August 15
James 3:13
"Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom."
The wise prove themselves wise by living a good life - characterized by deeds done in humility. Wisdom does not point fingers or show off - wisdom is part action but mostly attitude. A person with authority is not necessarily a wise person but a wise person is able to take a position of authority and redefine it - by serving others quietly - by being there and being responsible - by demonstrating through actions of all shapes and sizes that they are more concerned about helping others than their own welfare or promotion.
Wisdom is something that is worth chasing after. The world needs more people with wisdom - it starts with building a relationship with God. Chase wisdom with all you have.
Friday, August 15, 2008
Thursday, August 14, 2008
Tame - August 14
August 14
"7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."
I'm not sure James was referring to our pet - Jack the Dog when he talked about all kinds of animals are being tamed. That dog is trying to tame us. He has his own form of communication - heavy tail wagging means "Take me out now!" Whimpering means "I'm lonely - take me out now!" Scratching on your leg - 3 times in succession means "I might be hungry - but take me out now!" Jack the dog - wow talk about changing a life.
While we haven't been able to fully train Jack the Dog (he will run away if not on a leash - sometimes I wonder who is on the leash, him or me) - that is a good reminder that I cannot tame my tongue either. I am totally and completely dependent on God for life change including changing the way I speak. I am in need of God to bring about real, lasting life change.
God can change us form the inside out if we will let Him and if we ask Him to. That is a good thing to pray - "God, tame my tongue because I am too much like Jack the Dog."
"7 All kinds of animals, birds, reptiles and creatures of the sea are being tamed and have been tamed by man, 8 but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. 9 With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in God's likeness. 10 Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers, this should not be. 11 Can both fresh water and salt water flow from the same spring? 12 My brothers, can a fig tree bear olives, or a grapevine bear figs? Neither can a salt spring produce fresh water."
I'm not sure James was referring to our pet - Jack the Dog when he talked about all kinds of animals are being tamed. That dog is trying to tame us. He has his own form of communication - heavy tail wagging means "Take me out now!" Whimpering means "I'm lonely - take me out now!" Scratching on your leg - 3 times in succession means "I might be hungry - but take me out now!" Jack the dog - wow talk about changing a life.
While we haven't been able to fully train Jack the Dog (he will run away if not on a leash - sometimes I wonder who is on the leash, him or me) - that is a good reminder that I cannot tame my tongue either. I am totally and completely dependent on God for life change including changing the way I speak. I am in need of God to bring about real, lasting life change.
God can change us form the inside out if we will let Him and if we ask Him to. That is a good thing to pray - "God, tame my tongue because I am too much like Jack the Dog."
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
Fire
August 13
FIRE
James 3:6
"6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
Our family went to Yosemite National Park one year and stayed just outside the park. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited in my life. We hiked and saw many incredible sights especially in Yosemite Valley with the magnificent vistas of Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. To see what God has created in all its splendor is a worship experience - not of the creation but of the Creator.
Near the end of our trip a forest fire started not far from where we were staying. It was along the main road to the park. We spend some time one afternoon watching the helicopters gather water in a bucket there at the river beside the road and then carry the water up to the top of a hill and dump it on the fire. It was an incredible time.
We went back to the valley after that but there was too much smoke to even enjoy it. It was hard to breathe and hard to see anything. We left early. The fire was started they think by some campers and a loose spark from a fire. Because of that one fire, many people had to go to work putting it out and many people had their vacations cut short.
James is saying that our words can be very similar to that. One careless word can turn into a fire of resentment, pain, broken relationships, and more. It also can stop people from seeing what God is doing as all they can focus on is the words that someone said which hurt them or caused disillusionment.
Let us be careful with our words - as careful as a person needs to be with a campfire in the forest during a drought. Each word is important.
FIRE
James 3:6
"6 The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the whole course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell."
Our family went to Yosemite National Park one year and stayed just outside the park. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever visited in my life. We hiked and saw many incredible sights especially in Yosemite Valley with the magnificent vistas of Half Dome, El Capitan, Yosemite Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls. To see what God has created in all its splendor is a worship experience - not of the creation but of the Creator.
