James 1:9-11
9 But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; 10 and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away. 11 For the sun rises with a scorching wind and withers the grass; and its flower falls off and the beauty of its appearance is destroyed; so too the rich man in the midst of his pursuits will fade away.
I thought we were done with Ecclesiastes. Anyways, as has been said many times in Ecclesiastes, nothing lasts forever, so be wise about what you pursue and are defined by.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Passage of the Day - June 29, 2011
James 1:6-7
6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
The thing to remember here is what is being prayed for. Verse 5 states that wisdom is what is being prayed for. If you asked for wisdom, but were unsure if God would give it to you, what good will it be to you if you actually receive it? Will you even know for sure that you did? You will be right back where you started, depressed, stagnant, and thoroughly indecisive.
If you really want wisdom, ask it with purpose. You want to solve problems? Ask for, and expect to receive, the wisdom necessary to solve them. Stop beating around the bush and go the Fountain of wisdom and drink.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)
6 But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. 7 For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, 8 being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.
The thing to remember here is what is being prayed for. Verse 5 states that wisdom is what is being prayed for. If you asked for wisdom, but were unsure if God would give it to you, what good will it be to you if you actually receive it? Will you even know for sure that you did? You will be right back where you started, depressed, stagnant, and thoroughly indecisive.
If you really want wisdom, ask it with purpose. You want to solve problems? Ask for, and expect to receive, the wisdom necessary to solve them. Stop beating around the bush and go the Fountain of wisdom and drink.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Passage of the Day - June 28, 2011
James 1:5
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Notice how this verse uses the word “wisdom” as opposed to “answers”. God provides us with wisdom, not answers. God will not lay out step-by-step instructions for us to follow. For the sake of your sanity and usefulness, stop waiting and asking for them. They ain’t comin’! The good news is, God will provide wisdom to those who faithfully ask Him. God will provide the wisdom to weigh the options, count the costs, examine the motives, anticipate the pitfalls, and project the benefits. God will also help us to make a wise choice during a time of trial that adheres to His Word.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)
5 But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Notice how this verse uses the word “wisdom” as opposed to “answers”. God provides us with wisdom, not answers. God will not lay out step-by-step instructions for us to follow. For the sake of your sanity and usefulness, stop waiting and asking for them. They ain’t comin’! The good news is, God will provide wisdom to those who faithfully ask Him. God will provide the wisdom to weigh the options, count the costs, examine the motives, anticipate the pitfalls, and project the benefits. God will also help us to make a wise choice during a time of trial that adheres to His Word.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)
Monday, June 27, 2011
Passage of the Day - June 27, 2011
Apologies for the hiatus.
James 1:1-4
1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Many of my posts in the old days used to be about being an authentic Christian. Too much, I would say, so I tried to change by drumbeat. However, the book of James forces us to examine what it means to really have faith.
These first four verses must be at the forefront of our mind if we are to fully understand what James is writing about in the rest of the book. We face trials and testing of our faith to produce endurance and we are to let endurance to get us to perfection (holiness) and completion. Does this not sound like sports training, musical training, educational training, vocational training, etc. There is not a single world-renown talent that stood the test of time on pure talent. Yes there are the instant sensations of Susan Boyle and William Hung, but to stand the test of time testing, stretching of one’s range and complexity is needed to truly be productive in any craft. The same is true for our walk with Christ. Sure, we can be a “Christian” with the fire insurance, the same as a lawyer could have passed the bar exam. Even though the lawyer passed the exam and is legal to practice law, resting on those laurels alone will not bring in business and will lead a dismal life in the legal profession and will likely leave the profession for greener pastures. If we simply count on some decision we made twenty years ago, are we saved? We may be Christians and profess faith, but do we really have faith? A lawyer seeks to practice law and will do what is necessary to gain clients. A musician seeks to perform and will do what is necessary to go from being known as musically talented to a talented musician. We are called to be disciples. A disciple is someone who is becoming like their master. This is impossible to do doing nothing. Being a Cub fan doesn’t put you on the mound with the bases loaded with two out in the ninth inning up 4-2. Many Christians are merely Christ fans. Many “Christians” think what the Bible has to say is good, right, and correct, and is the path to heaven, but don’t actually do anything it says. Election season is coming up and you may find a candidate you may agree with, may even donate to, but until you are willing to work for their campaign and be a part of their team, do you really believe in that candidate?
