Bible Study – James (day 13)

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“ For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice.  But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere.  ” – James 3:16-17

“It’s mine.  Mom, he took my game and won’t give it back.” a common phrase in the Palmer household.  Filled with the emotion and feeling, that it is the worst thing that has ever happened.  Life has certainly drawn to a halt because someone invaded my world and walked away with my things; at least this is the perspective of a 4 year old.  Two things have just happened: 1) There is envy on the behalf of one sibling which results in the taking of someone else’s property without asking; and 2) The chaos that ensues from the action which fuels the emotional outburst. 

We are all inclined to react in a similar manner when others disrespect our property or feelings for their personal gain.  There is an inherent evil within each of us that rises up at times, drawing us away from the goodness that we strive for.  We know that selfishness, pride, greed and envy are part of our innate personality, and when not controlled will only lead to actions that are far removed from who God created us to be. There is an old cliché, “Keeping up with the Jones’“, which is known by nearly all of us and controlled as much as possible.  Yet, if we are honest, we still find that envy bubbling up every now and then.  Why?  What causes us to look at the personal gains and achievements of our neighbor with disdain rather than praise?

Somewhere, buried deep behind the goodness that we try to demonstrate to others, is an underlying sinful selfishness that desires the envy of others.  To some degree we want others to see us as successful, accomplished and under control.  Our pride surfaces every now and then, and with it, the unpleasant attitude of societal hierarchy.  This arrogance overshadows the humility, peace and love that are demonstrated through Christ Jesus life.  He taught us throughout his ministry on this earth to be loving, kind, peaceful and humble.  He taught us to serve and help others and that it is better to give rather than to receive.

When we are living our life for God and not our own ambitions, others will see the love of Christ through our actions.  This is the order in life that brings about the love of the Father and pushes away the evil that is in this world.  It doesn’t mean that you cannot be successful and prosperous in this life, but it does mean that we ought not be boastful or arrogant about our accomplishments and treasures.  Shifting our focus from ourselves onto God is the required action and will result in our desire to help others find success in their life as well.  Success is found through understanding that the things of this world are temporary and that only in living for God will we remove the selfishness, pride, arrogance and envy that destroys.  We are to live in anticipation that Jesus Christ will return at any moment and draw us to heaven with Him.  Therefore, let our lives reflect the image that He has created in each of us, so in that day there is no question that you are His.

ACTION: You are blessed beyond comprehension.  Look around at the things you have and understand that everything comes from the Lord.  It is not because you are superior or more favored than those around you, but because you have accepted and acknowledge that God is in control.  Do not allow yourself to be caught up in the material ways of this world, and continually look for opportunities to help others through love, peace and humility; the way Christ taught us to live.  Let your blessings be counted in heaven, not in earthly accumulation.  

© Sondove Enterprises, 2012
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Times Haven't Changed

“Intoxicated with unbroken success, we have become too self-sufficient to feel the necessity of redeeming and preserving grace, too proud to pray to the God that made us”

How much more true is this statement today than the day that it was originally stated?  Technology, convenience, comfort and luxury have set us apart from God to the point that there is a feeling of independence from the Creator of the world.  Every single day we take for granted that we are here not because we chose to be here, but because He chose for us to be.  Consider the very life that you are trying to fulfill and the goals you are trying to achieve – are they focused on the will of God Almighty or on your personal acclamations?  

Over and over again, the scriptures tell us of God’s divine plan.  Yet some struggle each day, wondering what their purpose is.  If it is God’s purpose you seek in life, than take it upon yourself to pursue it.  Matthew 28:19 tells you clearly the purpose of your life – “Go ye therefore and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost.”  Must we chose to complicate His message by interjecting our desires into the task at hand?  God’s will is articulated through Paul the Apostle in 1 Timothy 2:3-4 which states, “..in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” and again in Titus 2:11, “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men”

I am driven by the same confusion, and unwillingness to give up my fleshly desires to truly pursue what I know God wants from me.  Do you question what it is that God wants you to do, or like me, are you comfortable in your own pursuit of your desires to actually take Him up on His?  We have a tendency to over-think these questions in life because of our pursuit and desire to achieve worldly success.  In doing so we have become self-sufficient and less dependent on God in our life.  The more independent we become in life, the less effective we become on fulfilling God’s purpose in our life.  Just as Abraham Lincoln stated in his prayer in 1863 (quoted above), nearly 150 years ago, we have become intoxicated on our own success and lost sight of God’s grace.  In the end, this will be our demise as the body of Christ. 

