PRAYER

"First of all, then, I urge that entreaties and prayers, petitions and thanksgivings, be made on behalf of all men, for kings and all who are in authority, so that we may lead a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity." --1 Timothy 2:1-2

 

As God's children, we are commanded to pray for our governmental leaders, "all men, for kings and all who are in authority". And before we throw a quick prayer up, notice that the verse tells us exactly how to pray. Four specific words are used:

 

Entreaties: to ask God to meet a specific need. We are to ask God to meet the needs that exist in our country as well as needs that exist in our leaders--from the president all the way down to the dog catcher.

 

Prayers: to address God. The word is often used in the Bible to refer to public prayer--prayers that we pray outloud in a group. We do not merely pray for our president from our prayer closet, but we also look for opportunity to publicly pray for our leaders.

 

Petitions: to meet with God. This is where you get to voice your concerns, your disappointments, your hopes and your fears. This is you and God sitting down at the conference table to take care of business.

 

Thanksgivings: to be grateful to God. Our prayers are to be marked by a spirit of thanksgiving--grateful that God is for us and not against us--that He is causing all things to work together for our benefit--that though we may see darkness, joy comes in the morning.

 

This verse promises a preferred future as a result of our praying, "a tranquil and quiet life in all godliness and dignity". Are you feeling stressed today? worried? despairing? Your peace awaits you as you begin to pray for our president!

AUTHORITY

"Every person is to be in subjection to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and those which exist are established by God. Therefore whoever resists authority has opposed the ordinance of God; and they who have opposed will receive condemnation upon themselves." --Romans 13:1-2

 

A couple of things to keep in mind from these verses as we approach the presidential election tomorrow: #1 All authority begins with God; #2 Goverment gets it's authority from God; #3 We are to be in subjection (proper order) to governing authorities; #4 To resist authority is to resist God.

 

Regardless of the election's outcome, we are to get in line behind the one elected. The only exception would be if government compels us to forsake the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Either way, today and tomorrow should be about praying and voting (in that order).

PRIDE

"Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before stumbling" (Proverbs 16:18).
 

God loves us enough to crush our arrogant spirits. Our pride will lead us into trouble, into disaster, and even into death. Therefore, "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble" (Proverbs 3;34). What you do today, and more importantly, how you do it, will either be blessed by God or will be opposed by Him. It matters!
 

Our pride is displayed in at least three ways:
 

Independence vs Dependence - Independence is a great virtue of our country (especially in the West). God however, wants us to learn to depend upon Him for our every need. Trusting in ourselves is just as much idolatry as trusting in an idol. How can you demonstrate dependence upon God today, resisting independent attitudes and actions?
 

Speaking vs Listening - Speaking is an indication of pride. The humble spend more time listening and learning and less time trying to be heard. Listening is perhaps one of the most difficult virtues to practice. Today, see if you can be quiet a little more than normal. Listen!
 

Works vs Grace - We generally affirm our value by the work of our hands. What do we do? Grace is resting in the work that God has already accomplished instead of feeling the need to do something in order to justify our existence. There is nothing wrong with working--just do it graciously!
 

Would you be so brave as to ask God to give you a heart of humility today?

PRIDE

"When pride comes, then comes dishonor, But with the humble is wisdom" (Proverbs 11:2).
 

The Bible uses five different words to convey the idea of pride and arrogance. I bet that, like me, you have lived out every one of them...lol.
 

Here are the five meanings:
 

#1--Puffed up. To wrap in mist or to raise smoke. An early morning fog covers everything and looks immense, but it really only contains a very small amount of water.

#2--Inflated estimate of self. To look down on others. We can easily deceive ourselves into believing that we are more than we really are.

#3--Empty presumptive trust in the untrustworthy.

#4--A swelling of the sea.

#5--Presumption.
 

Now to be clear, God would have us not live out any of these definitions. Augustine said, "It was pride that changed angels into devils; it is humility that makes men as angels." Our pride does not accomplish the will of God--rather, it puts us on a collision course with God. It is humility that places us in a position to receive God's rescue and blessing.
 

Let's keep an eye on our attitudes today and as often as possible, let's move from pride to humility.

PRIDE

"Remembering that I'll be dead soon is the most important tool I've ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life. Because almost everything, all pride, all fear of failure--these things just fall away in the face of death, leaving only what is truly important" --Steve Jobs
 

"About that time Hezekiah became deathly ill. He prayed to the Lord, who healed him and gave him a miraculous sign. But Hezekiah did not respond appropriately to the kindness shown him, and he became proud. So the Lord's anger came against him and against Judah and Jerusalem. Then Hezekiah humbled himself and repented of his pride, as did the people of Jerusalem. So the Lord's anger did not fall on them during Hezekiah's lifetime" (2 Chronicles 32:24-26).
 

No doubt about it, pride is a game-changer, not unlike death. I've experienced two catastrophic failures in my life, where God reached in crushed my pride. Through these experiences I've learned that my plans usually lead to death (crushing humility) and God's plans lead to life (fulfillment). The Bible promises, "Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you" (James 4:10). 
 

As we begin a new day and a new week, let me suggest that we all look for ways to humble ourselves--to think of others as better than ourselves. Let's allow, as Steve Jobs discovered, "all pride, all fear of failure" to just fall away. When you're tempted today to "exalt yourself", just let it go...

BELIEF

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life" (John 5:24).

 

Jesus says that it is absolutely essential to believe in God (the one who sent Him).  It is the only way to experience eternal life!  The word, "believe", means to trust, to put one's confidence in something or someone.  It is more than just intellectual assent.  It is the placing of our life in God's hands.  Here's a great way to discover what you are putting your trust in: Who do you run to when you are in a crisis?  A Friend, a family member, yourself?

 

Today, should you experience a need, before you do anything else, take your need to God.  Then wait on Him to respond.

LISTEN

"Truly, truly, I say to you, he who hears My word, and believes Him who sent Me, has eternal life and does not come into judgment, but has passed out of death into life" (John 5:24).

 

According to Jesus in John 5:24, there are two conditions for eternal life: #1 hearing Jesus' word and #2 believing the One who sent Him.  Let's take the first one today--hearing Jesus' word.  The very beginning of John's gospel describes Jesus as "the Word".  "In the beginning was the Word, and Word was with God, and Word was God.  He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through Him and apart from Him nothing came into being that has come into being" (John 1:1-3).  The Word is not just something to hear--but it is something to see, something to feel, and something to experience.  You are one of the "all things" that came into being through Him!

