Bible Study – James (day 6)

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“Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” –James 1:16-17

In any given day, a person might be fortunate to find me in a state of loving kindness, generosity and patient in all things.  This state of being is a daily goal of mine and I often lift up these words in my morning prayers that the Lord would be kind and strengthen these characteristics in me each day.  The problem comes from the fact that this is not who I am most of the time and it is something I must work for each day.  I often find myself worrying about life, about the problems that I face each day and the struggles that our family might be going through at any given moment.  I’ve allowed myself to become consumed at times, with my own internal perspective and self-pity that I have failed to see the needs of my brother and sister, and ignored my ability to help them as the Lord would have me do.  There are times where my own arrogance and self righteousness will play on my mind and convince me that I am responsible for the things I have been blessed with.  As I look around and observe my possessions and my family, I find it easy to boast about the things I have done to achieve all of this.  Perhaps you find yourself in this position now and then.  Well, let us step back and realize together the error of our thinking and the cause of this self centeredness.

At my work there are a group of engineers whose job it is to “root cause” problems that our customers are having with our computer systems.  There are hundreds of things that can go wrong with a computer at any given time, and troubleshooting the problem to the root cause is essential to ensure that they are solving the real issue and not just a symptom of the problem.  Often times, there is a belief that the problem is caused because of this or because of that, only to discover that indeed there is a deeper reason for that symptom as well.  These individuals are extremely good at cascading through the problem scenarios and getting to root cause successfully in almost every circumstance.  But, every now and then there is a problem that leaves them with more questions than answers.  As they work through the problems symptoms, the problem goes away, but might return later under a different set of circumstances.  These shifting problems are near impossible to root cause, because they are so intermittent.

If we investigate the root cause of our feelings, our thinking and our actions, often times we will discover that underneath all unrighteousness is the symptom of selfishness or pride or personal gratification.  James tells us clearly that everything we have been blessed with has come from the Lord.  I emphasize everything, because you could look at anything you have obtained and trace the path of achievement all the way back to something God has provided for you.  Your intelligence, your physical abilities, your personality, your love or your patience are often times at the root of anything you have achieved in life.  This achievement in life has given you the ability to create a lifestyle that is demonstrative of success and blessings.  Unlike the symptoms that cause unrighteousness, the root cause for righteousness and love are never changing.

God is immutable, never changing.  He loves humanity today exactly that way He loved Abraham and Sarah, Moses, David, Solomon, Isaiah, Nehemiah, Job, John the Baptist, Jesus, Peter, Paul, John, Mark and so on and so on.  His love is consistent.  His grace is never ending and available to all of us.  His intent in our lives has never changed.  There is nothing you can do that will separate you from His love for you.  Again, I say there is nothing.  As unrighteous as you are feeling, and regardless of the sinful act that you feel guilty about, they are all covered by the blood of Jesus Christ.  God makes no exception to His rules and is not going to look the other way on your sinful acts, while holding the other 6.3 billion people on earth accountable.  He will not change His requirements for eternity and heaven.  That requirement is perfection and you can’t achieve it.

But, by the grace of the Lord, He has provided a way and that is through Jesus Christ, our Savior and Lord.  Who, by his life, death and resurrection has created redemption for our sins and a way for us to stand before the Lord perfect and worthy of heaven.  Without the intercession of Jesus Christ on our behalf, we stand before the Lord alone, destined for eternal separation from our Creator.  Overcome your self-centeredness and accept the unchanging salvation that is available to you through Jesus Christ.

ACTION: God is never changing.  His will is consistent and His grace is available to all mankind.  Do a spiritual inventory today.  Analyze where you are in your walk with Christ.  Are you representing the love, patience, kindness and humility that He created you for?  If not, think through the underlying root cause of your problems, your attitude, and your personality to understand what is at the heart of your actions that separate you from Christ’s work.  This takes an honest approach and evaluation, but will bring to the surface the very things you need to work on to better serve in the manner the Lord has created you for.     

