James 1:19-20

“19. Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath:

20. For the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God. ”

By definition, to hear is to perceive with the ear the sound made by (someone or something).

Is there a difference between hearing and listening?

By definition, to listen is to give one’s attention to a sound.

The definitions may be similar but the implication is different.

To hear what a person is saying indicates that your recognize when someone is speaking. To hear requires the hearer to give attention to what is being said.

We live in a time where our listening skills are imperative. There are so many voices out there and they are saying a lot of stuff. Some is right and some is wrong. We as believers must we able to recognize what is Godly (of God), and what is not.

We must be able to recognize when God is speaking, and who he is speaking through. But also just as important, we must be able to recognize what is not of God.

We must develop our hearing and listening skills to discern what is of God, and what is not. We must listen to what is being said at all times (swift or fast to hear). However, we should not be too hasty with our response (slow to speak). We must take time to weigh the words that were spoken. If they be of God, we should accept them. For the word of God is always right and true, and fit to use to govern our lives.

If the words spoken are not of God, they must be rejected. It should be done in decently and in order. We do not act in a way that is contrary to the will of God (slow to wrath). Everything we do or say has a foundation in love. Especially rebuke. Godly rebuke is to correct, so the person can get back on the right path. It should never be done so that a person is so deeply wounded that they turn away from God. He that win souls is wise (Proverbs 11:30).

Extreme anger (wrath) on our part does not bring Glory to God. We should avoid it at all cost. We do not want to go there, nor do we want to drive people to that point either. Our goal is to always bring Glory to God.

We must hear and listen. Then breathe, take any action that is necessary only when the spirit of God leads. Do not feel pressured into action, it is okay to slow down to consider, to weight, and to discern. Slow is an acceptable speed. Sometimes, moving to quickly is an enemy of growth.

1 John 4:7-8

“7. Beloved, let us love one another: for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God, and knoweth God.

8. He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love. ”

With all the hate that is freely flowing in the world today, I just want to share some love with you all.

We may not always agree or see things the same way. But we should always be able to disagree without malicious intent.

Showing love is so easy. We just need to have a made up mind to do it. To that end, here is some love for you. Please feel free to take this love and spread it to some one else.

Do not despair if the love is not returned to you. Shake the dust off your feet (so to speak) and be willing to continue to show love. Do not let hate, dampen or diminish the light of love in you. For if our light be hid, it is hid to them that are lost (2 Corinthians 4:3). This we cannot allow, for they are the ones who need us the most.

Be encouraged and let love continue.

James 1:22-25

“22. But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.

23. For if any be a hearer of the word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass:

24. For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was.

25. But whoso looketh into the perfect law of liberty, and continueth therein, he being not a forgetful hearer, but a doer of the work, this man shall be blessed in his deed. ”

It is easy for a person teach the word of God. It is another thing to live or walk in the word you teach. But to be effective for the cause of Christ, we must live the word we teach. This causes our witness to be effective. People not only hear the words you speak, but they also see your life. The life that they see should be the word in action (2 Corinthians 3:2). Most often, the life we live speaks louder than the words we say.

We must be careful not to fall into the trap of “do as I say, not as I do” syndrome.

Romans 8:19, tells us that the world is waiting in expectation for the children of God to take their place and be effective. We need to work under an anointing that breaks and destroys the yoke of bondage the people are toiling under. Our purpose is to point, rather, usher the people to God. For his yoke is easy and his burden is light (Matthew 11:30).

For this reason we must be a doer of the word, and not just a hearer (or not just a teacher). We cannot afford to deceive ourselves. Faith, without works is dead. We are going to be tried, we are going to face temptation, and we are going to go through troubling situations. But we must come out victorious (for God always causes us to triumph, 2 Corinthians 2:14). This requires a level a maturity in Christ. It requires us to study the word, find the right ammunition (scripture) with which to fight the enemy. Then boldly and skillfully use the sword of the spirit (the word of God), against the enemy, in faith.

It is time for the people of God to go forth and conquer.