 

Today, let me encourage you to spend some time with the Word.  Start at the beginning and reread John's Gospel listening to what Jesus is saying.  As you walk around today, look for Jesus at work around you.  Invite Him to permeate your life throughout the day--to make Himself obvious.  If you ask to experience Jesus today--I have no doubt that you will!

DOUBT

"And He did not do many miracles there because of their unbelief" (Matthew 13:58).

 

Is it possible that our doubt prevents Jesus from working?  Are there miracles that Jesus intends to accomplish that don't happen simply because we don't believe that they will?  I'm convinced that one of the biggest obstacles to healing that we face is transforming our minds from doubt to belief.  Yesterday at Grace River we saw a miracle.  Before the service, Judy told me that she had extreme pain in her back and that the only reason she came to church was because we were teaching on healing and she believed that God would heal her.  Well, He did!  During the worship and during the message, God completely removed the back pain to the point that Judy was able to touch her toes demonstrating the healing to us all. Faith (belief) is the first finger on the "Hand that Heals".

 

Today, constantly remind yourself that our God is a God who heals.  It's His nature to heal!  It's unusual when He doesn't heal!  One of His names is Jehovah Rapha  -  יהוה רפא   - "The God Who Heals".

HARVEST

"Already he who reaps is receiving wages and is gathering fruit for life eternal; so that he who sows and he who reaps may rejoice together" (John 4:36).

 

There are three promises that are listed here--promises for us when we join Jesus in His work of harvesting. #1--WAGES: Jesus pays His employees and you can expect that you will be well-compensated for your work.  #2--FRUIT:  There is not much in this world that you can take with you to heaven but Jesus promises that the people we bring to Jesus will live forever with us in Heaven.  #3--CELEBRATION:  There is ecstatic joy in the in the Kingdom when even one comes to faith (See Luke 15:10).

 

There is no doubt that today each of us will come in contact with someone that Jesus is drawing to Himself.  Join Him in the harvest!

HARVEST

"Lift up your eyes and look on the fields, that they are white for harvest" (John 4:35).

 

We have seen in these days at Grace River that God is drawing many new people our way.  There is no shortage of broken and hurting people and God seems to be guiding many to Grace River.  Our mission is to be a safe place where anyone can come as they are and find hope and healing.  Jesus' mission is to reach broken people and then heal them.  Our mission is to join Jesus in His mission.

 

Today, let's be aware that there are broken people all around us.  Look for them, find them, and bring them on Sunday to Grace River.

HUNGRY

"Jesus said to them, 'My food is to do the will of Him who sent Me and to accomplish His work'" (John 4:34).

 

In Matthew 4:4, Jesus responds to the Satan's temptation to turn stones into bread, by declaring, "Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that proceeds out of the mouth of God".  Clearly, our hunger is to be satisfied by knowing and doing the will of God.  We often spend our days chasing after what we believe will bring true purpose and meaning into our desperate lives.  The result is often a life filled with hurts, habits, and hangups.  Jesus points in a different direction.  He insists that we feed on God's words, that we do them, and that we find meaning in accomplishing the work of God.

 

Today, spend some time reading the Word of God.  Think about what it says.  Listen for God's wishes.  Then join Jesus in accomplishing His work.

HUNGRY

"Meanwhile the disciples were urging Him, saying, 'Rabbi, eat.'  But He said to them, 'I have food to eat that you do not know about.'" (John 4:31-32).

 

It might surprise you to find out that Jesus has ways to satisfy your hunger that you have never imagined.  He has food that you don't know about.  We hunger for a great many things in this life: security, fulfillment, health, wealth, fame, love, and the list goes on.  In the same that we my settle--or even prefer--a burger and fries, we also settle for what's cheap, what's convenient, and what's quick when comes to meeting our insatiable hunger for purpose in life.  We cruise through the drive-through for a super-sized order of hurts, habits, and hangups, ignorant that a delicious chef's signature dish has been personally prepared for us.

 

Today, let me invite you to make a dinner date with Jesus.  He has a feast awaiting you--and He hates to eat alone.

WORSHIP

"But an hour is coming, and now is, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth; for such people the Father seeks to be His worshipers.  God is spirit, and those who worship Him must worship in spirit and truth" (John 4:23-24).

 

Jesus says that we are to worship the Father in spirit and truth.  We understand the truth--it is a right understanding of all that God is and all that God wills as revealed through Jesus Christ.  Jesus said, "I am the truth" (John 14:6).  Spirit is a bit more shadowy.  It has to do with your soul, your whole being, your passion.  If truth deals with facts, then spirit deals with feelings.  We are to worship with our mind AND with our emotions, with our liturgy AND with our love, with our head AND with our heart.

 

Today, the Father is seeking your worship.  As often as you eat and drink, remember Him...

WORSHIP

"You worship what you do not know; we worship what we know, for salvation is from the Jews" (John 4:22)

 

What is the source of your salvation?  And by salvation, I mean "deliverance" or "rescue".  What, or who, do you look to in order to have your needs met?  Go ahead and think of something . . . job, family, relationship, finances, etc.  Here is why it matters: The source of your salvation happens also to be the focus of your worship!  We naturally give honor and priority to whatever it is that we believe is providing for our security and our happiness.  Another way to gauge the object of worship is to consider the source of potential despair?  What would devastate you if you were to lose it?  Anything or anyone that can cause despair in our hearts is an object of worship.  Jesus says, that we worship what we do not know.  In other words we ignorantly worship unreliable gods.  In reality, salvation is from the Jews.  It is gift-wrapped in a Jewish body.  Salvation is Jesus!

 

Today, let's consciously choose to worship Jesus.  Let's move our allegiance from the fragile to the firm--from the unreliable to the undeniable!

WORSHIP

"'Our fathers worshiped in this mountain, and you people say that in Jerusalem is the place where men ought to worship.'  Jesus said to her, 'Woman, believe Me, an hour is coming when neither in this mountian nor in Jerusalem will you worship the Father'" (John 4:20-21).