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Bible Study – James (day 5)

“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 1:13-15

Weakness, we all have them.  My brother runs a program in Michigan for men of addiction, and helping them recover and become restored in society.  One of the important points that I have learned in the few opportunities I have had to visit and meet with him and the men in the Mission is that we all have addictions.  Some are addicted to work, some to food, some to money, some to sex, and then there are the more commonly thought of addictions to drugs, alcohol and violence.  There is something in each of our lives that fills a void, an emptiness or weakness that should be filled by our love for God.  Often this is driven by the desire to control that aspect of our life, yet in reality it is truly controlling us, we are just unable to see the stronghold it has on us, through our biased blindness.

So many times people are asking why evil things to happen to us or why we continue to be tempted even after we have given our life to Christ.  Some even look to blame God for the bad things that happen in our lives.  I’ve seen people justify unethical decisions with a Robin Hood mentality and truly believe these actions are acceptable in God’s eyes.  We try to rationalize and make excuses for our unrighteousness, as if God can be persuaded to accept our actions.  Let’s be very clear about this; God does not change, He demands perfection from us and will accept nothing less.  The evil actions that inhabit your mind, body and soul are worldly, not heavenly.  There is no unrighteous thought, action, of word that comes from our Father in Heaven. 

I’m sure most of you have heard the story of Albert Einstein challenging his professor on good vs. evil and the existence of God.  There are video clips here, which you can see the entire representation.  But for the sake of brevity, I will summarize it here for you.  The professor one day challenges the student with the hypothesis to prove that if there is a God than God is evil. 

Prof: Do you agree that God created all things?  Student: Yes. 
Prof: Do you agree that evil exists in the world?  Student: Yes. 
Prof:  Therefore God must have created evil.  Why would God create evil to happen in our lives if He loves us?

The greatest part of this story though is that the student stands up for God with the following rebuttal. 

Student: Professor, you’re wrong.  Can you tell me is there such a thing as cold? 
Prof: Of course. 
Student: No, it is merely the absence of heat.  Can you tell me is there such a thing as dark? 
Prof: Of course, every night. 
Student: Again, you’re mistaken.  Dark is simply the absence of light.  (at this time the professor is frustrated)  You see professor, evil exists only in the absence of good.  God did not create evil, He created good.  It is our lack of acceptance of His good that has resulted in evil in this world.

As we are tempted daily by evil, we must learn to turn to God for strength, courage and confidence to overcome these temptations and addictions.  It is only through God that we are able to fill the void in our life, with something that is wholesome, pure, good and righteous.

ACTION: What are you addicted to?  Don’t minimize the importance of this question.  What is it in your life that draws you away from God?  What are you relying on instead of relying and trusting in the power of the Almighty?  Do you expect that God is going to bend or break His principles and requirements for eternity based on your excuse for your unrighteousness?  Think again.  He is immutable and never changing.  Your unrighteousness is forgiven and you are provided acceptance into heaven based on the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, not because God has reduced the requirements.  Put a plan in place to remove these addictions and replace them with God’s love and strength.   

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Bible Study – James (day 4)

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“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.” –James 1:12
 

When he got back to his apartment that afternoon, there was a notice on the door and the locks had been changed.  Sitting in the hallway were four garbage bags filled with his clothes and a notice that his furniture could be retrieved at a storage unit for a nominal service fee within the next 10 days or it would be sold at an auction.  This is not what he expected when he got home from visiting his  child in the hospital.  You see, 6 months ago his family had been in a terrible accident and he lost his wife and oldest daughter, and his 5 year old son was in the hospital in a coma.  He had spent 3 months in ICU himself and was now physically handicapped to a point that he could no longer work.  He lost his job and up to this point had not received any insurance, unemployment or assistance from the local authorities, as the case was being contested by his previous employer.  He had lost all of his savings, lost the car in the accident and was now losing his apartment.  Running his fingers through his un-kept hair, he fell to his knees and hung his head.  Sticking out from under one of the bags was the corner of a worn leather book he knew little about. 

