tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12468361363836706532024-02-20T04:57:22.052-06:00I Love the BibleThis is a study to help us learn more about God's word and to apply what we learn to our daily lives.Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.comBlogger16125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-56831961477517506022010-06-17T10:16:00.000-05:002010-06-17T10:16:20.661-05:00Life<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In John 15:13 Jesus says, "<strong>Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends</strong>." Then He tells his disciples that they are his friends (John 15:15). </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">It sounds like Jesus is preparing the disciples for His death. But if we start in verse 12, it says, "<em>My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.</em> Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends." He goes on to say in verse 15 that the disciples are His friends. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Now it sounds like Jesus is telling the disciples that they should be like Him </span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">and lay down <u><strong>their</strong></u> lives for their friends, or for Him. </span></div><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Would you "lay down your life" for your friends? What does that actually mean? Would I take a bullet for you? Would I allow myself to die for you, or possibly for Jesus? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Oswald Chambers clarifies this verse when he says, "<strong>Jesus does not ask me to die for Him, but to lay down my life for Him.</strong>" </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><em>That statement made me stop and think.</em></span></div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Personally, I think it would be easier to take a bullet for Jesus. It's a one-time thing and once you get past the fear, it’s over. <span style="color: #073763;"><strong><span style="color: #0b5394;">But I don’t think that’s what He’s asking me to do.</span> </strong></span></span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Over and over in the Scriptures, we see commandments of how to live our lives, what we should avoid, how we should act, etc. Lots of do's and don’ts. But I think Jesus is summing up all of the commandments in one statement: lay down your life. </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>It's not about the commands - it's about the lifestyle.</strong></span></div><span style="color: #0b5394;"><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"></span></span><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">In the same paragraph, Jesus says, “This is my command: Love each other.” <em><strong>When we truly love someone, we’ll put aside our own desires for theirs.</strong></em> We will put their needs before ours. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">1. Whose needs do you tend to put before your own?</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">2. In what areas are you self-centered, putting yourself first?</span><br />
<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">3. What will it take to give that area of your life to God and “lay down your life” for Him?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Read John 15, the whole chapter. Learn about what our relationship to Jesus should be. Pray through those verses and ask God to show you how much He loves you, so that you can truly lay down your life for Him.</span>Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-44233689950230343852010-05-13T13:01:00.000-05:002010-05-13T13:01:12.377-05:00Just Another Hill...<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Lord, give me eyes that I may see,</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Lest I as people will,</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Should pass someone’s Calvary,</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>And think it just a hill.</strong></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #0c343d; font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong> -Author Unknown</strong></span></div><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">You ever see someone's pain and just walk on by? Maybe you don't think it's that bad or you don't have time to mess with it. Or you just aren't in the mood. Or maybe you're afraid of what it will cost you (time, energy, compassion, money). We have all done it and will do it yet again.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Calvary is one of those old terms that you find in a lot of church hymns, but not everyone knows what it means. Calvary is derived from the Latin word that means skull. Why? The name of the area near Jerusalem where Jesus was crucified was called Golgotha (Aramaic for "skull"). It has been known as a hill, but no one is for sure that it was a hill. However, it could be seen from a long way off, so that's probably why everyone assumes it was a hill. So if we talk about Calvary, it's the place where Jesus suffered on the cross - the beating, spitting, cursing, and ultimately hanging by his wrists and feet from spikes until he either bled to death or suffocated.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">If we talk about "someone's Calvary" it implies to me the place where someone is in their deepest suffering. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Your Calvary is not my Calvary</u>. If I've been thru a lot and you haven't, I could be tempted to judge you for "overreacting" to something so seemingly small. <u>But your pain is no less, no matter what I might think of it.</u> Thus, the point of the poem. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I know a LOT of people dealing with their own Calvary right now. And many of them feel so alone and hopeless. My heart breaks for them. </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God calls us to reach out to them. </span><br />