Near the end of our trip a forest fire started not far from where we were staying. It was along the main road to the park. We spend some time one afternoon watching the helicopters gather water in a bucket there at the river beside the road and then carry the water up to the top of a hill and dump it on the fire. It was an incredible time.
We went back to the valley after that but there was too much smoke to even enjoy it. It was hard to breathe and hard to see anything. We left early. The fire was started they think by some campers and a loose spark from a fire. Because of that one fire, many people had to go to work putting it out and many people had their vacations cut short.
James is saying that our words can be very similar to that. One careless word can turn into a fire of resentment, pain, broken relationships, and more. It also can stop people from seeing what God is doing as all they can focus on is the words that someone said which hurt them or caused disillusionment.
Let us be careful with our words - as careful as a person needs to be with a campfire in the forest during a drought. Each word is important.
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Some Words about Words - August 12
James 3:3-5
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
Today I would like to pass on an article by John Piper which I though was very helpful in understanding our words and their effects.
Talk to People Rather than about Them
John Piper
Desiring God
Recall that in Luke 18:9, Luke introduces the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector like this: "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt." It may seem minor at first, but notice that it says that Jesus told this parable TO some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous. It does not say he spoke this parable ABOUT them. Jesus was looking the Pharisees in the eye and telling them a parable that implied that they were self-righteous. He was not talking about them but to them.
Though it may seem minor, it contains a lesson that is huge for the health of our church. Let's be like this. Let's not talk to others about people's faults. Let's talk to them about their faults. It is easy - and far too tasty on the tongue of our sinful souls - to talk about people. But it is hard - and often tastes bitter - to talk to them. When you are talking about them, they can't correct you or turn the tables and make you the problem. But if you talk to them about a problem, it can be very painful. So it feels safer to talk about people rather than talking to them.
But Jesus does not call us to make safe choices. He calls us to make loving choices. In the short run, love is often more painful than self-protecting conflict-avoidance. But in the long run, our consciences condemn us for this easy path and we do little good for others. So let's be more like Jesus in this case and not talk about people, but talk to them, both with words of encouragement, because of the evidences of grace we see in their lives, and with words of caution or warning or correction or even rebuke. Paul urged us to use the full range of words for the full range of needs: "Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all" (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
I don't mean you can't criticize President Bush without calling him on the phone first. And I don't mean you can't discuss my sermon, both negatively and positively, without coming to me. Public figures put themselves on the line and understand that everyone will have an opinion about what they say. That's okay. What I mean is when you know a brother or a sister is in the grip of some sinful attitude or behavior, take the log out of your eye, and then go to them and try to help them with humble biblical counsel.
Perhaps tell them a parable. That's what Jesus did in Luke 18:9-14. And it's what Nathan did for David, after his sin with Bathsheba and toward Uriah (2 Samuel 12:1-4). But you don't have to be that creative. Caring about the person you confront matters more than creativity.
My longing for our church is that we be free from gossip. Let's be forthright and honest and courageous and humble. Jesus was amazingly blunt at times. Love sometimes sounds like that. He could have easily been accused of callousness or lovelessness. But we know he was the most loving person who ever lived. So let's follow him in this matter. He died for us so that all the logs and specks in our eyes may be forgiven. That should give us both courage and care in dealing with others. Especially when we realize that the faults of our brothers and sisters have also been forgiven by Jesus.
What an amazing standing place we have for relationships. A forgiven, justified, Spirit-indwelt community of people who love to grow in grace. Thank you for loving to trust and follow Jesus in the way of talking to each other rather than about each other.
Glad to be back,
Pastor John
By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: www.desiringGod.org. Email: mail@desiringGod.org. Toll Free: 1.888.346.4700.
Find this article at: http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/11579446/
3 When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. 4 Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. 5 Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.
Today I would like to pass on an article by John Piper which I though was very helpful in understanding our words and their effects.
