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Now displaying: May, 2016
May 27, 2016

What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? James 2:14

 

GRACE WITHOUT TRUTH IS NOT GRACE AT ALL AND TRUTH WITHOUT GRACE IS NOT TRUTH AT ALL. THERE MUST BE BALANCE.

 

Well then, should we keep on sinning so that God can show us more and more of his wonderful grace? Of course not! Since we have died to sin, how can we continue to live in it? Romans 6:1-2

 

OUR REFLECTION IS BASED UPON OUR ACTIONS.

 

“If you love me, obey my commandments. John 14:15

 

A HEALTHY FAITH IS NOT MOTIVATED BY A REWARD, BUT BY A RELATIONSHIP.

 

EXAMINING OUR FAITH

 

GROWTH IN LIFE BEGINS WITH AN HONEST EVALUATION

 

Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. 2 Corinthians 13:5

 

1. IS MY FAITH DEAD?

 

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless. James 2:17

 

Now someone may argue, “Some people have faith; others have good deeds. But I say, “How can you show me your faith if you don’t have good deeds? I will show you my faith by my good deeds.”” James 2:18

 

WORDS ARE NOT ENOUGH, THERE MUST ALSO BE FRUIT!

 

Yes, just as you can identify a tree by its fruit, so you can identify people by their actions. Matthew 7:20

 

2. IS MY FAITH MISGUIDED?

 

You say you have faith, for you believe that there is one God. Good for you! Even the demons believe this, and they tremble in terror. James 2:19

 

KNOWLEDGE WITHOUT APPLICATION IS FOOLISHNESS

 

But my life is worth nothing to me unless I use it for finishing the work assigned me by the Lord Jesus--the work of telling others the Good News about the wonderful grace of God. Acts 20:24

 

If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for my sake, you will save it. And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Matthew 16:25-26

 

3. IS MY FAITH COMPLETE?

 

You see, his faith and his actions worked together. His actions made his faith complete. James 2:22

 

TAKE HOME

 

  • A COMPLETE FAITH IS TRUSTING

 

Don’t you remember that our ancestor Abraham was shown to be right with God by his actions when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? James 2:21

 

And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. Romans 8:28

 

  • A COMPLETE FAITH IS CLEAR

 

Rahab the prostitute is another example. She was shown to be right with God by her actions when she hid those messengers and sent them safely away by a different road. James 2:25

 

ANYONE CAN BE MORE THAN THEIR PRESENT SITUATION

 

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. Matthew 7:7-8

 

  • A COMPLETE FAITH IS GROWING

 

Just as the body is dead without breath, so also faith is dead without good works. James 2:26

 

When I was living among you, you lived in responsive obedience. Now that I’m separated from you, keep it up. Better yet, redouble your efforts. Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God. That energy is God’s energy, an energy deep within you… Philippians 2:12-13 MSG

 

TAKE OUR FAITH ONE DAY AT A TIME.  TODAY LET ME HONOR GOD BY THE WAY I LIVE.

May 20, 2016

***(VIDEO)***

 

Judgement is when you assume to know why someone does what they do. 

 

My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others? For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, “You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor”—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives? Listen to me, dear brothers and sisters. Hasn’t God chosen the poor in this world to be rich in faith? Aren’t they the ones who will inherit the Kingdom he promised to those who love him? But you dishonor the poor! Isn’t it the rich who oppress you and drag you into court? Aren’t they the ones who slander Jesus Christ, whose noble name you bear? James 2:1-7

 

And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love. No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord. Romans 8:38-39

 

EVERY PERSON IS SPECIAL TO GOD, EVERY PERSON MATTERS TO GOD, & EVERY PERSON IS LOVED BY GOD.

