Wielding the Sword

Blessed is the man who endures temptation:  for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.  Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God", for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  The, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.

James 1:12-16 (NKJ)

 

 

As Christians we WILL BE tested in our walk with the Lord.  In fact, the truth is we will have numerous tests and temptations throughout our lives.  In the last devotional we looked at how we have a choice to either cry out to the Lord when tempted or hang around temptation long enough until we succumb to it.  Now let's look at a tool the Lord has provided for us which will enable us to endure temptation and "receive that crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him."

 

Matthew 4:1-11 tells about Jesus being tempted in the wilderness and how He used the Word of God in a showdown with Satan.  I like what my NKJ Bible's footnote* has to say about Jesus' temptation:  "From the divine standpoint, it means a positive test; from the Devil's standpoint it implies enticement to sin; from Jesus' standpoint, it is a challenge from Satan to test God's sovereignty and plan."

 

The footnotes also go on to explain why it was important that Jesus used the Word when Satan challenged God's sovereignty.  "Word in this text comes from a Greek word, rhema.  It means 'that which is said or spoken, an utterance', in contrast to logos, which is the expression of a thought, a message, a discourse.  Logos is the message and rhema is the communication of the message...The meaning of rhema in distinction to logos is illustrated in Ephesians 6:17, where the reference is not to the Scriptures as a whole, but to that portion which the believer wields as a Sword in the time of need."  The rhema Word of God is active and powerful while fortifying and supporting the logos Word of God

 

Jesus' defense against Satan actually was an active offense where He used specific portions of God's Word to combat the devil.  When Satan comes at you in an attempt to test God's sovereignty in your life, one of your greatest defenses is in wielding the powerful Sword of the Spirit.  As the wielder of the Sword, it ensures your victory over the enemy every time.

 

 

  *Jack Hayford's New Spirit Filled Life Bible


Application of God's Word:

1.  Do you realize that when you are able to apply specific application of God's Word to your trial or situation, you are wielding the rhema Sword of the Spirit?

2.  You can endure temptation by using the same words Jesus said, "It is written..."

3.    Are you wrestling with temptation even now?  What specific scriptures apply to your situation which you can use to withstand Satan and the flesh?  When you wield the Word of God and use it, Satan will have to flee.

4.  God is for you and He believes in your victory by providing you with a powerful tool.  Read Hebrews 4:12.


Personal Matters:

You do realize I'm "preaching" to myself on this one cuz', unfortunately, I've gained 12 pounds over the past few months.  The truth is I haven't even tried to fight the temptation to overeat and have managed to justify my actions time and time again.  Do I have to eat the entire half gallon of Rocky Road Ice Cream?  According to Satan, I deserve that ice cream because I've had a rough day and every bite will comfort me and soothe my tattered ego.  And you know...temporarily, it does appease me; however, it doesn't go to the depth of my soul and bring the lasting comfort I desire.  The absolute truth is, according the God's Word, only He can satisfy the longings of my soul.  If I taste and see that the Lord is good, I will be satisfied.  There are two things I need to do:  1)  cry out to God knowing He will give me strength to endure the temptation, and 2)  use the rhema Word of God by applying God's truth to my particular situation and using it to expose the lies of the enemy.

 

Here's why I believe Satan has to flee when I use the active and alive (rhema) Word of God:  God doesn't lie, His Word is truth.  The truth of God's Word brings to Light the lies of the enemy which lurk in the dark corners of my mind and emotions exposing those lies for what they really are...fabrications of a doomed being.  The truth of God's Word overpowers the lies of the enemy causing those lies to lose their grip on my life.

You know, instead of picking up the spoon I need to start picking up the Sword of the Spirit.  How about you?  Are you struggling with a temptation right now?  If we all choose to wield the living and active Word of God, Satan will have to flee and we will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

(P.S.  There's an addendum in the comment section of this post which might be worth reading.  I pray it will encourage you.)


 



To Cry Out or Not To Cry Out

Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am tempted by God"; for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.  But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.  Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.  Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
James 1:13-15  (NKJ)

 

According to the above scriptures, when we are tempted God doesn't do the tempting Himself because it is not in His divine nature to cause someone to sin.  He will divinely permit trials to come into our lives to test us and reveal what truly is in our hearts.  Actually, He already knows what's in our hearts;  the testing is so that we might see it as well.  These scriptures also make it very clear the destructive path we follow when we choose to sin.  The problem I run into is sometimes I choose to have what I want, when I want it, the way I want it.