Talk to People Rather than about Them
John Piper
Desiring God
Recall that in Luke 18:9, Luke introduces the parable of the Pharisee and the tax collector like this: "He also told this parable to some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous, and treated others with contempt." It may seem minor at first, but notice that it says that Jesus told this parable TO some who trusted in themselves that they were righteous. It does not say he spoke this parable ABOUT them. Jesus was looking the Pharisees in the eye and telling them a parable that implied that they were self-righteous. He was not talking about them but to them.
Though it may seem minor, it contains a lesson that is huge for the health of our church. Let's be like this. Let's not talk to others about people's faults. Let's talk to them about their faults. It is easy - and far too tasty on the tongue of our sinful souls - to talk about people. But it is hard - and often tastes bitter - to talk to them. When you are talking about them, they can't correct you or turn the tables and make you the problem. But if you talk to them about a problem, it can be very painful. So it feels safer to talk about people rather than talking to them.
But Jesus does not call us to make safe choices. He calls us to make loving choices. In the short run, love is often more painful than self-protecting conflict-avoidance. But in the long run, our consciences condemn us for this easy path and we do little good for others. So let's be more like Jesus in this case and not talk about people, but talk to them, both with words of encouragement, because of the evidences of grace we see in their lives, and with words of caution or warning or correction or even rebuke. Paul urged us to use the full range of words for the full range of needs: "Admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all" (1 Thessalonians 5:14).
I don't mean you can't criticize President Bush without calling him on the phone first. And I don't mean you can't discuss my sermon, both negatively and positively, without coming to me. Public figures put themselves on the line and understand that everyone will have an opinion about what they say. That's okay. What I mean is when you know a brother or a sister is in the grip of some sinful attitude or behavior, take the log out of your eye, and then go to them and try to help them with humble biblical counsel.
Perhaps tell them a parable. That's what Jesus did in Luke 18:9-14. And it's what Nathan did for David, after his sin with Bathsheba and toward Uriah (2 Samuel 12:1-4). But you don't have to be that creative. Caring about the person you confront matters more than creativity.
My longing for our church is that we be free from gossip. Let's be forthright and honest and courageous and humble. Jesus was amazingly blunt at times. Love sometimes sounds like that. He could have easily been accused of callousness or lovelessness. But we know he was the most loving person who ever lived. So let's follow him in this matter. He died for us so that all the logs and specks in our eyes may be forgiven. That should give us both courage and care in dealing with others. Especially when we realize that the faults of our brothers and sisters have also been forgiven by Jesus.
What an amazing standing place we have for relationships. A forgiven, justified, Spirit-indwelt community of people who love to grow in grace. Thank you for loving to trust and follow Jesus in the way of talking to each other rather than about each other.
Glad to be back,
Pastor John
By John Piper. © Desiring God. Website: www.desiringGod.org. Email: mail@desiringGod.org. Toll Free: 1.888.346.4700.
Find this article at: http://www.crosswalk.com/spirituallife/11579446/
Monday, August 11, 2008
Teachers - August 11
Teachers
James 3:1-2
"1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check."
In the opening passage to chapter 3, James gives a gut check about what we say - the power of what we say - the importance of what we say. He starts off by letting us know that not many should become teachers - Why? Because of the power they have to influence others with their words and the authority of their position. Understanding God's Word and getting it right before teaching is essential. It is far too important to take lightly. The direction of people's lives is at stake.
James is about to go into a discourse on the importance of what we say and how we say it. This is a great time to turn over everything we say to God. If this is an area in which you struggle, it would be a good idea to commit some of these verses to heart. It is possible to change the way we speak with God's help and power. Start a new direction today by asking God to step in and direct your words - He is ready and more than able to do this.
James 3:1-2
"1 Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. 2 We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check."
In the opening passage to chapter 3, James gives a gut check about what we say - the power of what we say - the importance of what we say. He starts off by letting us know that not many should become teachers - Why? Because of the power they have to influence others with their words and the authority of their position. Understanding God's Word and getting it right before teaching is essential. It is far too important to take lightly. The direction of people's lives is at stake.