 

It's consistent throughout history for men to dedicate "places" to worship God.  There is nothing wrong with that as long as we remember that God is too big to fit in our building and that "our place" isn't any better than "their place".  Acts 7:48 declares, "The Most High does not dwell in houses made by human hands."  1 Corinthians 7:19  reveals the kind of house that God lives in, "Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God?"  God does not live in man-made houses.  He lives in God-made houses--human houses.  That means, as Jesus said, you don't have to go to a mountain to worship--you can worship God wherever you are--because where you are is where He is!

 

Take a moment right now and close your eyes.  Block out every thought except for thoughts of God's love for you.  Feel his love for you.  Allow Him to completely fill you with His love. Just rest in the warmth of His love.  Spend some time this morning surrounded by God's love.  You just might find yourself worshipping...

TRUTH

"My brethren, if any among you strays from the truth and one turns him back, let him know that he who turns a sinner from the error of his way will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins" (James 5:19-20).

 

We are to be in the "truth-telling" business with our goal being to turn our friends and family back to the truth from which they have strayed.  It's a bit tricky since, in my experience, no one really likes hearing the truth.  I know that I don't.  At least I don't like having my faults pointed out.  You likely don't like it either.  With that in mind, it is essential to keep the purpose of truth-telling squarely in front of us.

 

T-urn: A complete change of direction.

R-estore: A renewal of purpose and position.

U-nlease: A return to true freedom.

T-ouch: A relational closeness.

H-eal: A renewed strength.

 

Today, may we use "truth-telling" not just as a neccessary means of rebuking wrong--but also as a merciful gift of restoring right!

TRUTH

" . . . But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ" (Ephesians 4:15).

 

It's difficult to speak, "the truth in love".  We tend to either speak the truth without love or else we speak love without sharing the truth.  God's plan is that we saturate our truth-telling in an ocean of love.  In the old days, when I was young, my mom would put sugar in my medicine in order to make it easier to take.  It helped!  My counselor taught me that to "speak the truth in love" means to own the impact of what I say.  It is to empathize with the one I'm speaking to--to feel what they are feeling.  We are to speak the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth--but we are to do so lovingly.  Remember that it is God's kindness that leads us to repentance (Romans 2:4).

 

Today, let's check our motives before we speak.  Is it love?  Or is it something else?  And while we're at it, maybe we can practice hearing the truth in love as well.

NEEDS

"If you knew the gift of God, and who it is who says to you, 'Give Me a drink,' you would have asked Him, and He would have given you living water" (John 4:10).

 

I wonder how many times that I have missed the gift of God because the gift is asking ME for a drink.  I just don't expect God's gift (Jesus) to come that way--as someone else's need.  It's easy to get preoccupied with our problems and to miss the answer to our problems gift wrapped as someone else's problem.  Perhaps when we meet needs, Jesus becomes ALL that we need.

 

Today, let's focus on giving drinks to the thirsty.  We just might find our own thirst being quenched.

BARRIERS

"Therefore the Samaritan woman said to Him, 'How is it that You, being a Jew, ask me for a drink since I am a Samaritan woman?' (For Jews have no dealings with Samaritans)" (John 4:9).

Nevermind that Jesus is thirsty, He is breaking two really big Jewish cultural norms in talking to the Samaritan woman.  #1--She is a Samaritan and #2--She is a woman.  Read the Gospels and you will see that Jesus fearlessly and regularly walks through barriers of every kind.  He puts relationships ahead of religion and people ahead of propriety.

Today, let's join Jesus in moving beyond our zones of comfort into the hearts of men and women.

ALONE

"For His disciples had gone away into the city to buy food" (John 4:8).

 

It's noteworthy that all twelve disciples went on the food run.  Seems odd doesn't it?  No one stayed with Jesus?  How many times have you felt all alone because your friends were too busy?  We've all been there--even Jesus.

 

Today, look for those who are all alone--whose friends may be off buying food.  Give them some time, give them some love, give them some life.

THIRSTY

"There came a woman of Samaria to draw water.  Jesus said to her, 'Give Me a drink.'" (John 4:7)

 

You will become thirsty today . . . and so will I.  There are many different ways that our thirst will show itself: physically, emotionally, financially, relationally, etc.  We will have needs today.  The temptation will be to attempt to quench our thirst in the way that we always have--by getting a drink of water from the well (the well being whatever we use to deaden the pain and cope).  However, Jesus points us in a different direction.  He points us to the stream of living water.  He points us to Himself.

 

Today, when you find yourself hurting and in need, Ask Jesus to meet you where you are.  Invite Him into your situation and allow Him the space to work.

BAPTIZE

" . . . although Jesus Himself was not baptizing, but His disciples were" (John 4:2).


It's interesting that baptism is important enough that Jesus teaches His disciples to do it and yet it is not so important as to require Him to personally baptize anyone. The Bible does not teach that baptism is essential for salvation but rather that it is essential for obedience. Jesus' death on the cross establishes our salvation--our baptism symbolizes our acceptance and participation in Jesus' sacrifice. It is a first step of obedience in following Jesus. Jesus Himself was baptized by John, setting the example for all who would follow. Jesus' final words to us in Matthew's gospel include the command to, "Go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit" (Matthew 28:18-20).


Soon, we will gather as a church family and baptize all who would desire it. If you have not yet been baptized as an adult, give it some thought and some prayer. Let's do what Jesus did!

SUCCESS

"Therefore when the Lord knew that the Pharisees had heard that Jesus was making and baptizing more disciples than John . . . " (John 4:1).
Comparison leads to conflict.  Pastors and churches can quickly fall into the trap of determining their success by making comparison to other ministries.  Jesus avoided the trap by removing Himself from the situation.  We saw this in John 3:25-30 where John's disciples were concerned about Jesus' growing ministry while their own was declining in comparison. John's response was, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven" (John 3:27).  Good advice for us today when we are tempted to determine our value by looking around at others.  Our value comes from the Father--not by how much farther along we are than others--nor by how much farther behind we might be.

Today, remember that you are completely loved by God and that He values you as one His greatest passions.  No need to compare today--just enjoy your place in the Kingdom of God.

SAVED

"He who believes in the Son has eternal life; but he who does not obey the Son will not see life, but the wrath of God abides on him" (John 3:36).

 

To believe in the Son is to obey the Son--to join Jesus in the work that He is already doing.  And of course, wherever the Son is--there is life!

 

Today:  believe . . . obey . . . live!

CONSUMED

"The Father loves the son and has given all things into His hand" (John 3:35).