 

I need to lose a few pounds.  Okay, the truth is I need to lose more than just a few - more like twenty-five pounds to be exact.  If I find myself hanging around the kitchen opening the freezer where the ice cream is stashed, I'm in a lot of trouble.  I'm setting myself up to eat what I shouldn't eat.  That includes hanging around the cookie jar and the cupboard where the chips are screaming my name.  Can anyone else relate to this?

 

It's important that I don't deceive myself.  Father God won't physically walk into my kitchen and slam the freezer or cupboard doors for me nor will He put a lock on the cookie jar.  Sometimes I feel like I don't have a choice where the food is concerned.  However, I do have a choice whether or not I cry out to God.

 

God does not tempt me to set me up to fail.  He is for me and He desires that I live life to its fullest.  The incredible thing is when I do choose to cry out to the Lord, He promises to help me flee from the temptation; therefore, making a way of escape by becoming my strength in time of weakness (see 1 Cor. 10:13 and 2 Cor. 12:9).


Application of God's Word:

1.  Can you relate to being tempted?

2.  Maybe your weakness isn't food.  What is one thing which causes you to lose self-control?

3.  In the midst of trials and temptation God has promised to give us wisdom, if we ask Him for it (James 1:5).  For me that would mean knowing to stay out of the kitchen when I don't need to be in there.  It also means knowing when to cry out to Lord for His strength and not to try attempt to fight the temptation in my own strength.

4.  What are ways God can help you to know how to handle a particular temptation?  Be specific about how He can help you to make wiser choices.


Personal Matters:   

Sometimes it's not about what I'm eating as much as it is about what's eating me.  I can make all the vows I want about not eating that half gallon of Rocky Road ice cream, but unless God in me is working in me, my good intentions and resolve will come to naught.  The progression of sin in James 1:13-15 is kind of depressing BUT I DO NOT HAVE TO FOLLOW THAT PATH.  In the flesh, I may not have power over the ice cream but I do have the power to choose to cry out to the Lord knowing He will provide a way of escape.  Every time. 

 

 

 

 

 



Fortunate is the Man (or Woman)

Blessed is the man who endures temptation, for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James 1:12  (NKJ)

 

Blessed - makrios - supremely blessed; by extension fortunate, well off;-blessed, happy(x-ier); to pronounce happy, blessed...the nature of that which is the highest good.

 

Temptation - peirasmos - is used of "trials" with a beneficial purpose and effect; "trials" or "temptations," divinely permitted or sent.

 

Crown - stephanos - primarily "that which surrounds, as a wall or crowd", denotes "a token of public honor:  for distinguished service, military prowess...It was woven as a garland of oak, ivy, parsley, myrtle, or olive or in imitation of these in gold.  In James 1:12 it stands as an emblem of life, joy, reward and glory.

 

Abraham and Job both experienced this sort of testing which was divinely permitted by God and they were both found righteous.  God knew the outcome of their testing because He knew their hearts and knew they trusted Him completely with their lives.  God knows your heart, recognizing a heart which loves Him.  He knows His love for you and your love for Him endures all things enabling you to trust Him in the most difficult of circumstances.

 

Fortunate is the man (or woman) who can be trusted by God to be tested knowing that the triumphant testing is of the highest good for that man (or woman) and for others impacted by that man's life.  God does notice and will honor the faithfully tested one.

 

 

Application of God's Word:

1.  Look at the definition of temptation used in James 1:12.  Peirasmos is used of "trials" with a beneficial purpose and effect, "trials or "temptations," divinely permitted or sent.

2.  Are you facing a trial that is divinely permitted or sent?

3.  What was the purpose for God testing Abraham and Job?

4.  What do you think is the purpose for God testing you right now?

5.  If you could look through spiritual, eternal eyes at your trial, what do you think you would see?


Personal Matters:

I know a couple who have been tested and tested and tested and tested.  Life hasn't been easy for them as they have both faced life-threatening illnesses for years.  Their children have had their share of struggles too.  Now the husband has been told the disease he has so valiantly fought will kill him within the next few months.  I sent him a card a while back letting him know he is my hero.  His faith in his God and the healing power of Christ is unwavering, and even though he is now walking through the valley of the shadow of death, his trust and hope in God are still strong.  He "knows whom he has believed and is persuaded that He is able to keep that which he has committed unto Him against that day."  God has tested my friend and he has been found faithful. 

I don't understand why my friends have had to suffer so much agony in their lives.  I'm sure they don't either.  And yet, they do attest to the goodness and grace of God in every step that they take.  I hear the Lord saying to them, "Well done, good and faithful servants.  Well done."
 