<ul><li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Rejoice with those who rejoice. Mourn with those who mourn. -Romans 12:15</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. -Romans 15:1-2</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, "Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed," but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? -James 2:15-16</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Since my people are crushed, I am crushed; I mourn, and horror grips me. -Jeremiah 8:21</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. -Colossians 3:12</span></li>
</ul><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Who do you know who is "suffering" right now? It could be someone going thru divorce, grief, job loss, parenting issues, betrayal of friendship, or even things that you don't consider a big deal.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. What can you do to show them they are not alone (without giving them unsolicited advice)?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3. If you are the one suffering, what do you need right now? Who do you trust that you can confide in or lean on?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana;">4. Pray for this person. Ask God to show you how you can help, and be willing to do just that. Also pray for yourself: </span><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">God, help me to see others' pain as significant and not to judge </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">it by </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">what it seems. Amen.</span></div>Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-84545080601283555942010-04-14T10:42:00.000-05:002010-04-14T10:42:51.815-05:00Crucifixion<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>Romans 5:6-8</strong></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;"><strong>You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for a righteous man, though for a good man someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.</strong> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If Jesus were just a man, do you really think he would have submitted himself to the beatings, whippings, and other brutalities placed upon him? He had a choice. All he had to do was say, "You're right. I'm not God's son. It was just a hoax!" He might have done some jail time but would not have gone through all the misery he experienced. He must have really been convinced that he was doing the right thing, right? Either that or he was telling the truth, that he's the Son of God, God incarnate, sent to the world to deliver us from the penalty of sin, a penalty we all deserve.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Don't take this too lightly. Put yourself in his shoes: You've been making some bold statements about yourself and about God. The religious people of the time weren't too fond of that. The law wasn't too fond of it, either, since it could start riots and cause lots of people to move their patriotism away from the Caesar (that's just a title, by the way, like president or prime minister - it's not a guy's name). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Then, one of your closest friends betrays your trust and hands you over to the cops and you're arrested. You know in your heart you're innocent and doing the right thing, but it still looks like it's breaking the law. Before you know it, the masses are calling for your execution and the guy who has the power to free you is worried about votes. So he gives in to the crowd and allows you to be executed. But it's not just any execution - it's the type of execution that is reserved for the worst of the criminals. Crucifixion.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Crucifixion involved nailing a person's wrists and sometimes ankles to two beams in the shape of a cross. The nails were like railroad spikes and driven through the ankle bones and the wrist bones. Sometimes a seat was made for the person to sit on, which meant their dying would take a longer time. But if no seat, they would often lose blood to their upper body and cause pressure on the heart. They also would lose oxygen and suffocate if they couldn't push themselves up because hanging by their wrists made it where they couldn't get a breath. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Some took days to die, but according to scripture, Jesus died within 6 hours. Since the Sabbath was the next day, and no one was allowed to work on the Sabbath, the Romans were going to break Jesus legs to ensure a quicker death (so he couldn't push himself up to get a breath), but instead they poked him in the side with a spear. This was predicted by Isaiah (ch. 53) 700 years before Jesus was born. Other predictions about the crucifixion can be found in Psalm 22, 1000 years before Christ lived. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">So, if Jesus were just a man, do you think he would have been able to bear all that without saying, "Wait! You got the wrong guy!" Yet, even til the end right before his death, he still gave of himself to others and shared God's forgiveness with others. In Luke 23, as he hangs on the cross, he offers grace and new life to the criminal dying next to him.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Very rarely, the Bible says, will someone die for a righteous man. Yet, all of us are not righteous. Think of some of the most sinful thoughts you've had or deeds you've done. Things you'd be ashamed for your kids to find out. Pretty ungodly stuff, isn't it? But He still came for us and took the punishment we deserve. Why? Because God loves us and wants us to have the opportunity to receive grace (his undeserved favor). </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">But I think another reason is so that we can share that love and grace with those who don't know much about it. So that they can see that when Jesus said he is the "way, the truth and the life" that he really meant it. And that every other option can't measure up to the awesomeness of Christ.