 

As a gift of love, the Father has given everything to Jesus.  You and I are included in the "everything" and thus are given to Jesus.  We are not given to Jesus like a new car (one of many), but more like a new bride (unique and special).  "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven" (John 3:27).  As a gift to Christ we are to be consumed by Christ--loved, cherished, and treasured.

 

Today, remember that you belong to Jesus and He has assumed the role of husband--your protector and provider.

SPEAK

"For He whom God has sent speaks the words of God; for He gives the Spirit without measure" (John 3:34).

 

Jesus, sent from God, spoke (and still speaks) the words of God.  In the same way, all those who are on mission with God also speak His words.  The second phrase of the verse is not without significance in that it is the Spirit of God that tells us what to say.  Jesus says in John 16:13, "But when He, the Spirit of Truth, comes, He will guide you into all the truth; for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears, He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come."  The Spirit will guide us into truth.  The Spirit will reveal what is to come.  The Spirit speaks to us and we simply repeat what we hear.  And since the Spirit is given without measure, we will never lack in what to say.

 

Today, when you find yourself in a position to give advice--resist the urge to give your opinion.  Rather, pause and invite the Holy Spirit to guide your words.

SEAL

"He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true" (John 3:33).

 

Your seal is your certification of authenticity.  It is your personal endorsement.  There are many ways to accomplish the sealing of Christ's testimony--to declare that God is true.  The big one that Jesus gave us is the seal of baptism.  Baptism is a symbolic act of declaring Christ's death, burial, and resurrection in your own life.  It is an outward sign of an inward change.  It isn't something to be done privately but rather something to be done in a crowd--a public declaration of your faith in Jesus.  In addition to baptism or immersion, there are countless opportunities every day to set our seal on the truth of God.  People all around us will be watching today.  We will either declare the truth of God or the myth of God depending on our attitudes and actions.

Today, declare the truth of God everywhere you go . . . Use words if necessary.

ACCEPT

"What He has seen and heard, of that He testifies; and no one receives His testimony" (John 3:32).

 

There is a tendency that we all have to deny the truth when it contradicts what we already have come to believe.  Jesus brings us the truth about God, about our world, and about us.  There is no doubt that Jesus' words will rock our boat!  We have a choice of either receiving His testimony or ignoring it.  The trick is to determine to obey (accept) Jesus' instruction before He gives it.  Make up your mind to walk with Jesus regardless...

 

Today, let me suggest that we read John 3 one more time, inviting the Holy Spirit to speak something from the text into our lives.  Read and reread it until you feel like God has spoken to you personally.

BORN

"He who comes from above is above all, he who is of the earth is from the earth and speaks of the earth.  He who comes from heaven is above all" (John 3:31).

 

A clear comparison is being made between "He who is from above" and "he who is of the earth".  Jesus is from above and is thus speaking the language of "the above".  We are naturally born citizens of earth and naturally speak of earthly things.  Jesus tells Nicodemus in John 3:3, "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God."  There is an urgency for us to be born from above so that we too can see what is above (God's Kingdom) allowing us then to speak heaven's perspective.

 

Let me suggest this prayer: "Father, by the blood of Jesus, please birth me into the Kingdom of Heaven, forgiving me of all my sin, and granting me the righteousness of Christ."

CONSUMED

"He must increase, but I must decrease" (John 3:30).

 

To be consumed with Christ is to be so captivfated and conscious of Him that we take on His appearance, His attributes, and His actions.  He increases and we, of necessary consequence, decrease.  It's no longer about us--it's about Christ!

 

Today, invite Christ to consume you through and through!

CELEBRATE

"He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom's voice.  So this joy of mine has been made full" (John 3:29).

 

We are being consumed with Christ when we give CREDIT to Christ in all things--pleasant and difficult.  We are being consumed with Christ when we have CLARITY--accepting who we are and who we are not.  Third, we are being consumed with Christ when we CELEBRATE the bridegroom's joy.  John the Baptizer was able to share in the joy of Jesus--not because the people were coming to John--but because he rightly understood the preeminence of Christ.  He was happy that Jesus was happy!  So how about you?  Is your joy made full only when everything is going right in your life?  Or are you able to share in the joy of Jesus?

 

Today, let's celebrate the life that Jesus is creating.  Let's focus on His accomplishments and celebrate His success!  Purpose to let your joy be in Jesus!

CLARITY

"You yourselves are my witnesses that I said, 'I am not the Christ,' but, 'I have been sent ahead of Him.'" (John 3:28).

 

This week's Daily Grace is all about how to be Consumed with Christ.  CONFLICT (I'm right and you're wrong) and COMPARISON (I want what you have) can only move us in the wrong direction.  The first step in the right direction towards being consumed with Christ is "CREDIT"--remembering that every good gift comes from above--what you have and what you don't have. 

 

The Second step is in our verse today:  There is a God . . . you're not Him!  Like John the Baptizer, we need to remember that we're not the Christ.  We need CLARITY to understand who we are and who we're not.  It takes a lot of pressure off when we stop trying to become someone that we're not.  Just be yourself--the amazing person that God created you to be.  God has set you up to succeed today.  Any anxiety that you may feel today will come from trying to be and experience something contrary to what God has set in motion.

 

Today, take a moment and get some clarity from God in terms of what He wants to accomplish in your day.

CREDIT

"John answered and said, 'A man can receive nothing unless it has been given him from heaven'" (John 3:27).

 

The first step towards being consumed with Christ is to understand that everything beneficial comes from Christ.  "All good things come from above" (James 1:17).  The sin of making comparison that often leads to conflict completely goes away when one is rightly understanding that what we have comes from God and, of course, what we don't have is being witheld by God.  That's right--God blesses us with great experiences, and He also blesses us with not so great experiences (at least, not so great from our perspective).  We are being consumed with Christ when we trust that God knows what is beneficial for us--even if it is painful.

 

Today, give God credit for what happens...and for what doesn't happen.

COMPARISON

 

"And they came to John and said to him, 'Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified, behold, He is baptizing and all are coming to Him.'"  (John 3:26).

 

One clear indicator that we are NOT consumed with Christ is when we begin to make comparisons with others.  Comparison indicates that rather than being consumed with Christ, we are consumed with others, consumed with success, consumed with everything but Christ.  John's disciples were concerned that their ministry was being overshadowed by Jesus' ministry.  They were concerned, they were fearful, and they were blaming John--after all, it was John that made such a big deal out of Jesus.

