord does not tempt but he allows the opportunity to arise. It is my choice to either fall into the middle of a mess or to run as fast as I can to regain that closeness with the Lord.

James 1:15  Then when lust hath conceived, it bringeth forth sin: and sin, when it is finished, bringeth forth death.

It’s not a sin to be tempted. It’s a sin to act on the temptation. Potiphar’s wife tempted Joseph. Instead of acting on it, he fled from it.(Genesis 39:7-12) If we commit a sin, it didn’t just happen. There had to be previous thoughts regarding the sin.(Mark 7:21-23) And of course, if we act on the sin, there will be repercussions.

James 1:16-17 Do not err, my beloved brethren. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.

I serve a God that is constant. What He says ~ goes. When He tells me His is going to do something, He doesn’t change His mind~ He does it. Unfortunately, I do not always stick to what I say or plan on doing. I need to be more like Him ~ unchanging.

James 1:18 Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that we should be a kind of firstfruits of his creatures.

This verse is a connecting verse and needs to be read with the past four or five verses. God created many beautiful things throughout the universe. Things that we are able to see, touch and love. But of all these things, we (humans) are the only creation that God purposely gave a soul to.We were created in His image. He wants us to be able to spend eternity with Him. We should give Him all the Glory and Honor that is due Him.

 James 1:19-20  Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God.

Be a listening person. Whether it be for God, a spouse, child or friend. Listening is a way of showing our love and being submissive to God and our husbands. We have two ears for hearing and one mouth for speaking; we should be listening two times more than speaking.

James 1:21 Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls.

Filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness are the things that are standing in the way of us hearing what the Lord has to say. Meekness is a spirit of compliance. ~ Ready to obey. The only way for us to succeed as a Christian is for us to put away these sins, repent and have an obedient spirit.

James 1:22-24 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

The reflection in a mirror only shows the outward appearance of a person. We can fool everyone around us, but we can’t fool God. He knows whether or not we are really trying to live a Christian life, even if those around us can’t see the true us.

James 1:25 But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed.

 Are you listening? I’ve asked that question many times to former students and even my son. Has God had to ask me that question? Probably so. I know what it is like to see my son hear but not truly listen because he has not done something, that was instructed of him. It really bothers me, so I know that it really bothers the Lord when I do it to Him. I want to please the Lord, I want to be a doer, not just a hearer.

James 1: 26-27 If any man among you seem to be religious, and bridleth not his tongue, but deceiveth his own heart, this man’s religion is vain. Pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father is this, To visit the fatherless and widows in their affliction, and to keep himself unspotted from the world.

 Oh, be careful little tongue what you say, for the Father up above, is looking down in love. My words are to be Christ honoring at all times. As a Christian, I have people waiting and watching for me to let my tongue slip, so they can point a finger. How embarrassing that is when it happens!

I hope you’ll join me next week as I continue to share more Simple Thoughts Without Theology from James chapter 2.