All this said, faith is to bring us, through endurance, to holiness, which is what God wants and has commanded us to be. Let us not fool ourselves any longer that God expects or deserves any less.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)
James 1:1-4
1 James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,
To the twelve tribes who are dispersed abroad: Greetings.
2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces endurance. 4 And let endurance have its perfect result, so that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
Many of my posts in the old days used to be about being an authentic Christian. Too much, I would say, so I tried to change by drumbeat. However, the book of James forces us to examine what it means to really have faith.
These first four verses must be at the forefront of our mind if we are to fully understand what James is writing about in the rest of the book. We face trials and testing of our faith to produce endurance and we are to let endurance to get us to perfection (holiness) and completion. Does this not sound like sports training, musical training, educational training, vocational training, etc. There is not a single world-renown talent that stood the test of time on pure talent. Yes there are the instant sensations of Susan Boyle and William Hung, but to stand the test of time testing, stretching of one’s range and complexity is needed to truly be productive in any craft. The same is true for our walk with Christ. Sure, we can be a “Christian” with the fire insurance, the same as a lawyer could have passed the bar exam. Even though the lawyer passed the exam and is legal to practice law, resting on those laurels alone will not bring in business and will lead a dismal life in the legal profession and will likely leave the profession for greener pastures. If we simply count on some decision we made twenty years ago, are we saved? We may be Christians and profess faith, but do we really have faith? A lawyer seeks to practice law and will do what is necessary to gain clients. A musician seeks to perform and will do what is necessary to go from being known as musically talented to a talented musician. We are called to be disciples. A disciple is someone who is becoming like their master. This is impossible to do doing nothing. Being a Cub fan doesn’t put you on the mound with the bases loaded with two out in the ninth inning up 4-2. Many Christians are merely Christ fans. Many “Christians” think what the Bible has to say is good, right, and correct, and is the path to heaven, but don’t actually do anything it says. Election season is coming up and you may find a candidate you may agree with, may even donate to, but until you are willing to work for their campaign and be a part of their team, do you really believe in that candidate?
All this said, faith is to bring us, through endurance, to holiness, which is what God wants and has commanded us to be. Let us not fool ourselves any longer that God expects or deserves any less.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Passage of the Day - June 22, 2011
Ecclesiastes 12:13-14
13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.
We have come to the close of Ecclesiastes and are faced with the simple truth that we already had when we began our journey. Or did we? We can get so focused on the meaning of life and our ultimate purpose and how to live a more robust life that we lose focus of the simple truths of life. We can never be truly happy unless we live out these two verses. How can we have a full life unless we have a deep relationship with God? How can we have a deep relationship with God if we don’t obey His commandments? Meaning and purpose start with obedience!
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)
13 The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. 14 For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil.
We have come to the close of Ecclesiastes and are faced with the simple truth that we already had when we began our journey. Or did we? We can get so focused on the meaning of life and our ultimate purpose and how to live a more robust life that we lose focus of the simple truths of life. We can never be truly happy unless we live out these two verses. How can we have a full life unless we have a deep relationship with God? How can we have a deep relationship with God if we don’t obey His commandments? Meaning and purpose start with obedience!
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Passage of the Day - June 21, 2011
Ecclesiastes 12:9-12
9 In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.
11 The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.
Studying God’s word and wisdom of other godly people is essential in building a strong foundation into the rock. However, the foundation can only be a foundation. Eventually, we will need to begin building our testament to God. We cannot allow ourselves to become so focused on gaining knowledge that we do nothing with it. God loves knowledge and wisdom, but hates inaction and uselessness. A tree firmly rooted, yet provides no fruit is of no use to God.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)
9 In addition to being a wise man, the Preacher also taught the people knowledge; and he pondered, searched out and arranged many proverbs. 10 The Preacher sought to find delightful words and to write words of truth correctly.