 

Today, should you find yourself feeling insecure or fearful because of someone or something, let me suggest that you run to Jesus and allow Him to consume you.  Allow yourself to be saturated in the love of Jesus until the distractions begin to pale in comparison.

CONFLICT

"Therefore there arose a discussion on the part of John's disciples with a Jew about purification" (John 3:25).

 

All this week, we'll be focused on how to be consumed with Christ.  We're headed toward John 3:30, "He must increase, but I must decrease".  Today's verse identifies a distraction for John's disciples.  They were involved in a "discussion" or what we would call a theological argument concerning how to be clean before God.  This conflict, rather than consuming them with Christ, was removing them from Christ--they were headed in the wrong direction.  Arguments don't honor Christ--rather, they often are a waste of time, dividing God's people instead of uniting them.

 

Today, in our quest to be consumed with Christ, let's be careful not to be distracted by conflicts.  Let the Holy Spirit confirm His truth in your heart and mind and trust that He can do the same in others.

RESCUE

Somebody needs this today...maybe right now...

 

"O Lord, I have come to you for protection; don't let me be put to shame.  Rescue me, for you always do what is right.  Bend down and listen to me; rescue me quickly.  Be for me a great rock of safety, a fortress where my enemies cannot reach me" (Psalm 31:1-2).

 

I'm one of those people who struggles with depression.  I click along just fine and then wham!--I find myself drowning in an ocean of despair.  I am learning to understand the triggers and I am learning how to let the Father lift me back up again.  I've had a rough couple of weeks . . . with Tina being gone . . . with Jaren coming home . . . with some disappointment that I've caused some friends.  I tend to take everything personally even if it's not about me.  So, today I choose to be rescued, to be delivered, to be saved, to be born again.  I'm praying Psalm 31:1-2 and I'm allowing my Daddy in Heaven to love on me.

 

If you need to be rescued today, try praying Psalm 31:1-2.  It seems to be helping me.  :)

FAILURE

"For everyone who does evil hates the Light, and does not come to the Light for fear that his deeds will be exposed" (John 3:20).

 

The Greek word for "evil" in this verse is different from verse 19 that we looked at yesterday.  The word here is "phaulos" and it means "foul" or "worthless".  In the same way, that we often want to hide our struggles, we really want to hide our failures--our worthless and rotten behaviors.  We fear that if anyone knew our secrets, then they would condemn and reject us.  The truth is that some will condemn us--but the true carrier of light never will.  Those who have been forgiven of much will of course forgive much.  We are to, "confess our sins to one another, and pray for one another so that we may be healed" (James 5:16).  Healing comes when we are dangerously transparent with each other.  Our confession prompts prayer and restoration from the true Body of Christ.

 

Today, rather than covering up your failures (whatever they may be), own up to them, confess them, share them.  This is where the healing begins...

STRUGGLE

"This is the judgment, that the Light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the Light, for their deeds were evil" (John 3:19).

 

It is a very natural thing to want to hide our imperfections, our flaws, our failures, and our sin.  The word translated "evil" in this verse does not care the devilish idea that we most often think of as evil.  The word "evil", here is the Greek word, "poneros", which means, "full of hardship, annoyances, pain, and trouble".  We all experience this kind of evil just about every day.  Here is the message of the verse: when we keep our struggles to ourselves, we are condemning (judging) ourselves to a life of struggle.  Freedom and deliverance come when we bring these "hardships, annoyances, pain, and trouble" into the light and share them with each other.

 

Today, don't just struggle, but rather, share your struggle with someone you trust.  This is where the healing begins...

RESCUE

"He who believes in Him is not judged; he who does not believe has been judged already, because he has not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God" (John 3:18).

 

Understand that we're all drowning and that Jesus is the lifeguard who swims out to rescue us.  If you believe that Jesus is not capable of rescuing you or if you believe that He is out to harm you, then you may swim away from Jesus.  To do so is to turn away from the only chance that you have to keep from drowning.  Apart from Jesus' intervention, you will drown--you are already drowning.  The eternal consequence of sin is death and separation from God.  To push away from life (Jesus) is to embrace death (the absence of life).  You are consequently judging and condemning yourself through your own actions.  The only hope is the Lifeguard--Jesus!

 

Today, allow yourself to be rescued by Jesus.  Don't push away no matter how scary it may seem.  Let me suggest that you take a moment and close your eyes and picture Jesus coming to your rescue.  Picture him rescuing you from your sin, your circumstances, and your confusion.  Let His rescue be your prayer today.

RESCUE

"For God did not send the Son into the world to judge the world, but that the world might be saved through Him" (John 3:17).

 

This one verse, perhaps more than any other, declares the great purpose of God.  His agenda is saving--not judging!  He is about correcting rather than condemning.  He rescues instead of retaliating.  He delivers...not destroys.  And Jesus seeks to include us in His mission of rescue.  Paul says it this way, "Now all these things are from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation, namely, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and He has committed to us the word of reconciliation" (2 Corinthians 5:18-19).

 

Today, let's join Jesus in not holding the sins of people against them.

LIFE

"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life" (John 3:16).

 

The reason that "whoever believes (trusts) will in Him have eternal life" (John 3:15) is given in 3:16.  #1--God loves the world and all that is in it, including you.  God's love is a sacrificial love that is freely given without strings attached.  #2--He loves the world that He created so much that He has given us the gift of His one and only, unique, and one of a kind Son--Jesus.  #3--This sacrificial gift of Jesus is for whoever (anyone and everyone) that will put their trust in Him.  #4--The result of trusting in Jesus is rescue from a life of death and transformation into a life of eternal living.

 

Today, if you feel like you are dying, call out to Jesus and receive His gift of living!

UNDERSTAND

"If I told you earthly things and you do not believe, how will you believe if I tell you heavenly things?" (John 3:12).

 

Jesus often used common objects and events in order to reveal spiritual truth.  He was a master of metaphor.  In John 3, He has already used both the birthing process and the wind to represent spiritual reality.  One comes into the kingdom of God much like he comes into this world--by being born. The process of spiritual rebirth is mysterious--not unlike the wind.  He uses metaphors so that we can have a point of knowledge.  He takes something that would be impossible for us to understand and simplifies it for us by comparing it to something that we already know.  Nicodemus not only does not understand "heavenly things", he isn't getting the earthly metaphors either. 