 

Yes indeed, it is good when you obey the royal law as found in the Scriptures: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” But if you favor some people over others, you are committing a sin. You are guilty of breaking the law. For the person who keeps all of the laws except one is as guilty as a person who has broken all of God’s laws. For the same God who said, “You must not commit adultery,” also said, “You must not murder.” So if you murder someone but do not commit adultery, you have still broken the law. So whatever you say or whatever you do, remember that you will be judged by the law that sets you free. There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. James 2:8-13

 

4 WAYS TO OVERCOME JUDGING OTHERS

 

1. WE MUST VALUE PEOPLE

 

Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Philippians 2:3

 

The LORD doesn't see things the way you see them. People judge by outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart.” 1 Samuel 16:7

 

SEEING VALUE IN PEOPLE IS NOT ABOUT THEIR VALUE TO YOU, BUT THEIR VALUE TO GOD.

 

2. WE MUST ACCEPT PEOPLE

 

When Jesus heard this, he said, “Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do.” Matthew 9:12

 

“People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” -John Maxwell

 

Then he added, “Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.” Matthew 9:13

 

Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 1 Peter 4:8

 

3. WE MUST FORGIVE PEOPLE

 

UNFORGIVENESS WILL HARBOR RESENTMENT AND THAT WILL TURN INTO BITTERNESS

 

Surely resentment destroys the fool Job 5:2

 

Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many. Hebrews 12:15

 

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” Luke 23:34

 

4. WE MUST PURSUE RELATIONSHIPS

 

ISOLATION IS A BREEDING GROUND FOR JUDGEMENT.

 

“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven. Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” Luke 6:37-38

 

TAKE HOME

 

  • HOW DOES JESUS VIEW THIS PERSON?

He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. James 1:18

Fearfully and wonderfully made… We are Gods workmanship formed in our mothers womb…

 

  • CAN JESUS RESTORE ANYONE?

 

This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun! 2 Corinthians 5:17

 

  • IS JESUS’ FORGIVENESS AVAILABLE FOR ALL?

 

But if we confess our sins to him, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all wickedness. 1 John 1:9

 

  • AM I PURSUING LIFE-GIVING RELATIONSHIPS?

 

Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

May 13, 2016

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: James 1:19

 

You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives… James 1:19-21

 

WHEN WE COMPROMISE GODLY VALUES WE COMPROMISE OUR DREAMS.

 

Humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls. James 1:21

 

But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. James 1:22-24

 

But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:25

 

But they delight in the law of the lord, meditating on it day and night. They are like trees planted along the riverbank, bearing fruit each season. Their leaves never wither, and they prosper in all they do. Psalms 1:2-3

 

If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:26

 

UNDERSTANDING THESE 3 THINGS…

 

You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. James 1:19

 

1. WHAT ARE WE HEARING?

 

But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it. James 1:25

 

So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God. Romans 10:17 NKJV

 

I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. Psalms 119:11

 

WHAT WE HEAR IS WHAT WE ABSORB AND THAT IS WHAT IMPACTS OUR HEART

 

So we must listen very carefully to the truth we have heard, or we may drift away from it. Hebrews 2:1

 

2. WHAT ARE WE SAYING?

 

If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. James 1:26

 

THE GENUINENESS OF OUR FAITH IS FOUND IN OUR CHARACTER WHICH IS REFLECTED BY OUR WORDS.

 

A good person produces good things from the treasury of a good heart, and an evil person produces evil things from the treasury of an evil heart. What you say flows from what is in your heart. Luke 6:45

 

The tongue can bring death or life; those who love to talk will reap the consequences. Proverbs 18:21

 

Those who control their tongue will have a long life; opening your mouth can ruin everything. Proverbs 13:3

 

Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them. Ephesians 4:29

 

3. WHAT ARE YOU FEELING?

 

Human anger does not produce the righteousness God desires. James 1:20

 

“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God. Matthew 5:21-24

 

WHEN EMOTIONS CALL THE SHOTS IN YOUR LIFE, DESTRUCTION WILL FIND A PLACE IN YOUR FUTURE!

 

And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27

 

The lord gives his people strength. The lord blesses them with peace. Psalms 29:11

 

TAKE HOME

 

3 QUESTIONS TO ASK OURSELVES

 

  • WHO ARE THE MAIN VOICES IN MY LIFE?