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">If you don't know what the grace of God is, or you haven't accepted that Jesus really is God's son and died so that you and God can be reconciled, ask yourself what's holding you back. Time is short and we don't know what tomorrow holds. You could die tonight and if things aren't right between you and God, it's not gonna be pretty! Today is the day, my friend.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">And if you know Jesus as your Savior, then take time to share him with someone. Pray for their salvation. Show them what he's done in your life. And don't give up on them until God calls you home.</span>Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-39504892619969405772010-03-07T12:23:00.000-06:002010-03-07T12:23:02.628-06:00To sacrifice myself...<span style="color: #0c343d;">I learned this week that my brother, Brian, will be headed to Iraq in January. He’s in the Army reserves for now but will be going active duty in May. He’s 19. Both my parents were in the Army and my dad served in VietNam. We always knew Brian would go into some form of the military at some point as well. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">I think the military was created to defend a country that was founded on the basis of freedom and individual rights. I know those things have changed since our country began, but the basic principles of government still stand for freedom. And I believe the military exists to defend that freedom. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">When you join the military, you no longer belong to yourself. You belong to the government. Where they send you, you go. What they teach you, you believe. What they stand for, you fight for. Your identity is no longer in yourself; your identity is within the branch of the military which you belong. Their enemy becomes your enemy. And sacrificing yourself for your country or your fellow man becomes a way of life. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">The life of the Christian should be no different. If we have truly given ourselves to Jesus Christ, we no longer belong to ourselves. Paul said in Galatians 2: 20, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.”</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">We belong to Jesus, to our God. Where he sends us, we go. What he teaches, we believe. What he stands for, we fight for. Our identity is no longer in being a wife or father or salesman or student or recovering addict or movie star. Our identity is in Jesus – we are God’s children, Christian brothers and sisters. God’s enemy is our enemy. Sacrificing ourselves for Christ and God’s creation is a way of life.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">Sounds tough, huh? Those who join the military do it all the time. They sell out their lives in exchange for the life of a soldier or pilot or rescuer or defender. Have you heard the saying, “There’s no such thing as an ex-Marine?” People who give themselves to their government do it for life. Yet, their dedication is only until their body dies, which is a relatively short time.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">Our service and identity as a Christian, however, continues after death. We sell ourselves out to Christ for eternity. This life is short compared to what happens after our bodies are gone. Yet, the Bible tells us that there’s one decision we have to make in this short life that will determine what happens when we breathe our final breaths. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">As Christians, are we sold out enough for Jesus that we care about those who don’t know who he is? Do we care enough about someone else’s eternity, that we are willing to make any sacrifice possible to serve and protect others from hell? Do we love humanity enough to help them understand that their eternity is based on one decision they have to make before they die?</span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">Our military people protect, serve, dodge bullets, survive miserable weather and difficult conditions because they believe the people that they are defending are worth defending or protecting. </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">Do you believe that the people around you are worth protecting? Do I believe that the people I know who don’t know my God are worth sacrificing for? </span><br />
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<span style="color: #0c343d;">This life is short. We only have so much time. We can spend it on ourselves, thinking, in vain, that we’ll “do it tomorrow”. But if you love someone enough that you don’t want them to have to live any longer in danger of hell, today is the day to tell them about Jesus. Today is the day to sacrifice yourself for your God, the one who made you, the one who bought your freedom at the price of his own son’s blood. You are no longer your own – you are God’s. Out of gratitude for what he’s done, shouldn’t we respond by telling people about how great he is? And aren’t we bound by our dedication to serving Christ to sacrifice ourselves for him?</span>Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-59893878487394889712010-02-24T16:37:00.000-06:002010-02-24T16:37:17.223-06:00Whatcha Lookin' At?