Sacred Spaces 387 –Two ears, one mouth, and some movement (James, a practical guy)
9 July 2013
(This series will go over the next few weeks based on the very practical book of James. I hope you find these thoughts / posts helpful.)
JAMES 1: 12 – 27:
12 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.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. 17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. 18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.
Listening and Doing
19 My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, 20 because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. 21 Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.
22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do.
26 Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless. 27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
Let’s get straight to this bible study:
Evil is real. Don’t turn a blind eye to it. Temptation is a very tangible thing that we all face. Learn what entices you and stay away from it. Be the master of what influences you and know when to walk away. Easier said than done, I know. But are we even trying anymore. Or do we just live in the same circle; going round and round in the same destructive evil desires?
What is our picture of God? Do we think He is holding on out us? Essentially do we believe deep down that the heart of God is good? Our answer to that will be reflected in how we live out our life with God and the world around us.
The Word (bible), this ancient book, still carries timeless truths and instruction. If we’re to make it out alive and be true to our hearts we’re gonna have to trust the One behind those pages.
So we READ what that ancient book says. But seriously, why don’t we DO more of what it says.
We’re called to care for the poor, the orphans, to walk to a different drum beat as of those sheep in the world…
So why not start now?
I love when I see the word “FREEDOM” and when it’s wrapped in an invitation. I want to accept it: “The perfect law that gives freedom.”
Yes, I want in on that! How about you?
Prayer
Lord, help me relieve me of my untrusting heart.
SACRED SPACES 