11 The words of wise men are like goads, and masters of these collections are like well-driven nails; they are given by one Shepherd. 12 But beyond this, my son, be warned: the writing of many books is endless, and excessive devotion to books is wearying to the body.
Studying God’s word and wisdom of other godly people is essential in building a strong foundation into the rock. However, the foundation can only be a foundation. Eventually, we will need to begin building our testament to God. We cannot allow ourselves to become so focused on gaining knowledge that we do nothing with it. God loves knowledge and wisdom, but hates inaction and uselessness. A tree firmly rooted, yet provides no fruit is of no use to God.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)
Passage of the Day - June 20, 2011
Ecclesiastes 12:1-8
1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them”; 2 before the sun and the light, the moon and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain; 3 in the day that the watchmen of the house tremble, and mighty men stoop, the grinding ones stand idle because they are few, and those who look through windows grow dim; 4 and the doors on the street are shut as the sound of the grinding mill is low, and one will arise at the sound of the bird, and all the daughters of song will sing softly. 5 Furthermore, men are afraid of a high place and of terrors on the road; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags himself along, and the caperberry is ineffective. For man goes to his eternal home while mourners go about in the street. 6 Remember Him before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed; 7 then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. 8 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “all is vanity!”
It is fairly common knowledge that most Christians became Christians when they were younger. To put it bluntly (and somewhat crassly), it is easier to get someone to convert to Christ in their youth before they become an old curmudgeon. Most times older people are too set in their ways and ready for the fate they believe awaits them. As much as this is true in conversions, the same is true in other walks of life, such as marriage. The older you are, the more set you are in your ways, and the harder it is change. Of course, that doesn’t get us off the hook if we are older when we get married. God doesn’t allow excuses. We all, in all areas of life, at all times, must be willing to change and not have our way in order to make relationships and such work. The same is true with our relationship with God. God has so much to teach us, and it is best to learn as a youth, but we can’t become complacent or too self-assured when we get older. God is unchanging, his principles are unchanging, but the application of His principles may change in His Church, and we must be ready.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)
1 Remember also your Creator in the days of your youth, before the evil days come and the years draw near when you will say, “I have no delight in them”; 2 before the sun and the light, the moon and the stars are darkened, and clouds return after the rain; 3 in the day that the watchmen of the house tremble, and mighty men stoop, the grinding ones stand idle because they are few, and those who look through windows grow dim; 4 and the doors on the street are shut as the sound of the grinding mill is low, and one will arise at the sound of the bird, and all the daughters of song will sing softly. 5 Furthermore, men are afraid of a high place and of terrors on the road; the almond tree blossoms, the grasshopper drags himself along, and the caperberry is ineffective. For man goes to his eternal home while mourners go about in the street. 6 Remember Him before the silver cord is broken and the golden bowl is crushed, the pitcher by the well is shattered and the wheel at the cistern is crushed; 7 then the dust will return to the earth as it was, and the spirit will return to God who gave it. 8 “Vanity of vanities,” says the Preacher, “all is vanity!”
It is fairly common knowledge that most Christians became Christians when they were younger. To put it bluntly (and somewhat crassly), it is easier to get someone to convert to Christ in their youth before they become an old curmudgeon. Most times older people are too set in their ways and ready for the fate they believe awaits them. As much as this is true in conversions, the same is true in other walks of life, such as marriage. The older you are, the more set you are in your ways, and the harder it is change. Of course, that doesn’t get us off the hook if we are older when we get married. God doesn’t allow excuses. We all, in all areas of life, at all times, must be willing to change and not have our way in order to make relationships and such work. The same is true with our relationship with God. God has so much to teach us, and it is best to learn as a youth, but we can’t become complacent or too self-assured when we get older. God is unchanging, his principles are unchanging, but the application of His principles may change in His Church, and we must be ready.
Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE®,
© Copyright 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977, 1995 by The Lockman Foundation
Used by permission." (http://www.lockman.org/)
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