Definitions taken from Strong's Concordance and Vine's Dictionary.

 

 





Focus on the Eternal

Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.  For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes.  So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

James 1:9-11  (NKJ)

 

With his purple robe flowing behind him, the man sauntered to the window of his lavish bedroom.  Narrowing his eyes, he stared at the beggar man, Lazarus, who was sitting at the front gate of the compound. 



"Why my gate?" the man complained to his wife.  "Why can't he take his disgusting body full of those wretched sores and beg somewhere else?  He or his parents must have done something evil for God to punish him so severely."

 

Turning from the window, the man grabbed his chest falling to the floor.  As he took his last breath the haughtiness of his soul was still evident on his face.  Lazarus also died that same day.  If you continue to read the story from Luke 16:19-25, you will discover the rich man was tormented in Hades while Lazarus was seated with Abraham, which would have been considered a place of distinction.

 

James and Luke weren't saying all poor people will go to heaven nor are they railing against those who are rich.  Basically, it boils down to this:  a Christian who is of humble means can rejoice in their position in Christ, knowing they are a child of the King of kings; a Christian who is rich can rejoice in their blessings, but also in humility knowing they will indeed die some day and their wealth will fade away.

 

Unfortunately, the rich man in Luke 16 lost focus of what was truly eternal.  Our significance, regardless of our worldly possessions and position, is found in Christ and in our personal, ongoing relationship with Him.  Neither wealth nor position will ever influence God's friendship with us.  His love is eternal and we can rest assured in the fact that only what is done in Him and through Him will last.

 

Application of God's Word:


1.  Read Psalm 73:1-9.  Like David, do you ever become frustrated when it seems that the rich just get richer and become more prosperous?  After all, you are the one who has been faithful to God!

2.  Read Luke 16:19-25 and James 1:9-11.

3.  Is our relationship with God ever based on our lack or our prosperity?  What do you think God is trying to tell you in these passages?

4.  "Neither wealth nor position will ever influence God's friendship with us."  What does that mean to you?
 

 

 

 



How Are Your Sea Legs?

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.  But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.  For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-mined man,

unstable in all his way.

James 1:5-8  (NKJ)

 

 

Have you ever been on a boat when the waves of the sea were driven and tossed by the wind?  It helps to walk on deck if you can figure out the rhythm of the sea.  Unfortunately, a wind-tossed boat has no rhythm because the waves will come at you from all sides.  When you try to walk you will be highly unstable with a good chance of falling hard on your backside.

 

Many years ago a church I attended in Chula Vista, CA decided to go on a fishing excursion on the ocean.  It was a beautiful day, not too cold and the sun was shining; however, the wind was howling.  With the boat riding the waves up and down and side-to-side, I had lots of fun fishing for albacore.  Unfortunately, a couple of my friends were curled up in fetal positions on the deck of the boat because they couldn't find their sea legs.  As a result they were extremely sick, including one U.S. Naval sailor.

 

A person who asks God for wisdom during the stormy trials of life but then doubts God will give it to him is like the sailor with weak sea legs.  One moment he's standing in firm faith believing God will indeed do what He says He will do.  The next moment he's curled up in a fetal position in disbelief doubting God will come through for him.

 

The disciples, many of them seasoned fishermen, were fearful during a storm at sea.  Jesus wasn't.  In fact, he was curled up asleep in the midst of the howling wind and vicious waves.  Once the disciples woke Jesus up, He questioned them, "Why are you so fearful?  How is it that you have no faith?"  He did calm the storm for their sakes by saying, "Peace, be still."  However, I like the incredible definition of peace we see in Jesus while he slept through the storm.

 

Are you facing "howling winds" and "slashing waves" in your life right now?  How are your sea legs?  Peace be still.  Rest assured that Jesus is there with you in the midst of storm.  He heard you cry out to Him where His peace, love, grace and wisdom are all available in this moment.


Application of God's Word:

1.  How are your sea legs?

2.  Be assured, you can ask the Lord to help your unbelief (Mark  9:14-29, 24).

3.  Read Mark 4:35-41.

4.  Answer the question in verse 41..."Who can this be that even the wind and the sea obey Him?"

Personal Matters:

I love it that God "says what He means and means what He says."  He says He is Love; therefore, He love you unconditionally.  He says He will forgive; therefore, He forgives you when you confess your sins through Jesus Christ.  He says He will heal; therefore, He brings health and wholeness to your body.  He says He will never leave you nor forsake you; therefore, He is with you always.  He says the waters and fires of life's trials will not consume; therefore, He will give you the strength to walk through what it is you're facing right now.  His Word and His promises are straight-forward.  Stop struggling against the storm and allow His peace be with You in the midst of the storm.  I'm sorry you are facing the trials and the difficulties in this moment but I also know you're not walking through it alone.  Open your spiritual eyes and see Who is there holding you up. 