 

Today, invite the Holy Spirit to guide you into all truth concerning the scripture that you will read, your circumstances, what other believers might express, and even your time in prayer.

TESTIMONY

"Truly, truly, I say to you, we speak of what we know and testify of what we have seen, and you do not accept our testimony" (John 3:11).

 

The first thing that I notice in this verse is the personal pronouns.  Jesus says, "I say", "we speak", "we know", and "we have seen".  Isn't it interesting that Jesus moves so quickly from "I" to "we".  It's not unlike the creation narrative where we find, "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness'" (Genesis 1:26).  "God" is singular and "us" and "our" is clearly plural.  It's not that God is schizophrenic but rather He is three in one--He is Trinity.  If we use our math skills we can count "we" three times in John 3:11.  Perhaps Jesus is alluding to the fact that though He is speaking--God the trinity is indeed testifying in unity.  He was testifying then and He is testifying now.  God speaks primarily in four ways: through the Bible, through our circumstances, through other believers, and through prayer.

 

Today, spend some time listening for the testimony of God.  He will be speaking--will you be listening?

UNDERSTAND

"Nicodemus said to Him, 'How can these things be?'  Jesus answered and said to him, 'Are you the teacher of Israel and do not understand these things?'" (John 2:9-10)

 

People don't always understand as much as we might think that they do.  Nicodemus is "the teacher of Israel" and apparently is a prime example of not understanding.  It may be that he doesn't want to understand.  After all, Jesus is telling Nicodemus that his religious system is flawed and that he needs to begin all over again.  I've noticed that we are naturally reluctant to change our views even when presented with overwhelming evidence.  We find a nice neat set of beliefs and tend to stick with them.  Here's the problem with that--sometimes we're wrong.  To give Nicodemus credit, at least he is asking questions.

 

Today, let's try to be teachable.  Try to listen more than we speak and maybe...just maybe...we might learn something.

WIND

"The wind blows where it wishes and you hear the sound of it, but do not know where it comes from and where it is going; so is everyone who is born of the Spirit" (John 3:8).

Wind is not understandable or controllable.  Yet the effects are undeniable.  Both the word for "wind" and the word for "Spirit" in the New Testament are the same Greek word--"pneuma".  The ways of the Spirit of God are not unlike the wind.  You don't necessarily see where it's coming from and you cannot see where it is going but you most definitely know when the pneuma is blowing.  The crazy thing is that this pneuma indwells in the lives of believers--a mighty rushing wind fills your temple--it fills your life.  Others may not see always see the pneuma in you, but when it blows, they can always see the effect.

"He is jealous for me, loves like a hurricane, I am a tree, bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy" --John Mark McMillan

Today, invite the Holy Spirit of God to indwell you, to fill you, and to transform you with His hurricane force. 

QUESTIONS

"Nicodemus said to Him, 'How can a man be born when he is old?  He cannot enter a second time into his mother's womb and be born, can he?'" (John 3:4)

 

Do you ever have questions?  Nicodemus is smart guy.  Surely he understands that Jesus is being metaphorical.  Perhaps he understands perfectly but doesn't really want to understand.  I do that too...lol.  When the message hits me solidly between my two eyes, it's sometimes easier just not to understand than it is to own the impact of the message.  We're often tempted when reading the Bible to dismiss what we read as either being irrelevant or impossible to understand.  Fortunately, we have a built-in interpretative guide known as the Holy Spirit.  We have plenty of guidance and absolutely no excuses.  The Spirit will guide us into all truth (see Jn 16:13).

 

Today, let's crack open our Bibles and read a paragraph or two, listening for what the Spirit might want to say to our hearts.  This isn't something to accomplish--it's something to experience.  It's ok to ask questions.  Just make sure that you take some time to listen for the answers.

TRUST

"Jesus answered and said to him, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God'" (John 3:3).

 

There is only one way into the Kingdom of God--birth.  You have to born a Kingdom citizen.  There is just no other way.  Nicodemus (the conqueror) had to give up his self-willed, self-directed, self-controlled ways and he had to become a helpless baby.  God is not interested in our wisdom and our ability, rather he has His eye on our dependency.  Jesus says the same thing with different words in Matthew 5:3, "Blessed are the poor in spirit (the spiritually bankrupt), for theirs is the kingdom of heaven".  God wants us to move from "me" to "He".  It's not so much about trying as it is trusting.

 

Today, God is not counting on you to get it right--you usually don't.  He is not looking for what you will do, but rather He is looking just for you.  It's a great day to be born again!

SIGNS

"This man (Nicodemus) came to Jesus by night and said to Him, 'Rabbi, we know that You have come from God as a teacher; for no one can do these signs that You do unless God is with him.'"

 

Nicodemus recognized the authentic power of God in Jesus.  The signs were there and Nicodemus wanted to know more.  In the same way, our friends, our coworkers, our family will recognize the power of God within us when they see it.  It's one thing to perform a miracle--it's quite another to be a miracle.  And it doesn't have to just be the big stuff.  The power of God is shown when you love the unloving, when you bless the ones who curse you, and when you help the helpless. 

 

You will find yourself today with many opportunities to display the power of God.  In the process, you just might meet Nicodemus.

CONQUEROR

"Now there was a man of the Pharisees, named Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews; this man came to Jesus by night . . ." (John 3:1-2a).

 

This is an interesting beginning to what may be the greatest chapter in the Bible. A well-educated, well-respected, leader and guide--both politically and religiously--approaches Jesus at night (so as not to be seen?) in order to ask the question of questions, "How does one enter the Kingdom of God?"  For all of his religious training and the elite status that he holds among his people, Nicodemus has questions that haunt him.  Likely, Nicodemus himself tells people how to enter God's Kingdom and yet his answers must seem less than convincing in his own heart.  The name "Nicodemus" literally means "Conqueror".  He is perhaps a self-made man who has overcome a great deal. He is a conqueror...a conqueror with questions.

 

So what about you?  Do you have questions?  Are you less than satisfied with the answers that you have bought into over the years?  The same Jesus who answered Nicodemus' is waiting to answer you.  Why not pay Him a visit today?

VOICES

"Blessed are you, Simon Barjona, because flesh and blood did not reveal this to you, but My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 16:17).

 

"Get behind Me, Satan!  You are a stumbling block to Me for you are not setting your mind on God's interests, but man's" (Matthew 16:23).