 

  • IF CERTAIN PEOPLE HEARD MY CONVERSATIONS WOULD I BE ASHAMED?

 

  • WHAT LEGACY DO I WANT TO LEAVE?

 

Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:27

May 6, 2016

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations. James 1:1 NIV

 

You will show me the way of life, granting me the joy of your presence and the pleasures of living with you forever. Psalms 16:11

 

So all of us who have had that veil removed can see and reflect the glory of the Lord. And the Lord—who is the Spirit—makes us more and more like him as we are changed into his glorious image. 2 Corinthians 3:18

 

The thief’s purpose is to steal and kill and destroy. My purpose is to give them a rich and satisfying life. John 10:10

 

THE JOURNEY OF OUR FAITH IS FILLED WITH TESTINGS & TEMPTATIONS AND OUR RESPONSE TO THEM IMPACTS OUR GROWTH.

 

TESTINGS

 

1. GRASP THAT PERSPECTIVE IMPACTS YOUR FUTURE

 

Dear brothers and sisters,when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. James 1:2

 

Tragedy is when we allow OUR circumstanceS to blind us from the learning experience.

 

For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. James 1:3

 

Let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect. Romans 12:2

 

2. DON’T FIGHT THE PROCESS

 

So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing. James 1:4

 

GOD CARES MORE ABOUT YOUR CHARACTER THAN YOUR COMFORT.

 

“My child,don’t make light of the lord’s discipline, and don’t give up when he corrects you. For the lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes each one he accepts as his child.” As you endure this divine discipline, remember that God is treating you as his own children. Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? Hebrews 12:5-7

 

So be truly glad. There is wonderful joy ahead, even though you must endure many trials for a little while. These trials will show that your faith is genuine. It is being tested as fire tests and purifies gold—though your faith is far more precious than mere gold. 1 Peter 1:6-7

3. ASK GOD FOR HELP

 

TOO MANY TIMES WE SEEK GOD AS A LAST RESORT INSTEAD  OF A FIRST RESPONSE.

 

If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking. James 1:5

 

4. DECIDE TO FULLY TRUST

 

But when you ask him, be sure that your faith is in God alone. Do not waver, for a person with divided loyalty is as unsettled as a wave of the sea that is blown and tossed by the wind. Such people should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. heir loyalty is divided between God and the world, and they are unstable in everything they do.James 1:6-8

 

YOUR ATTITUDE IS THE KEY THAT ACTIVATES GOD MOVING IN YOUR LIFE.

 

God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12

 

TEMPTATION

 

1. UNDERSTAND THE SOURCE OF TEMPTATION

 

And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else.  James 1:13

 

2. UNDERSTAND THE PROCESS OF TEMPTATION

 

Temptation comes from our own desires, which entice us and drag us away. These desires give birth to sinful actions. And when sin is allowed to grow, it gives birth to death. James 1:14-15

 

  • TEMPTATION
  • FANTASY
  • STEP TOWARDS SIN
  • ACT OF SIN
  • DEATH

 

There is a path before each person that seems right, but it ends in death. Proverbs 14:12

 

3. UNDERSTAND THE VICTORY OVER TEMPTATION

 

So don’t be misled, my dear brothers and sisters. Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow. James 1:16-17

 

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure. 1 Corinthians 10:13

 

TAKE HOME

 

  • MAKE A LIST OF WHO AND WHAT TRULY MATTERS IN YOUR LIFE

 

  • STAY AWAY FROM UNHEALTHY INFLUENCES

 

  • IN YOUR STRUGGLE YOU MUST GET OUT OF IT EMOTIONALLY AND GET THEIR SPIRITUALLY

 

  • DEVELOP LIFE-GIVING RELATIONSHIPS

 

He chose to give birth to us by giving us his true word. And we, out of all creation, became his prized possession. James 1:18

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