One of the criticisms that Jesus enemies often employed was that He ate with the publicans and sinners. We find this criticism recorded for us in the following passages: Matthew 9:10, 11; 11:19; Mark 2:15, 16; Luke 5:30, 7:34, 15:1. Jesus associated with these people to teach them the gospel.
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for […]
“Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for […]
An Acrostic for Godly Mothers M – Many hours of work for rearing children (Proverbs 14:1, 31:27). O – Often she gets up early and stays up late to provide […]
In contrast to our burgeoning physical waistlines, we are spiritually wasting away. Spiritually, we need to have a balanced diet as well; we need less spiritual sugar and fat; we need more spiritually healthy choices. It isn't easy to give up a diet of sugar and fat, after all, they taste so good! Similarly, it isn't easy to divorce ourselves from spiritual sugar and fat (i.e. the "feel good" approach to spirituality). So, how can we improve our spiritual diet?
In contrast to our burgeoning physical waistlines, we are spiritually wasting away. Spiritually, we need to have a balanced diet as well; we need less spiritual sugar and fat; we need more spiritually healthy choices. It isn't easy to give up a diet of sugar and fat, after all, they taste so good! Similarly, it isn't easy to divorce ourselves from spiritual sugar and fat (i.e. the "feel good" approach to spirituality). So, how can we improve our spiritual diet?
In contrast to our burgeoning physical waistlines, we are spiritually wasting away. Spiritually, we need to have a balanced diet as well; we need less spiritual sugar and fat; we need more spiritually healthy choices. It isn't easy to give up a diet of sugar and fat, after all, they taste so good! Similarly, it isn't easy to divorce ourselves from spiritual sugar and fat (i.e. the "feel good" approach to spirituality). So, how can we improve our spiritual diet?
James does not say HOW God gives wisdom. He just states the fact of it. Perhaps some expect God to just miraculously insert wisdom into their psyche like King Solomon. (Where are these geniuses?) That’s not going to happen. Even Jesus grew in wisdom (Luke 2:52). It’s a process, like our prayers for patience. Wisdom comes from thoughts; thoughts come from words; words come from experience; experience comes from practice.
Putting confidence in God is also wise. It is a shift away from confidence in self. The tension between God and self is the ultimate test of faith because each person is always there with himself to challenge whether he will trust in God.
The very act of praying for wisdom produces instant wisdom because it is wise to open oneself up to the possibility of receiving wisdom. The act of doubting that God will give wisdom is itself unwise because one closes oneself off to the possibility of receiving wisdom, which, in and of itself, is not wise. It is wise to desire wisdom.
The beauty of Jesus can be seen in my devotion when I have His peace in my life. He said, “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid” (John 14:27).
All worship (public or private) demands full attention. How could it be any other way? Does the Ruler of the Cosmos, the Almighty God who created the heavens, the earth, and all that is in them, deserve anything less than one’s full attention? God is worthy to be praised (Psalm 22:4)!
Emotions also move us one way or the other to take action. Happiness, sadness, love, hate, anxiety, contentment: these are all emotions that we may experience and there are many more. Emotions are so powerful that many confuse them with God’s acting in their life. God can certainly use our emotions, but feelings come from our own bodies and are the result of the beliefs that we hold in our hearts, the actions we take, and the responses of others.
We need that voice when we are studying for an exam or trying to get a certification for a job. God also appeals to our reason (Isaiah 1:8) when trying to convince us of our need for repentance and salvation. We must use our reason to study God’s word and evaluate our own lives in relationship to it (2 Timothy 2:15).
What can I do to evangelize? What can I do to promote the gospel of Jesus Christ? This week, you can invite your friends and neighbors to our gospel meeting. Brother Jeff Whatley will be preaching on the topic “Living by Faith.” Jeff is a wonderful person and gospel preacher. We will do well to invite our friends and family to come hear him.
We should seek to hear counsel and receive instruction for those that imitate Christ. This is spoken by Paul in 1 Corinthians 11:1 "Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ." We seek the advice he gives in his epistles, which are inspired by God and delivered to man through the Holy Spirit. We should also apply instructions seen in the proper examples shown by godly people.
Everyone enjoys praise! But the price of praise is preparation and performance. Praise is usually associated with a good reputation. This for most people is important and is attained with proper life choices and a pleasurable attitude. A good reputation also requires effort and discipline. We strive to achieve a good reputation to be accepted by others.
we must also possess the proper attitude and demeanor when speaking to others. Notice the man of understanding is of a calm spirit. Just as we find in the book of James, the New Testament inspired book of practical wisdom. James 1:19 "Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath."
Our spring gospel meeting is one month away! It begins on February 23rd and continues through the 26th. The theme of this meeting is “Living By Faith.” Brother Jeff Whatley, […]
We need to determine to get out and start evangelizing for Christ. The stakes are too high, and the souls of men hang in the balance. Let’s resolve to make an effort to evangelize our community. “Do you not say, ‘There are still four months and then comes the harvest’? Behold, I say to you, lift up your eyes and look at the fields, for they are already white for harvest!” (John 4:25).