 

Just six verses separate these two statements.  Both are addressed to Peter from Jesus.  Both disclose revelatory thoughts that do not originate in Peter's mind but are given to him by other sources.  The Father speaks to Jesus through Peter and just six verses later, Satan speaks to Jesus through Peter.  Amazing!  Peter illustrates for us why we can't trust people.  One moment we are speaking for God and the very next we are speaking for Satan--and I doubt that we ever know the difference.  It certainly doesn't appear that Peter could tell the difference.  Jesus knew the difference because He keenly understood the call of God upon His life.  He refused to be distracted by conflicting voices. 

 

Today, discern whose voice is coming out of your own mouth.  Equally important is to make sure that the voices you listen to line up with the call that God has upon you.  You will likely hear from both the Father and the Faker today.  Know the difference!

TRUST

"But as for me, I trust in You, O Lord" (Psalm 31:14).

 

The Bible uses the word "trust" 149 times.  The overwhelming majority of these uses declare that we should, "trust in the Lord".  The second most common use of the word is that we should NOT put our trust in men.  Thirdly, we should NOT trust ourselves.  Trust God--not each other--not ourselves!  "Not trusting" is not some cynical and unloving attitude that we might immediately think of.  "Not trusting" means that we understand, as Jesus did, the frailty of the human heart and our tendency to fail to live up to each other's expectations.  It is to understand that we most often act more like Judas than we do Jesus.  So, we are to put our trust in God and simply love each other, warts and all.

 

Today, put your trust completely in the God who never fails and resist the urge to entrust yourself and your emotions to lesser beings.  You will then be free to truly love and to truly forgive as Jesus does.

TRUST

"And because he did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man" (John 2:25).

 

Jesus did not need anyone to tell Him how untrustworthy people really are.  He knew because He had watched human history play out from the very beginning.  He had seen every sin, every act of betrayal, every disappointing failure.  Now this should actually be encouraging to you--it should take some of the pressure to perform away.  You see, if Jesus knows that you are going to blow it, and yet He still chooses to call you, to choose you, and to love you--then you can afford to just be you--a work in progress.  Jesus isn't holding His breath, hoping that you will get it right this time.  He knows you.  He is pulling for you and yet He understands that you will strike out, maybe as often as you get a big hit.

 

Today, understand that God loves you.  It's not based on your performance.  He just loves you--plain and simple!

TRUST

"Now Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men" (John 2:24).

 

The word translated "entrusting" is the Greek word "pisteuo" which comes from the root "pistis". It's the same word that is translated as "faith" or "belief" in other New Testament passages.  Jesus did not trust (put his faith in) men because he knew the hearts of men.

 

If you think about it, most of our relational conflicts, come out of a sense of disappointment.  We trust someone and they fail us.  People (friends, family, coworkers, churches) don't live up to our expectations and we feel let down.  Our faith in them is destroyed.  We might do better to follow Jesus example and to just love each other expecting that failure will eventually happen.  That way, love is not conditioned on performance--but rather it is an expression of value.

 

Today, let's practice loving simply because because people are valuable.  And when they fail us (and they will)--let's practice grace.

SIGNS

"Now when he was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing" (John 2:23).

 

"Many believed in His name..."  His name is "Jesus" which literally means "God saves".  They believed that Jesus was, in fact, who His name said He was--the Savior, the Rescuer, The Deliverer, The Restorer, The Answer to their questions, and the Solution to their problems.  He is Jesus!  They believed because they could clearly see His actions, His miracles, and the difference that He was making.

 

Today, do you believe in His name?  If so, why?  Will others today see the difference that He is making in your life?

INFLUENCE

"Let not many of you become teachers, my brethren, knowing that as such we will incur a stricter judgment" (James 3:1).

 

At first glance, you might say, "whew, glad I'm not a teacher".  "Teachers" face a greater judgment than others because they profess to have a clear and full knowledge of whatever it is that they might be teaching.  In other words, a teacher should know what they are teaching and should practice their words (like faith and actions).  To teach someone something that we are not ourselves doing brings us into judgment.  We have become hypocrites--actors.

 

Now before you dismiss this teaching as not relevant to you, consider the possibility that all of us are teachers.  We teach our kids, we teach our friends, we teach our co-workers, we teach our neighbors.  Everyday we are teaching our values and our beliefs through our actions.  Yes, we are teachers--all of us!

 

What will you teaching those whom you influence today? 

BELIEF

"For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead" (James 2:26).

 

Do you feel like James just keeps hammering the same point over and over again?  It must be important!   Here it is again: Our faith is demonstrated by our actions and our actions demonstrate what we really believe.  Expressed faith without corresponding action is like a corpse--no life, no breath, no action, no ability to do anything.

 

What we do says more about what we believe than what we say!

 

If you don't read your Bible--then you don't believe that God will talk to you.

If you don't give--then you don't believe that God will take care of you.

If you don't pray--then you don't believe that God listens.

If you don't come to church--then you don't believe that God gathers with His people.

If you don't forgive--then you don't believe that God forgives you.

If you don't share your faith--then you don't believe that faith makes a difference.

 

What do you believe?  What do you do?

UNLIKELY

"In the same way, was not Rahab the harlot also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by another way?" (James 2:25).

 

I'll not recap the whole story of Rahab for you.  Rather I'll let you do a little reading for yourself: Joshua 2:1-24; 6:22-25; Hebrews 11:31; and best of all--Matthew 1:5.

 

It's amazing that God would use the faith/action of a prostitute to begin His conquest of the promised land for the children of Israel.  It's really amazing that Rahab's faith/action is worthy of mention in the Bible's "Hall of Faith" in Hebrews 11.  It's absolutely unbelievable that God would so ordain the generations that the faith/action of a prostitute would be chosen for the ancestry of Jesus.

 

If God can use Rahab . . . what can He do with you?

CONSISTENCY

"You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone" (James 2:24).

 

"Faith" and "works" go together.  In baseball, a pitcher needs a catcher and a catcher needs a pitcher.  Neither can accomplish their purpose without the other.  In the same way, faith produces actions and those actions produce more faith.  Both are essential.  We do what we believe and we believe whatever it is that we do.  God is calling us to consistently live out our beliefs--to do what we say that we believe.

 

What is one area of your life where you need consistency between belief and action?  Practice it today...