   





He Won't Rub Salt Into the Wound

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trails...
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1:2, 5  (NKJ)

 

 

We face trials for various reasons.  Some trials are for the sake of discipline and are the consequences of our own doing; some trails aren't even about us, they are instruments God uses to minister to others; some are a result of living righteously before the Lord in a fallen world.

 

For now, let's look specifically at the trials which are of our own doing resulting in discipline from God.  According to Hebrews 12:3-11, since God loves and cares about us, He will bring correction to our lives.  When we confess our sin in repentance, He will forgive not even holding against us the character flaw which brought on the trial in the first place.  Where we lack in understanding He will enlighten us, helping us to learn and grow from the trial and its consequences. 

 

God miraculously saved me in March, 1970.  Unfortunately, in 1982, I walked away from my relationship with the Lord and lived a willfully sinful lifestyle for several years.  I'll spare you the details of how bad I was during that time; but I will share with you how Good God was when, like the Prodigal Son, I came to my senses and realized the sinfulness of my ways.  I desperately needed God to help me straighten out my life.  When I called out to God repenting and asking for His wisdom in putting my life back together, He joyfully ran to me.

 

I love that about the Lord...and without reproach...He won't rub salt into the wound.  He won't mock and taunt by saying, "You made your bed, now lie in it."  He won't rail and lecture, scolding us for our humanness.  In the footnotes of my NKJ Bible*, it states, "James 1:5 assures us that God gives without reminding us of our unworthiness."

 

What He will do is give us a bountiful amount of wisdom, teeming with understanding and humility.  His goodness will lead up to repentance which will then lead to a maturing in our spiritual walk with Him (see Romans 2:4).  Coming back to the Lord and facing the consequences of my sin wasn't "a walk in the park."  Even now there are residual effects that my family struggles with, sometimes on a daily basis.  But God has unconditionally forgiven me bringing me back into the fold and continually gives me wisdom to eternally walk out my salvation.

 

 

 Application of God's Word:

1.  Are you possibly facing a trial of your own doing resulting in discipline from God?

2.  It's never too late to repent...turn around and go the other way.  Right now is a good time to head  toward the Father.  I promise you, He will run to you with open arms.

3.  It's never about how bad we are but how Good He is.

4.  Maybe you didn't walk away from your relationship with God but there are issues in your life in which you need His forgiveness and/or wisdom.  He will generously bestow either one (or both) on you when you cry out to Him.  Ask Him now.

 



 

 *Jack Hayford's New Spirit Filled Life Bible  (NKJ)


Personal Matters:

We do face various trials for various reasons.  Today I chose to look at those trials which are a consequence of our own doing.  Even though it's been over twenty years since I've been "back in the fold" so to speak, I still don't take God's unconditional love, mercy, grace and forgiveness for granted.  I am completely dependent on Him and His wisdom in helping me walk out my salvation on a daily basis.

To be honest, I grew up in a rough environment and didn't receive a lot of outward expressions of love and acceptance.  When people talked to me about the Father's love I always saw it through glasses of abuse and disappointment.  When I came back to the Lord not only did my heavenly Father forgive me my trespasses but my husband did as well.  Through his unconditional love and forgiveness, I now have a deeper understanding of the Father's love for me.  My husband wrote me a letter a few months after "things came to light" about my past and I'll never forget one of the things he wrote..."I not going anywhere."  It was at that point I understood God's Love for me.  I was waiting for the "other shoe to drop" where I would be horribly punished for my wrong doing.  God did bring discipline to my life but not in the form of public punishment and humiliation which I felt I rightly deserved.  He brought people into my life who I could trust and could be held accountable to and who cared enough about me to speak truth into my life.

Not all trials are a consequence of our own doing.  Some reasons for facing trials are listed in the first paragraph.  However, if you do have "issues" which need God's forgiveness, grace and mercy there is no time like RIGHT NOW to run into His waiting arms.  I can't promise you it will be an easy road to travel but you won't regret it either.  Run!  He misses you and He's expecting you.  