<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I must admit I think it's pretty funny in movies when someone is riding a bike and looking the other direction and they run into a car and flip over. I know it's wrong to laugh, but I can't help it! I'm not laughing at their stupidity. After all, we all look in the wrong direction now and then. But it's funny when you see someone else do it!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sometimes "looking in the wrong direction" isn't physical, like tripping over a rock or walking into a glass door. Sometimes it's mental or spiritual. Have you ever been so focused on the past that you don't see what's right in front of you? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">We have a tendency to think about the "good old days" and wish things were as they used to be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Or some of us are so consumed by a wrong that was committed in our past that we can't get over it to see what's happening today. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Or we have become so proud of the thing that has been our "baby" all these years, perhaps at work or in ministry or as a volunteer, that we aren't willing to let go of it and see what new thing lies ahead. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Sometimes the horse is dead and we don't even care because we're still sitting on it, kicking hard and trying to spur it into life.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Isaiah 43 says, "Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland."</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">I think God's telling the Israelites (and us), "Hey! You're looking the wrong way! Open your eyes!!! If you don't stop looking behind you, you're going to miss out on what I have in store for you today!"</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Maybe God has an answer to your prayer, but you are too busy trying to find your own answer that you can't see what He's doing. Maybe He's using someone else to bless you but you aren't paying attention because you're too busy listening to the voices of the past. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What past event, circumstance or hurt have you been focusing on that you need to let go of?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">What "new thing" is God doing in you or around you?</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "Trebuchet MS", sans-serif;">Pray for God to open your eyes to what He wants you to see and to have the desires of His heart, not your own. Pray for Him to help you let go of the past and stop beating that dead horse.</span></div>Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-53653827789527197882010-02-16T13:39:00.000-06:002010-02-16T13:39:00.768-06:00Humility - Part IIHumility. It's one of those things you probably shouldn't brag about, right?<br /><br />The Bible gives a definition of humility based on the life of the one truly humble person - Jesus.<br />In college, this passage was all I studied for one entire class. Because of that, it's one of my favorite scriptures. Philippians 2:3-11 says:<br /><br />"Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility <u>consider others better than yourselves</u>. Each of you should look <u>not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others</u>. Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but <u>made himself nothing</u>, taking the very <u>nature of a servant</u>, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became <u>obedient</u> to death— even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus <u>every knee should bow</u>, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, <u>to the glory of God the Father</u>."<br /><br /><br />The words I underlined tell us what our inner thoughts and attitudes should be, but it also gives us a picture of our posture and the purpose for our humility. Figurative (and sometimes literal) knees bent. Hearts set on others above ourselves. Content to obey. Ready to serve. Willing to sacrifice for someone else's betterment.<br /><br />How does this definition of humility compare with your definition of humility?<br /><br /><p>God gives us the option of humbling ourselves. After all, we possess free will to choose our attitudes. God wants us to know the blessing and contentment of being humble. But God's patience runs out with those who refuse to be humbled, who think higher of themselves than they should. Matthew 23:12 says, "For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and whoever humbles himself will be exalted." </p><br />I don't know about you, but I think I'd rather humble myself than have God humble me. Have you ever been humbled by God? It's painful when our will is broken. But God's discipline doesn't last long and it's always for our good. Because in the end, He is still merciful and gracious.<br /><br />God promises these things to those who have achieved a bit of humility:<br /><br />Proverbs 11:2: When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes <u>wisdom</u>.<br />Proverbs 15:33: The fear of the Lord teaches a man wisdom, and humility comes before <u>honor</u>.<br />1 Peter 5:5: ...All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, "God opposes the proud but gives <u>grace</u> to the humble."<br /><br /><br />Matthew 23:12 again - if we exalt ourselves, God is going to humble us and I bet it's going to hurt. But if we take the first step and submit to God's authority and humble ourselves - in whatever situation we are in - God will exalt us.<br /><br /><br />Remember my story about how God humbled me? Well, I didn't finish it. God exalted me and gave me honor because of an act of humility. When I offered myself to be my boss's assistant, I did it out of humility. I felt God leading me to do it. Not long after that, our big boss, Tommy, brought me up in front of the whole staff and used me as an example. In front of our entire staff, he praised me and "exalted" me. It was uncomfortable, but he told me in private that he wanted other staff members to know that this is the kind of person he wants on staff and he hoped that it would empower others. I know that God has done great things with my ego because I didn't feel the slightest bit of pride in that moment. And I'm thankful that God has humbled me in the past; otherwise, this moment never would have happened.