BELIEF

"And the Scripture was fulfilled which says, 'And Abraham believed God, and it was reckoned to him as righteousness,' and he was called the friend of God" (James 2:23).

 

Abraham's faith was demonstrated through his actions.  He did what he believed.  We can see the progression of  Abraham's authority in his willing sacrifice of Isaac.  First of all, he loved God and he loved Isaac.  Isaac was the son of the promise that God had given to him.  Abraham loved him enough that he was willing to dedicate Isaac's life to God's purpose.  Don't forget that though Abraham would lay Isaac on the altar of sacrifice, he had previously told his servants that both he and the boy would return.  God will provide a lamb.  Abraham believed what he said--that God would provide and that Isaac would continue to live.  Secondly, Abraham had a clear word from God--to sacrifice Isaac on the altar.  He knew what God wanted him to do (not Abraham's idea--but God's idea).  Thirdly, Abraham acted on his love and his knowledge of God's will.  Fourth, his faith grew when the angel stopped Abraham's hand and revealed a ram caught in the nearby thicket.  Finally, his authority grew--"reckoned as righteousness" and "friend of God".

 

LOVE>>>>>KNOWLEDGE>>>>>ZEAL>>>>>FAITH>>>>>AUTHORITY

 

Today, attempt to ACT out of LOVE and KNOWLEDGE in order to grow in FAITH and AUTHORITY.  Read a paragraph from the Bible and then invite the Holy Spirit to make application into your life.  Then "do what you believe" all day long!

FAITH

"You see that faith was working with his works, and as a result of the works, faith was perfected" (James 2:22).

 

The word translated, "working", in the verse literally means "cooperating".  Literally then, Abraham's faith was cooperating with his works.  His faith and works came together as a team.  Abraham's works were needed in order to demonstrate that his faith was genuine, real, and authentic.  In the same way that apples on a tree demonstrate the vitality and authenticity of the apple tree, our works authenticate our faith.  We do what we believe!

 

Take a moment and think of something that you believe honors God. Now, take the rest of the day and attempt to demonstrate it through your actions.  Perfect your faith--let it bear fruit!

OBEDIENCE

"Was not Abraham our father justified by works when he offered up Isaac his son on the altar?" (James 2:21).

 

Abraham's obedient action demonstrated that his faith was genuine.  He did what he believed.  And notice that his obedience was not in the fact that he believed that God was going to take his son away from him.  His belief was that even if his son died on the altar, God would raise him up again.  Abraham told his servants, "I and the lad will go over there; and we will worship and return to you" (Genesis 22:5).  Abraham told Isaac, "God will provide for Himself the lamb for the burnt offering" (Genesis 22:8).

 

Obedient faith acts on God's word, believing that God will cause all things to work together for our benefit and for God's glory.

 

What is God doing around you today?  How can you join him in obedient faith-action?

BELIEF

"But are you willing to recognize, you foolish fellow, that faith without works is useless?" (James 2:20).

 

Belief without corresponding action is not of any value at all.  It is barren, empty, vacant, futile, dead, and broken.

 

What we do says more about who we are than what we say.

 

Today, Be your Belief...

BELIEF

"You believe that God is one.  You do well; the demons also believe and shudder" (James 2:18).

 

The demons believe in God and exercise their faith by shaking in terror.  Even their faith has works.  What we do, also indicates what we believe.  If we believe that God listens and responds to us--then we pray.  On the other hand, if we believe that He is either unwilling or unable to respond to our needs--then we don't bother praying.  We do what we believe.  If we believe that God provides for our every need--then we give generously. On the other hand, if we believe that we're on our own--then we likely use our resources for our own benefit and security.  Again, we do what we believe.

 

Today, be aware of your thoughts, your attitudes, your words, and your actions.  Are they consistent with what you claim to believe about God?

FAITH

"But someone may well say, 'You have faith and I have works; show me your faith without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works'" (James 2:18).

 

Faith can only be displayed through actions.  What you do declares more about what you believe than anything you might ever say.

 

So...what do you believe about forgiveness?  What do you believe about giving?  What do you believe about love?  What do you believe about grace?  What do you believe about worship?  What do you believe about prayer?  What do you really believe?

FAITH

"Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead, being by itself" (James 2: 17).

 

Faith that doesn't act, is by definition, not faith at all.  Faith must act!  Words without works are just empty sentiments.  It's like my membership to the fitness club--which by the way, I have not been to in a week.  It's vain, empty, foolish, useless, of absolutely no benefit at all.  I have to go to grow.  I have to act to impact.

 

Today, let's put our faith into action and really do what we say we believe.

BLESSING

"If a brother or sister is without clothing and in need of daily food, and one of you says to them, 'Go in peace, be warmed and be filled,' and yet you do not give them what is necessary for their body, what use is that?" (James 2:15-16).

 

James is drawing a very clear distinction between what we say and what we do.  To say, "bless you" is practically meaningless to one in need unless we also do what is in our power to actually provide the blessing.  In other words, we should be willing to back up our words of blessing with acts of blessing.  When you pray for someone, if it is in your power to answer the prayer--do it!  If someone needs $100 and you have $100--it is good to pray for them to receive the $100 they need.  But don't stop there--reach into your wallet and answer the prayer by giving them $100.

 

Today, let's join God in answering prayers.  Let's become blessings!

FAITH

"What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works?  Can that faith save him?" (James 2:14).

 

What use is it?  What's the advantage?  What's the point?  How does it make a difference?

 

This is the true test of faith--doing what we profess to believe.  There are I suppose a great many things about God that we profess to believe in and yet rarely act upon.  Words without works are empty and futile.  What we do says more about what we believe than anything that we might say.

 

Today, let's try to live up to our words...and perhaps speak with a little more humility...

MERCY

"For judgment will be merciless to one who has shown no mercy; mercy triumphs over judgment" (James 2:13).

 

An essential truth for living in grace is stated here.  To live a life without showing mercy is to precariously place yourself in a position to not receive mercy.  We must be very careful about the judgments that we are making and if we are to err, let us err on the side of mercy.  We're on dangerous ground when we begin to make assumptions and draw negative conclusions.  Let us instead look with eyes of mercy--the eyes of Jesus--who knows perfectly well what we've done under the fig tree (JN 1:48), and still chooses to call us as disciples.  "Mercy triumphs over judgment!"