 As he pulled it from the pile, it’s edges worn, torn and tattered, he saw his wife’s name engraved on the cover next to the word’s “The Holy Bible”.  He dropped the book, angered and lost in where God was in this.  As the book hit the ground it fell open to the book of James.  Highlighted in yellow made James 1:12 jump off the page.  His wife had dates and names written in the margins signifying important milestones in their lives where they had struggled and overcome problems in the past.  As the words sank in, his eyes teared up.  The sorrow and anguish of missing his family set in and he couldn’t help but break down and cry.  He knew his wife was a strong Christian as was his daughter.  He found comfort in knowing that they were with God in heaven now and at peace for eternity.  Lost in the emotional battle between his sorrows and the joy in knowing his wife was taken care of, he found God waiting for him.

Trials come in many different shapes and sizes.  Some are small, almost petty by nature, and others are life shattering.  Through it all we are taught to stay focused on the big picture, the end game and the comfort that God promises peace, love and joy in eternity; not on earth.  We are told that as Christians we will face trials and we will be put to the fire.  But through Christ we are overcomers and strong enough to withstand the pressures.  This life will seem impossible at times; stay focused on God’s eternal plan and make it through one more day.  There is a great song on Christian Radio today titled Stronger.  Here is a link.  It might help some of you dealing with the pressures of the daily trials to realize that you are not alone.

ACTION: Step back, breathe and realize that this life is temporary.  It may seem completely hopeless with no point or direction as you go through trials, but understand that God has the last say and although there may be pain, you will overcome this in His timing.  Use whatever circumstance your in to glorify Him.  If you are in the midst of a trial at this moment try spending more time helping others.  This helps you realize you are valuable, God is in control, and it helps take your mind off of yourself and focus on others, with a real perspective that we all struggle in life.  Soup Kitchens, Missions, Homeless Shelters, Hospice, Orphanages, Churches and Schools all need help from volunteers.  Use your time to do His work while here on earth.   

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Bible Study – James (day 3)

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“Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.” –James 1:9-11 

When is enough – enough?  At what point does the size of my bank account, stock portfolio or income reach a point where it is absurd and disgraceful?  There are times I have prayed for that problem.  Just let me win the lotto, I’ll tithe I promise.  It can’t be helped.  The human perspective (in most of us) is to succeed financially and materialistically in this life.  The world’s view is hitting us from every side through the media, the music, the internet and everywhere else you turn.  “Buy this”, “Go here”, “Get away”, “5 easy payments”, “the New and improved” and so on and so on.  Who cares? 

We are under constant pressure to get more and do more and live more in order to demonstrate our success to the world.  I’m as guilty as the next person in line.  Based on my income I am in the top 2% of the world’s population.  Woo Hoo, look at me …. Arrogance, pride, self-righteousness and hierarchical thinking follows this constant effort to get more and do more.  Look at what I’ve done.  A little pat on the back for all of my accomplishments in life.  Really? –That’s what Jesus died for?  (you can sense the sarcasm, right)

Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with success and prosperity.  The bible tells us in many instances that God will make us prosper, be successful and live long lives.  What most of us forget to read though is the caveat to His word of prosperity.  “Follow me”, “live righteously”, “serve God”, “humble thyself”, “walk in obedience to God’s commands” – these are examples by which God promises prosperity.  When our focus is on God and His purpose, His kingdom and serving Him; His love and mercy will shower down upon us.  Richness is not in the material possessions, houses, cars, vacations or the size of our bank accounts.  No, richness is described in being One with God and fully embracing His word and His love. 

Nothing we accomplish in this world is of our own accord.  Look at your surroundings.  Everything is there because of what the Lord has given you.  We are so ungrateful at times and self absorbed that we do not even realize the blessings we have as we seek more.  Not a single thing in your possession today will you carry with you to the judgment seat of the Lord.  When that day comes it will be you, Christ and God; and the topic of conversation will be based on your acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior and Lord, and the fruit by which you lived.  Are you living to gain prosperity in eternal things or for riches on earth?  I highly recommend the former.  Live for the Lord and let Him reign down riches and blessings upon your life.