<br /><br /><br />Who do you have trouble being humble around? Why?<br /><br />In what areas does pride overtake you?<br /><br />Do you humble yourself before God and others or is your heart too hardened?<br /><br /><br />Pray for God to soften your heart and help you to submit to others in true humility. Once you are freed from the burden of selfish pride, your life will be less stressful and you will be content to serve God and others.Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-70375283962058304522010-02-08T09:46:00.005-06:002010-02-08T10:33:30.608-06:00Humility - Part ISomeone mentioned that I haven't posted any Bible studies in a long time. Actually, it's been 9 months.I guess I just forgot! If you know me, you know that's the truth. Oops!<br /><br />What is humility?<br />What is humility not?<br />How do you "humble yourself"?<br />What good can come from humility?<br /><br />Humility is NOT self-abasement or self-pity or putting oneself down. Humility is NOT becoming a doormat for people to tread on. Humility is not being a martyr with a poor-me attitude.<br /><br />Being humble comes out of an inner motive to truly put others first out of respect and Christian love, and a desire to honor God with the purity of our hearts and actions.<br /><br />Dictionary.com says humble means "not proud or arrogant, modest, courteously respectful, to make meek."<br /><br />Humility doesn't seem to just show up alone. The Bible pairs humility with some other traits that seem to go along with it:<br /> God says in Isaiah 66:2, "This is the one I esteem: he who is humble and <u>contrite</u> in spirit and trembles at my word." A contrite spirit is a spirit that is filled with sincere remorse for its sinful actions with a desire to turn away from sin.<br /> In Matthew 11:29, Jesus says that he is "<u>gentle</u> and humble in heart."<br /> Jesus tells us that, "whoever humbles himself <u>like this child</u> is the greatest in Heaven." (Mt. 18:4)<br /> <br />The Bible tells us continually to "humble yourself". For those of us who have problems with our pride, that's a tough one. Because sometimes we think we are being humble when we're not. And our pride becomes a very large boulder that stands between us and God's goodness.<br /><br />I used to aspire to being "on top" by having a big fancy title with lots of responsibility and people under me. I would get little promotions or raises or accolades, but never a title like Manager or Director or Pastor or Supervisor. So when I got the opportunity to move from Ministry Assistant to Ministry Associate, I thought I had hit the big time. I was finally going to have a title and an office to go with the degree! That was in July of 2008.<br /><br />In winter of 2008-2009, I went through severe depression and disillusionment with my job. My attitude became poisoned. I started looking for another job because I was so unhappy in mine. I had an office, I had a title, I had responsibility, I even had an assistant. But it didn't make me happy. I stuck it out, however, and God helped my attitude to improve, but last summer, I got a new boss. My attitude got bad again. I gave myself a couple of months to see what would happen, but I knew I was going to hate her.<br /><br />In December, this new boss called me in to talk about my negative attitude during a meeting. She was kind about it and very patient. She wanted to help me do better. She asked if I was happy in my job. No, I wasn't. I was no longer doing what I was good at, but in my pride, I had failed to see it.<br /><br />God opened my eyes and humbled my heart. Now, I'm her assistant and I sincerely care for her deeply. I don't have an office anymore - I have a cubicle. I still have a lot of responsibility and still am part of the pastoral staff, but I know my real talents lie in organization and administrative assistant duties. Oh, I'm still leading groups and I get a kick out of investing in people. But I have been freed from the need to have a title and an office and to be something BIG. My pride has been mutilated by God and I'm so grateful.<br /><br />Stayed tuned. Next week we'll talk about the benefits of being humble, according to God's word.Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-22910168383567782682009-05-06T12:47:00.002-05:002009-05-06T13:18:33.913-05:00James 5:12<span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">James 5:12 "Above all, my brothers, do not swear - not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your 'Yes' be yes, and your 'No,' no, or you will be condemned."</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">Remember when you were a kid and you tried to tell your parents something they didn't believe? You'd say, "I swear, Mom!" That's supposed to mean, "This time I'm not lying!"</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">God tells us that we don't need swear by anything. We don't need to try to convince people of the truth. When we have something to prove, we tend to embellish what we say. If we are honest and say exactly what we mean, we'll never have to prove anything. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">There's a type of counseling called Reality Therapy, where the person being counseled learns that they don't have clarify their responses. If they are asked a question, they can simply answer the truth without explaining why. It can help set them free from the burden of trying to please everyone all the time. James 5:12 is a type of reality therapy. God is telling us to just "say it like it is" without clarifying, justifying, rationalizing, embellishing or lying. </span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">1. Why do we feel like we have to explain ourselves to those around us? Is it because we worry about what they will think of some of our decisions? Or are we trying to hide something we don't want them to know? Do we want them to think we are better than we are?