James is about to go into a discourse on the importance of what we say and how we say it. This is a great time to turn over everything we say to God. If this is an area in which you struggle, it would be a good idea to commit some of these verses to heart. It is possible to change the way we speak with God's help and power. Start a new direction today by asking God to step in and direct your words - He is ready and more than able to do this.
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Life Changing Faith - August 9
August 9
James 2:24-26
"24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."
I love the Bible because God includes some great stories of people that we wouldn't expect including a prostitute. Rahab was a woman living in Jericho when 2 Jewish spies arrived to scout out the city's defenses before attacking. Rahab hid the spies, protecting them from capture and asking only that they didn't forget her when they came back.
She placed her faith in God based on what she had heard of His victories as the Jews invaded the lands around her city. She had a life changing faith - a faith that involved a perceived risk - the risk of her life.
Rahab is in the Bible because she had a saving faith - a faith that changed her life. That is what God asks of us today - a willingness to place our eternal destinies in the hands of Jesus Christ who died for us and took everything wrong we have ever done or ever will do. His death we live by faith. The inspiring thing about Rahab is that it didn't matter who she was - what mattered was her faith. That is what matters to God. Have you trusted your life to Christ?
James 2:24-26
"24 You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. 25 In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? 26 As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."
I love the Bible because God includes some great stories of people that we wouldn't expect including a prostitute. Rahab was a woman living in Jericho when 2 Jewish spies arrived to scout out the city's defenses before attacking. Rahab hid the spies, protecting them from capture and asking only that they didn't forget her when they came back.
She placed her faith in God based on what she had heard of His victories as the Jews invaded the lands around her city. She had a life changing faith - a faith that involved a perceived risk - the risk of her life.
Rahab is in the Bible because she had a saving faith - a faith that changed her life. That is what God asks of us today - a willingness to place our eternal destinies in the hands of Jesus Christ who died for us and took everything wrong we have ever done or ever will do. His death we live by faith. The inspiring thing about Rahab is that it didn't matter who she was - what mattered was her faith. That is what matters to God. Have you trusted your life to Christ?
Friday, August 8, 2008
God's Friend - August 8
August 8
James 2:20-23
"20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend."
One of my favorite songs is "I Am A Friend of God's." It is a great affirmation of the fact that God does call us friends - that we can have that kind of relationship with Him that will define us and shape us. The God of the universe is our friend.
In today's passage we learn that Abraham was called God's friend. Why? Because Abraham was a man who put his faith on the line. He offered his best to God - his only son- trusting in God to do what was right and to keep His promises. God honored Abraham's total surrender of faith in Him by calling Abraham His friend.
That kind of faith is what it takes to be God's friend. It is the kind of trust that says "Okay, God - I will trust in you no matter what I see or experience that may cause me to think otherwise. I will surrender my all to You because You are faithful."
This is the kind of faith I desire. To move ahead despite what I see and live solely by faith. I want that - I want to be God's friend and to trust Him in all things. I want Him to call me friend.
James 2:20-23
"20 You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? 21 Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? 22 You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. 23 And the scripture was fulfilled that says, "Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness," and he was called God's friend."
One of my favorite songs is "I Am A Friend of God's." It is a great affirmation of the fact that God does call us friends - that we can have that kind of relationship with Him that will define us and shape us. The God of the universe is our friend.
In today's passage we learn that Abraham was called God's friend. Why? Because Abraham was a man who put his faith on the line. He offered his best to God - his only son- trusting in God to do what was right and to keep His promises. God honored Abraham's total surrender of faith in Him by calling Abraham His friend.
That kind of faith is what it takes to be God's friend. It is the kind of trust that says "Okay, God - I will trust in you no matter what I see or experience that may cause me to think otherwise. I will surrender my all to You because You are faithful."
This is the kind of faith I desire. To move ahead despite what I see and live solely by faith. I want that - I want to be God's friend and to trust Him in all things. I want Him to call me friend.
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