ACTION: Where are you in standing with God on this topic of prosperity and storing up treasures in heaven?  Are you truly giving God the glory for everything you have accomplished in life?  Realize that if you have change in a coffee cup or under the cushions of your couch you are amongst the top 10% wealthiest people in the world.  Acknowledge that God wants you to prosper in eternity and will surely bless you when you are following His purpose in life.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Bible Study – James:day 2

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 “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” –James 1:5-6

Within the confines of my mind a war is raging.  Every thought, emotion, worry, concern and joy is held captive to the inherent sinful nature of my being.  I’ve heard so many times that the flesh is weak and as often as I hear it, it continues to challenge my walk each day.  The problem is that in my complete unrighteousness I am struggling to glorify God in my words and actions.  A wise man once said, “The only true wisdom is in knowing you know nothing.” (Socrates) 

Who is the first person you call when you are having a problem in life?  Your spouse, your sibling, your best friend, your parent or another close acquaintance are going to give you another humanistic opinion on a subject.  Granted, they may have more experience in a specific matter, but they do not have the answer to finding wisdom.  We, as humans, have a natural tendency to solve problems ourselves.  We research the problem, discuss it with others and fret over it time and time again.  When confronted with difficult choices we generally look to our own wisdom, experiences and worldly view for the answer, when we have the power and authority of the Creator available to us.

God’s promises throughout scripture that He will be there for me.  He will be my strength, my comfort, my courage and my provider.  I have nothing in this life that I have not received because of His loving grace and blessing in my life.  When I am in the word and studying my eyes are opened to all that He has given me and all that He has for me in the future.  My problems don’t go away, but my mind is enlightened with the reality of where my persistence and strength will come from. 

Often times we question is God is really interested in my trivial daily problems.  The answer is a resounding yes.  The Creator of the universe, created the sperm and the egg that in turn created you.  He formed and multiplied your cells to the point you became a baby in your mother’s womb.  He gave you your first breath and He will give you your last.  There is not one aspect of your life He isn’t intimately familiar with.  What problem are you facing that God has never seen before?  Is there something in your life that will take God by surprise?  You can rely on friends and families for advice, but rely on God’s word for answers to life’s questions.  Seek Him and you shall find Him.

ACTION: You 10 minutes this morning should be spent reflecting on the problems you are facing and giving them to God.  The wisdom and knowledge will come from Him and only Him, but you must seek it.  Do not allow yourself to be persuaded that you are in control of your life – He who created you, knows you better than any other.  Read Psalm 139

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Bible Study - James

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“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

I can’t do it she said as she buried her head in her hands and wept. “ I just don’t have the energy to take one more step, and then they asked me to take on a whole new project at work.  This is not the life I signed up for”, she said to no-one in particular, but whoever might be listening.  Just then a little girl, no more than 4 years old walked up to the woman seated on the park bench and handed her a small yellow dandelion.  “It’s going to be okay.  Maybe they’ll still let you sign up for a new one at church.  Mommy just took me there and signed me up for soccer, it’s really easy.”
This life is not easy, and no-one promised us that it would be.  The complications, fears, sorrows, and disappointments we face on a daily basis are all part of a process of making us stronger.  The challenge comes in how we react to the difficulties that we face each day.  Through focusing on God and His perspective, it is easy to reduce the complexities into manageable simple steps.  God’s strengthening your faith in Him by allowing these complexities to happen in your life.  He doesn’t create them, but He does allow them, because He knows exactly who He created you to be.  With this knowledge, He knows exactly what you need to become all that He desires for you in this life.

Acknowledge His presence in your problem and realize that He will see you through it, but you have to allow Him too.  This means that sometimes you do things you don’t want to do, simply because it’s the right thing to do.  This means that sometimes you have to work a little harder and push yourself a little farther than you have ever pushed yourself before.  What is waiting for you on the other side though is the joy, peace and courage found only by following God’s plan.

ACTION: Take 10 minutes to sit quietly and tell the Lord the things that are pressing down upon your heart and soul right now.  Then, thank Him for helping you grow and become stronger through these trials.  Ask God to help you become the person He created you to be.

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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