I don’t know what you are facing, but if you are in a battle, it is only because God knows you can come through it victoriously.

Do not fall back into your old behaviors. Its time for you to do things differently. Its time to do things God’s way. You can make the change, just trust God, and not your own strength or power. Keep you mind and eyes focused on him, and stay the course. Victory is in front of you, not behind.

Go Forth and Conquer!!

John 8:32

“And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. ”

If you take the time to read the teachings of Jesus, you will see that people were often offended as he spoke the truth. Yet, the truth was exactly what the people needed.

We live in a time where people don’t want to hear the truth. They do not want to come to church and be offended. They want validation that they are “okay” as they are. They can live life as they choose to, as long as they acknowledge God n a cursory manner.

They do not want a deeper relationship and will shun the very thought of it.

But we must know the truth, because that is the only thing that can free us. What is truth? Truth is the word of God (John 17:17). We must “know” the word to be able to walk in truth.

By definition, “know” is:

1. be aware of through observation, inquiry, or information.

2. have developed a relationship with (someone) through meeting and spending time with them; be familiar or friendly with

To know the truth is imperative. It requires more than knowledge alone. It also involves relationship. It involves getting to know Jesus, by spending time with him (prayer, Bible study, praise and worship). But the real mark of a good relationship is the ability to walk day in and day out with them, to understand how the other thinks. We must have this same type of relationship with God. Knowing him (truth) will indeed make us free.

In regards to being offended by the word, we must understand it is necessary for growth. When light comes, darkness flees. With darkness out of the way, we are free to see exactly where and what we are. This can be a painful view. However, it is also the perfect place to repent, tear down, and rebuild what is pleasing to God.

This is true freedom. Knowing we do not have to stay the same old way. We have a choice. We can receive the truth and be changed.

We just have to be willing to know the truth.

Make a sincere prayerful declaration – “Lord, teach me the truth in Jesus name.” Watch God work on you.

Be blessed.

James 1:6-8

“But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed.

7. For let not that man think that he shall receive any thing of the Lord.

8. A double minded man is unstable in all his ways. ”

If you are like me, you need God to make a way for you in every aspect of your life.

God’s way is easy. He said “ask, and he shall receive, seek and he shall finds, knock, and the door shall be opened (Matthew 7:7-8). But he also warned us, not to ask amiss (James 4:3).

By definition, amiss is: not quite right; inappropriate or out of place.

We must check our motives behind our requests to God. You must understand that God already knows the thoughts and intents of your heart (Hebrews 4:12). He understands what motivated you to make your request. If your motives are not quite right, inappropriate or out of place, don’t think that you are going to receive the the things you asked for.

When your motives are pure or appropriate, you are on the right path to receive. However, the next step is to check you faith. Faith in God is a requirement to receive anything from God. Faith is a requirement to please God (Hebrews 11:6). Whatever we do that is not faith, it is sin (Romans 14:23). This especially includes asking God for help – it requires faith.

In the James 1:6-8, this foundational truth is further explained. When we seek God for help, we must ask without any wavering.

By definition, wavering is to be undecided between two opinions or courses of action; be irresolute.

To he in this state, as a believer, is unsafe. You must be settled in the area for which you are trying to receive from God. No doubt is allowed or accepted.

We are not superhuman. Generally, when we seek God for something specific it is because we are weak in that area and need God to strengthen us just to be able to receive from him. But this is according to God’s design. Whatever area we are seeking God, we will also be tried in that area.

For example, if you need God to heal you and you ask him for healing, immediately the enemy comes to test and try you in this area. The news gets worse from the doctor, the pain increases. It begins to look like things are getting worse rather than better. However, we must press threw this crowd of contrariness, settle in your heart that God IS able, that God IS a healer, and keep pressing (just like the woman with an issue of blood (Luke 8:43-48). No matter the obstacles, keep pressing.

