James 1
Genesis 2:24 – Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.
Two become one flesh…
This is what the Lord explained to Adam after the woman God made from his rib was brought to him. Adam said, And Adam said, This is now bone of my bones, and flesh of my flesh: she shall be called Woman, because she was taken out of Man (Genesis 2:23). Though we are two people, in the eyes of God we are one flesh.
Very often today, many people in ministry are giving themselves over to lustful desires. Where much of this is based upon the lack of self-control and obedience to the Lord (James 1:13-15), there are also means from which those in ministry can and should protect themselves. Therefore, foundational principles should be established for those that are married (in ministry).
Philippians 4:10-13 – But I rejoiced in the Lord greatly, that now at the last your care of me hath flourished again; wherein ye were also careful, but ye lacked opportunity. Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.
1. Throughout our lives, there will be many ‘lemons’ that come our way. The lemons may represent sour relationships, troubling finances, difficult bosses, etc. Maybe we’re impatient with our current situation. We’re in one location and want to be in another. We’re up, when we want to be down…then when we get down, we wished we were up again. We want hot to cold, cold to hot. What we have never seems to be enough.
James 1:27 – 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.
The word religion above is translated from the Greek as religious worship; especially external, that which consists of ceremonies (religious discipline).1 When the word ‘religion’ comes up in much of our society today, it comes of thoughts of a rules-based life that does not lead one closer to God. At first glance, we would feel our initial thoughts were confirmed, but when we look at James’ writing, we discover something different.
A pure religion…AND undefiled before God and the Father.
There is a religious expression that is acceptable (undefiled) before God. The word undefiled is translated from the Greek as not defiled, unsoiled; free from that by which the nature of a thing is deformed and debased, or its force and vigour impaired.2 That sounds a lot like pure and acceptable…
What is a pure religion that is undefiled before God and the Father?
Sometimes we need a reset. We’re tired, frustrated, and angry. Nothing is seems to be going right. Discouragement sets in and we get in a cycle of dispair, worry, and drowning sadness.
1. Stop what you are doing. When we’re going through difficult situations, one of the things we don’t do is stop. We continue along the same path until something negative happens to us. We need to stop making bad decisions, stop working, and stop thinking. We need to take time to quiet our minds, hearts, and lives to hear the Lord clearly. Maybe we need to go on long walk or drive, sit quietly, or take a longer lunch break. Maybe we just need to be alone.
Psalm 37:8 – Cease from anger, and forsake wrath: fret not thyself in any wise to do evil.
There comes a time when you’re so mad that the the scripture above doesn’t come to mind. In fact, the only thing that comes to mind when you’re mad is revenge; giving into temptation/sin; and going O-F-F on someone! Peace, love, calmness are no where near your mind.
Anger is a dangerous emotion. Anger desires a response. It doesn’t consider the consequences. It only considers itself – at all costs. It’s a highway to other emotions and actions:
James 1:2-4 – My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing.
When trying times (temptations) come, the last emotion or feeling most people have is joy. They want to receive a quick resolution, answer, promise, fulfillment, and closure of their situation. Patience is not an option.
Our society today doesn’t like to wait for a lot of things. Every request today needed to be answered yesterday. There is no time to wait.
Jesus tells a parable about a pasture land that is given to the sheep that follow Him (John 10:1-18). This peaceful pasture land is given through the gift of eternal life. The sheep represent those the Lord has called by name, loved, and cared for. Jesus said that the sheep know His voice and follow Him (into eternal life) – a stranger they will not follow (John 10:3-5).
Many people want to know how to hear God’s voice. However, the BIGGER desire (or question) must be to KNOW His voice. God speaks to us all (even before believing in Jesus)…and so does the devil (and our own lust). The issue is to recognize God’s voice above all others, so that when He speaks, you know it is the Lord.
Why do I always have to go through trials and temptation? I don’t want to continue facing the same things over and over and over AND OVER again! I just want to be free.
Have you ever felt like that? Have you ever felt like the Apostle Paul when he said that when he wants to do right, sin is right there (Romans 7:21)? OR the things you want to do you don’t do, but the things you don’t want to do, THAT you find yourself doing (Romans 7:15)? Many of us can relate to Paul’s statements of temptation and sin, but we often stop there without going any further. We continue to live in a cycle that goes from temptation-sin-repentance-temptation-sin-repentance and it never seems to stop. We want to get off the merry-go-round, but it doesn’t seem like we ever can. Why do I have to go through this? Why can’t God just take it away because He knows I want to serve Him. If I didn’t have this ‘sin’ issue, I could just run for Him.
When tragic situations occur near and far away, we often want to help, but we’re unsure how. Caring for the less fortunate is in line with living as a child of God (Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 10:25-37; and James 1:19-27), and we wonder how we can provide the greatest assistance.
1. Pray. There’s never a waking moment that someone in the world is without the need of prayer. Pray without ceasing throughout the day and as often as the situation or person(s) are brought to your remembrance (1 Thessalonians 5:17).
2. Connect with local organizations. Check the local newspaper, television, or radio stations for support and relief opportunities already taking place. Oftentimes, it’s easier to support organizations with ties already in the affected area than trying to make your own. However, you may discover that new ‘connections’ are needed as you pray and seek the Lord’s guidance.
Many people want to live a better life. They can visualize themselves as a loving parent, a faithful friend, and committed to serving the Lord with all their heart. However, what they see in reality is far from what they imagine in their mind.
What’s going wrong?! How can I get my life on the right track?!
There may be a number of things you must specifically accomplish to live the life the Lord desires for you to live. However, they cannot begin without a new way of thinking.
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