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">2. Sometimes God asks us questions of truth, such as 'Are you spending any time with me?' Or 'How have you treated my children?' When God asks us these questions, how do we answer Him? Are we honest or do we try to justify our answers? What has God asked you this week that you haven't answered truthfully?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">3. We have to be honest not only with God and others but with ourselves. We tend to lie to ourselves by saying, 'I can quit anytime.' Or 'Those friends might be trouble, but I can be a good influence on them.' Or 'It's casual flirting - it's not a big deal.' Or 'I deserve that ice cream because I walked the dog' (my personal favorite). In what areas do you justify your actions or responses?</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">4. James 5:12 says that if we don't follow this command, we will be condemned. The original Greek words meant, "a separation, a trial, judgment." Let us examine our motives so that we will not be separated frmo or judged by God. When you start to see areas that need to be addressed, take it to God immediately. Ask for forgiveness and direction.</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">The next book we will study is....up to you. Vote!</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">Philippians</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">Ecclesiastes</span><br /><span style="font-family:verdana;font-size:130%;">Philemon</span>Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-3653765119709810542009-04-22T08:55:00.002-05:002009-04-22T09:24:59.250-05:00James 4<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Newsweek has an article this week entitled Generation Me, which talks about how our current generation lives for themselves and has an inflated ego mainly because they have not been told (and enforced) the word no. Our world revolves around entitlement and it's what our kids are learning - that they are entitled to whatever they want and it's ALL about them.</span></span><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">James 4:2-3 says, "You want something but don't get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">wrong motives</span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">We don't like to think of ourselves as selfish or self-centered, but our sinful nature is based on self-centeredness. Remember what Satan said in Isaiah 14? "I will ascend to heaven; I will raise my throne above the stars of God...I will make myself like the Most High." Satan was the original author of "It's all about me" and our sinful nature tends to follow in his footsteps. </span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">How can we move past ourselves? God gives plenty of instruction on that.</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">James 4:7-8 "Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Romans 12:2 "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Philippians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Ephesians 4:29 "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">John 13:34 "A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">James 1:21 "Thereford, get rid of all moral filth and evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you."<br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Zechariah 7:9 "...show mercy and compassion to one another."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Romans 10:12 "Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Romans 12:16 "Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Romans 15:7 "Accept one another, then, as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Galatians 5:13 "You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Colossians 3:13 "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have with one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Romans 12:3, "...Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">Really think about ways that you are selfish or self-centered. Think about your motives in everything you do. Are they self-serving? Or do you honor others with your desires? Are you serving God or yourself?</span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';"><br /></span></span></div><div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'trebuchet ms';">It's easy to point out other people's faults - to say they are selfish and you wish they would change. But true change starts within each of us. We can't fix other people. But we can submit to the Lord and He can fix us. </span></span></div>Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-20721726366087543612009-04-08T14:38:00.005-05:002009-04-08T15:05:46.120-05:00James 3:1-12James 3:9-10: "With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and wtih it we curse human beings, who have been made in God's likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be." (TNIV)<br /><br /><br />James says the tongue, which symbolizes our speech, is<br /><br />1) a small part of the body that makes great boasts (v. 5)<br /><br />2) a fire (v. 6)<br /><br />3) a world of evil (v. 6)<br /><br />4) corrupt (v. 6)<br /><br />5) set on fire by hell (v. 6)<br /><br />6) untameable (v. 8)<br /><br />7) restless, evil (v. 8)<br /><br />8) full of deadly poison (v. 8)<br /><br />9) duplicitous (v. 9-12)<br /><br /><br />Shouldn't this scare us? Shouldn't this cause us to be so careful about what comes out of our mouths? Knowing that the minute I open my mouth, I could cause evil, corruption and spread deadly poison, I should intend to keep my mouth shut as much as possible. Remember verse 19 that says, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry"?