Through this process, we miraculously move from attitudes of “I hope” God will heal me, to “I think” God will heal me, to” I believe” God will heal me, to “I know” God will heal me, to “God is my only hope – he has to heal me because, he said it in his word, I am standing in faith, pressing my way through this crowd and if I can just touch him I know I will be made whole.” This progression should move us completely out of the realm of wavering, and doubt, into a state of walking by faith and not by sight.

This is a progression from immature faith to mature faith.

It is also an example of patience having her perfect work (James 1:4).

As we begin seek God for other things in different areas of our lives, we may start this progression all over again. But be encouraged, keep seeking God for everything. Seeking leads to receiving, and receiving leads to spiritual maturity. Ultimately, that is the goal for every Christian believer.

Be blessed and live abundantly in Christ.

James 1:12-13

” 12. Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

13. Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:”

As a follow up to the last post “Strange, But True” it is important to understand God does not deal in sin. Yes, as long as their is breath in our bodies, we will always face temptation. But we must understand God does not bring temptation to you.

God allows the enemy to work while it is still his time, but there are limits to what he is allowed to do to God’s people (see Job Chapter 1).

God knows you will be tempted. But he does not temp you. His expectation is that you will endure the temptation without falling to it.

God knows what he has invested in you. The trying of our faith is so that we can better understand what God has invested in us. As we emerge victorious from these trials we learn a little more about God, and a little more about who we are in him. Patience will have its perfect work.

The temptation itself shows us something about ourselves. We learn how vulnerable we are to certain things. Enduring the temptation teaches us that even though I may be vulnerable, I still do not have to be a partaken of that sin anymore. Why? Because the power of God is strong enough to keep me from falling. This is the Blessed knowledge referred to in verse 12 above. God is so faithful that he provides a way of escape – every time, without fail.

God bless you all.

James 1:2-4

“2. My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations;

3. Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.

4. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing. ”

By definition, divers means an indefinite number more than one.

It may seem strange that the Bible tells us to “count it all joy” when we face an indefinite number of temptations. But it is not so strange when you consider the reason or purpose behind the multiple temptations we face on a daily basis.

According to this same scripture, the trying of our faith amplifies and increases our patience.

By definition, patience is the capacity to accept or tolerate delay, trouble, or suffering without getting angry or upset.

We need patience to successfully navigate life. Once patience is abounding in our lives we can handle every situation we finds ourselves in. Patience will also keep us from falling into bad situations.

Let’s look at temptation. The Bible says we are tempted when we are draw away with our own lusts and enticed (James 1:14). We will never be tempted by things that don’t interest or intrigue us. It is those things that pique our curiosity or the things we have already tasted of and found enjoyment in. That is what we are drawn to. Those things that we have already concluded to be detrimental to our well being in one fashion or another. These are the things we lust after. They are also the things that can destroy us if we continue to give into the temptation.

We serve a great God. A God who promised that with every temptation there is also a way of escape (1 Corinthians 10:13). Patience is needed to look for the way of escape, rather than giving into the temptation. We have to patiently endure until the way of escape is has been revealed or is visible to us. Once it is visible we must love God enough to take the escape route and avoid the temptation.

Eventually, patience will be so well developed in us, that we can avoid putting ourselves in tempting situations. You will begin to appreciate the feeling of deliverance and freedom to the point where you do not want to jeopardize it for the fleeting enjoyment derived from falling to the things you used to lust after.

Patience has a perfect work. It causes you to be whole in God, without feeling you are “missing” things from the life you used to live. Now you are complete in God, no longer desiring the things from your past.

Remind yourself you can experience that old familiar pull without actually giving into it. You can remove yourself from the situation until you are stronger. But do not despise your self or other people when you are tempted. Rather recognize it as the opportunity for a growth of your patience. Trust that God would not put more on you than you are able to bear (1 Corinthians 10:13), and look for the way of escape.

By definition, joy is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness.

It may seem strange, but it is also true – we are to be happy when we are tempted. The pleasure and happiness comes from the knowledge that you are not getting ready to fall, but it is from knowing that God thinks enough of you to try you. He has confidence in you, that you will rejoice and look for the way of escape, thereby pleasing him. You have been positioned for success, not failure.