Therefore, take a stand and look to God each day for His direction.  Not for show, but in thoughtful and diligent prayer.  Seek His counsel in decisions, actions and pursuit of success.  Make yourself available to execute His will in your life.  This is what Paul and the disciples of Jesus Christ discovered in the early church.  They were willing to give up their desires and live for God.  We need to rekindle this spirit of apostleship in the world today.  Are you in or not?  Don’t over-think it, it requires an answer - yes or no.

Prayer:
Almighty God,
Forgive me for walking away from Your purpose in life.  Forgive me for putting my needs before Yours and not trusting in You. Help me to continually focus on Your kingdom and spreading Your truth.  I long to serve You in this world and bring You glory through my works.  Let my hands and mind be busy with Your purpose, Lord, that others might come to know You as their Lord and Savior.  Thank You for grace that covers my unrighteousness and grants me eternal peace with You.  In Your name we pray – Amen

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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011

I Can Do It By Myself

“I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing” – John 15:5

Whether it is asking for directions or asking for help to meet this month’s overwhelming bills, the human spirit by nature is a prideful one.  I’ve always struggled with this problem and I’m sure many of you do as well.  Why is it that we are willing to bend over backwards and help those around us, but most times unwilling to accept help when we are in need?  Pride, embarrassment and arrogance continue to drive a wedge between receiving God’s ultimate love and salvation and continuing to struggle in life’s daily challenges.

An hour into a 3 hour hike up the side of a 200 foot rocky cliff, my 3 year old would not give up.  It seemed as though every step she took on the worn path over the smooth stones her foot would slip and she would slide back.  Multiple times Lisa (my wife) offered to carry Emma, but consistently the answer was the same, “I can do it myself”.  Her little fingers would grip the stone crevice and her little feet search for something to stand on, as the rest of us easily maneuvered over the rocky terrain.  Eventually, Emma and Lisa made it to the top where the rest of us had been resting and taking in the view from the highest point along the river’s edge.  They were able to get a sip of water and take a quick look over the edge before we had to begin the trek back down again.

Very much like Emma, at age 3, we all have so much confidence in our own ability and are unwilling to truly allow ourselves to rely on another, namely God, to see us through.  In doing so, we miss the wonderful views He has prepared for us.  Oh sure, we may get to the same destination that God had planned for us, but along the way we will experience struggles, cuts, scrapes and many episodes of back-sliding.  God is not going to force Himself upon you though.  What you can do, is simply ask Him to help you, and then trust that He will.  Giving it to God and accepting the help that He is trying to give us makes the journey so much more worthwhile and spectacular.  There is no promise that it will be easy, because there are moments of strengthening and growth that come from living a life for the Lord, but it will be more fruitful in His kingdom when you are done.

We are 5 weeks before Easter.  Now is a great time to focus on where God is leading you.  Search your heart, break down the walls that you have built to keep God out and allow Him into those dark corners.  Then let His presence and wisdom flow through you to help you with life’s daily problems.  Remain confident and strong knowing that through God all things are possible and yet nothing of God is possible without His presence.

Prayer:,
Heavenly Father,
You are an awesome God and we lift our hands to celebrate Your love for us.  Through Your grace and mercy You have provided a path of salvation for each of us.  You have given us Your Holy Spirit to walk with us in every decision we make throughout the day if we would only ask for His help.  Help us to bury our selfish pride and arrogance and be willing to reach out to You for help in our life.  In Your name we pray – Amen
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©Sondove Enterprises, 2011