<br /><br />1. Think of a time when your words hurt someone. Was it because you didn't think before you spoke? Was it intentional? Was it because you didn't listen? Was it because you couldn't keep your mouth shut?<br /><br />2. Have you found yourself saying words to intentionally hurt someone? When we retaliate with our words, we only make things worse. Take those words to God and ask Him to replace them with words of forgiveness and healing.<br /><br />3. When you talk negatively about someone, it causes you to think negatively of that person. The more negative thoughts you have, the more negative speech you have. It becomes a cycle. Try speaking positively of the people who rub you the wrong way. Remember Ephesians 4:29, "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen."<br /><br />4. James 3 talks about how such a small part of the body "corrupts the whole person [and] sets the whole course of his life on fire." What comes to mind when you think of this? What do you think James means?<br /><br />Listen to yourself this week. Pay attention to your tone of voice and the specific words that you use. Notice the difference in how you speak to your family members vs. perfect strangers. If you notice a negative speech pattern, whether it's gossip, cussing, speaking negatively, rudeness, sarcasm or whining and complaining, write it down. Put it somewhere you will see it so you will remember to pray for God to remove it from your mouth.Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-19686270844187647852009-03-19T10:02:00.003-05:002009-03-19T13:51:46.336-05:00James 2:14-26<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">"What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, 'God, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,' but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">...You see that [Abraham's] faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;font-size:130%;">...As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead."</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Scripture tells us over and over that we are saved (from eternal damnation) through grace (from Christ's death on the cross) by faith and that works don't save us. If we want to get to Heaven, we have to believe that Jesus Christ died once and for all as atonement for our sin (Romans 10:9, John 3:16, Hebrews 9:27-28). But what happens once we have secured our salvation? Are we to sit tight and wait to die or for Jesus to suck us up?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">1. Do you believe you can be saved and go to Heaven without having any deeds/fruit on earth reflecting your change of heart?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">2. James said Abraham's faith and actions were working together. What is a modern day example of our faith and actions working together?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">3. Abraham's faith, according to James, was "made complete" by what he did (his actions). What does it mean for our faith to be made complete?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">4. Think about your week. In what ways have you shown your faith by your actions?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">5. Think again about your week. In what ways have your actions contradicted your faith?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;font-size:130%;">Pray this week for God to encourage you to put your faith into action. Consciously watch for opportunities to do so. You don't have to go out of your way to feed the homeless or save orphans and widows. You can put your faith into action by speaking gently to your children, doing something generous for a neighbor, or even doing a chore for your spouse that you usually leave to them.</span>Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-44399496790277336972009-03-10T10:43:00.003-05:002009-03-10T11:02:01.756-05:00James 2:1-5"My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in shabby clothes also comes in. If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, 'Here's a good seat for you,' but say to the poor man...'Sit on the floor by my feet,' have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? Listen, my dear brothers: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?"<br /><br />1. In what areas do you show favoritism? Are you more comfortable around white, clean, upper middle class people? Does a person's race affect the way you look at him? Are certain races more likely to bother you than others (i.e., Middle Eastern)?<br /><br />2. Who do you think is considered "poor in the eyes of the world"?<br /><br />3. What else does the Bible say about rich and poor people? (See Exodus 23:11, Psalm 49:12, Proverbs 23:5, Zechariah 7:10, Matthew 19: 22-24, Mark 10:21, 2 Cor. 8-9, 1 Tim. 6:9)<br /><br />4. Are you particular about who you show mercy to? Do you find yourself showing mercy only to those you like?<br /><br />5. James 2:13 says, "Mercy triumphs over judgment." What do you think this means? How does this make you feel?<br /><br />Think of a time when God was merciful to you and showed you favor when you didn't deserve it. Give him thanks and pray for him to help you not to show favoritism, but to care equally for all people.Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-11512000652846601532009-03-03T09:24:00.005-06:002009-03-03T15:06:53.987-06:00James 1:26-27<strong><span style="font-family:arial;">"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world." James 1:26-27</span></strong><br /><br />The term "religious" has a bad connotation these days. When we hear that someone has religion, we consider them a spastic screaming freak similar to the mother in the movie <em>Carrie</em>. But the Greek word used here for religion is <em>threskeia</em>, and it means outward worship or ceremony.