If you find yourself in a situation where you feel overwhelmed and have every intention of giving into your temptation. This situation is not from God. You need to cry out to God for help immediately, and flee the situation as quickly as possible. Understand that if you want help, and are ready to receive it, God is there to give it. But you have to sincerely ask for it.

Understand that God has a will and a purpose for your life. Trust him to reveal that plan and purpose to you.

Be blessed and keep on seeking God. If you seek him, you shall surely find him!

I just wanted to share one of my favorite scriptures with you….

1 Corinthians 15:51-58

“51. Behold, I shew you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed,

52. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

53. For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality.

54. So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory.

55. O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory?

56. The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law.

57. But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.

58. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”

There is a reward at the end. Keep striving to do the will and work of the Lord.

Have a blessed night.

John 4:39-42

“And many of the Samaritans of that city believed on him for the saying of the woman, which testified, He told me all that ever I did.

40. So when the Samaritans were come unto him, they besought him that he would tarry with them: and he abode there two days.

41. And many more believed because of his own word;

42. And said unto the woman, Now we believe, not because of thy saying: for we have heard him ourselves, and know that this is indeed the Christ, the Saviour of the world. ”

We tend to guard our past, or white wash it and only tell what we want people to know. But there are times when we need to tell people our whole testimony.

I understand the need for discretion. When some people know your history they want to use it as a weapon against you. However, the past is just that, it is the past. You cannot change it. What you can do is share the lessons you have learned from it to save someone else from making the same mistakes.

However, when God has delivered you, worked a miracle on your behalf, made a way out of no way, etc. it is not just for you. The wonders he works in our lives is also for all those that he allows cross our path. You need to tell of the goodness of the Lord.

The Samaritan woman at the well, she ran to tell the men about what Jesus had done. Initially, they took the woman at her word and believed. They then went out to meet Jesus for themselves. They spent time with him. They then moved from believing on the basis of her testimony, to believing Jesus based on the experience they with him.

Our testimony will serve the same purpose. People will be drawn to God because of your testimony. However, they will stay or cultivate their own relationship with him because of how good he his. Your testimony is essential in drawing people to God. But it is God who will give them all the reasons they need to stay.

Tell your testimony, God will do the rest.

Just a word of caution. Make sure you are led by God to understand the appropriate time to share it. There are always wolves out there. But try not to be ashamed about where God has brought you from, your past helped to shape you into the person you are. A person that God can use to reach others. Be bold and trust God.

John 1:39

In this scripture text John was telling the story of how Jesus met his disciples, and invited them to “come and see”.

Simple words, but yet very powerful.

By definition come is to move or travel toward or into a place thought of as near or familiar to the speaker. And see is to perceive with the eyes; discern visually.

This is the most honorable and distinguished invitation you will ever receive. Yet this invitation for all to freely partake.

Jesus has invited the disciples to move closer to him so that they could discern with their eyes his goodness. First hand experience. It is sort of like back stage passes at your favorite event. It is the opportunity to see up close what the casual observer is not privileged to witness.

The invitation of Jesus is never ending. We are always able to move closer to him and witness his goodness to greater degree. We just have to be willing to take Jesus up on the invite.

However, just as the disciples had to sacrifice to follow Jesus, we must be willing to do the same. To follow Jesus, we have to be willing to give up our own ways to seek his. We must be willing to replace the way we have been doing things and governing our lives, with the his will and his ways.

But there are rewards for our sacrifice. We get to enjoy the abundant life he promised, along with the other promises noted in the Bible. We get to experience the miracles he works in our lives daily, and we get to be used as vessels for him. Jesus wants us to “come and see” so he can make disciples of us, and send us out to a world that greatly needs light. Jesus, the light of the world. He gives us power to be witnesses of him.

These are just some of the perks available when we take Jesus up on his invitation. The most important perk is that, if we endure until the end, we get to see his face in peace in heaven.

For me, that goal alone is worth it all. It is worth every sacrifice. But, because God is so good, just getting to know him better makes the journey with it.