<br /><br />That thrills me because James implies that God is not as much impressed by the raising of our hands or chanting "Jesus" over and over or attending an end times seminar as much as he is by our genuine heartfelt caring for other people and by maintaining our integrity. Oh, yeah, and by <em>keeping a tight rein on our tongue</em>. Ouch!<br /><br />1. In what areas do you have a hard time keeping a tight rein on your tongue? Gossip? Playing know-it-all? Fixing other people with your advice? Cussing? Yelling at drivers on the highway? Putting down your kids or spouse?<br /><br />2. Think about not only the words you say but the tone of voice you use. Does it sound "pure and faultless" to you?<br /><br />3. Who are the "orphans and widows" in your life? What are you doing to "look after" them?<br /><br />3. In what ways are we polluted by the world? How can we guard against it?<br /><br />Ask your spouse or friends to help you listen to your speech this week - be open-minded and allow them to point out times when you haven't kept a tight rein on your tongue. Pray for God to protect you from the world's pollution and to give you a heart for the "orphans and widows" that you come into contact with.Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-57991285307323656622009-02-11T09:53:00.003-06:002009-02-16T08:10:59.797-06:00James 1:19-22<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>"My dear brothers, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, for man's anger does not bring about the righteous life that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">1. Do you find yourself talking more than listening? Do you interrupt others or think of what you're going to say instead of hearing what they are saying?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">2. What sets off your temper? What is it about that situation or person that can get you so angry so fast?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">3. Anger isn't wrong, but what we do with our anger can be wrong. Think of how you usually express your anger. Can you think of a way to express your anger that would be more godly?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">4. Is God's word planted in you? Do you believe it can save you? Save you from what?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">5. In what way have you deceived yourself? Have you listened to God's word and not obeyed? Think of a way you can "do what it says" this week.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">We can't do what the Bible says if we don't know what it says. Pray for God to give you a desire to read the Bible, to help you understand what you read and to help you apply it. </span>Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-22118743408024087292009-02-11T09:42:00.003-06:002009-02-13T10:09:14.866-06:00James 1:13-15<span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;"><strong>"When tempted, no one should say, 'God is tempting me.' For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death."</strong></span><br /><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></strong><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">1. What are you tempted by? Overeating? Drinking too much? Dating the wrong people? Gossip? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">2. At what times do you give in to temptation? When you're alone? When you're depressed? Sick? Angry?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">3. Who tempts us, according to the verses above? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">4. Do you rationalize or justify your "own evil desire"? </span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">5. What can you do to keep the temptation from becoming desire or the desire from becoming sin?</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Pray for God to open your eyes to the areas of temptation where you struggle. Pray for Him to help you see the way out of that temptation.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">If you like to memorize verses, memorize this one, or at least think about it:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">1 Corinthians 10:13</span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. <strong>But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.</strong></span><br /><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span>Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1246836136383670653.post-86179024579791792562009-02-11T09:04:00.000-06:002009-02-11T09:27:26.592-06:00James Chapter 1: 2-4<span style="font-size:180%;"><strong><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."</span></strong><br /><strong><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span></strong><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">1. Why do we need to have joy in the midst of our trials? </span><br /><span style="font-family:trebuchet ms;">2. What trials have tested your faith? </span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">3. What does perseverance look like to you?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">4. Why do you think perseverance is a key ingredient to maturity?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">5. What qualities in you need to become "mature and complete"?</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;"></span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Pray for God to help you in these areas.</span><br /><span style="font-family:Trebuchet MS;">Post comments below or on facebook.</span><br /></span>Krishttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09298975372298467213noreply@blogger.com1