 



A Work In Progress

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.  But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.  If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

James 1:2-5 (NJK) 

 

 

I've been a Christian for forty-three years, and yet (sigh), I'm still a work in progress.  The last ten months have been challenging with several trials thrown at our family.  (A close relative attempted suicide and I'm the one who found her unconscious in her home,  we faced a serious financial crisis, my husband's brother died after a short bout with leukemia, we changed churches after being with our dear pastors and friends for 28 years, and my sister almost died a couple of weeks ago.)  I have to admit it, I did my share of whining and complaining and fretting and doubting.  There were days when my strength and peace seemed completely depleted.  I didn't always "count it all joy" when I fell into these various trials.

I don't think God was asking me to be happy because my brother-in-law died or that my sister almost died.  I don't think God was expecting me to rejoice because my bills weren't being paid.  I do believe He wanted me to recognize His workings in my family's life and be joyful in the fact I was (and am) secure in His hands.

 

You know, maybe a little glimpse of heaven would help me better understand the "count it all joy" thing mentioned in the above verses.

 

Father:  I know these trials will hurt some, and yet, I'm excited because the spiritual maturity will be worth Lollie's momentarily suffering.  As the humans say, "No pain, no gain."

 

Son:  I agree, Father.  Even though it will be painful, I believe this will help her put things into better perspective and bring the fruit of patience, grace and mercy into her spirit.  Her compassion for others facing the same challenges will grow immensely.

 

Holy Spirit:  I will not be the author of these trials but will allow Satan to stir the waters for a while; however, I will walk with her offering comfort and strength.

 

Father:  Lollie will initially be reactionary but she'll learn to take her eyes off the situations and to focus on Me.  And she's smart enough to ask Me for wisdom where it's lacking in her life.  The day is coming when she will choose joy when facing various trials knowing a good work is being completed in her.

 

Let's face it, we're all still a work in progress.  The joyful news is we can trust God knowing the trials we encounter help us to mature and become complete in Him.  And we can rest assured the those trials will not overwhelm us.  I shared this in the last devotional but it's worth repeating:  He promises that "when you pass through the water, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you."  (Isaiah 43:2a, NKJ)

 

 

Application of God's Word:

1.  Are you facing trials in your life right now?

2.  Read the above "heavenly script" changing my name to your name.

3.  What is God wanting to accomplish in your life through these trials?

4.  Read Isaiah 43:1-2 and meditate on His promise.


Personal Matters:

I remember seeing a bumper sticker once which read, "Be patient, God isn't done with me yet."  Isn't that the truth?  The Bible says we are saved and we are being saved.  Don't get me wrong...my salvation is complete...the redemptive act of Christ on the cross was sufficient.  However, I also believe God wants me to "grow in grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."  (See 1 Peter 3:18).  The growing part is progressive and for some reason various trials help me to grow and mature in my faith.  As I grow in Him while facing these trials, hopefully I'll be able to put the whiney baby to rest while joyfully walking in maturity with my focus completely on Him.  Honestly, I'm not there yet.  But that's okay too cuz' I understand I'm "still a work in progress."
 

Christians Get Wet Too

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials.

James 1:2  (NKJ)

Several years ago in the bathroom at church a woman was telling me how she had witnessed to a waitress at a local restaurant earlier that morning.  The waitress was a single mother trying to take care of her four young children and make ends meet.  One of the things the Christian woman shared went something like this..."If you give your life to Jesus Christ, all your problems will vanish.  He will take away all the hardships from your life."

Based on what she had been told, if the waitress had given her heart to the Lord, there's a good chance her relationship with Him wouldn't have lasted.  She would have been disillusioned when difficulties came her way.

Some Christians do believe that once they commit their lives to the Lord Jesus Christ, all their troubles will indeed disappear.  However, that's not what God's Word says will happen.  Matthew 5:45 states, "...He makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."  If you are alive and breathing, there will be seasons of sunshine and, yes, seasons of stormy weather too.

Fortunately, when those stormy trials come your way, you do not have to fear them because you are never alone; the Lord is with you every step of the way.  He promises that "when you pass through the water, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow you."  (Isaiah 43:2a)

Even though it's true I will face my fair share of trials by the time I die, it's also true God will be with me every step of the way.  Trial after trial I have experienced His faithfulness and goodness and mercy.  I'm astounded that day after day I am able to get out of bed and face what may come.  It is only by His grace I can crawl back into bed at the end of an eventful day with hope in my heart for what the next day will hold.


Application of God's Word:

1.  What stormy trials are you facing right now?

2.  How can you apply His promises to your situation?

3.  Remember, you are never alone...allow God to be your strength and hope.


Personal Matters:

The Midwest has had a lot of rain lately.  This last Monday (5/27/13) we drove home from northeast Iowa and it was sad how many of the farms were underwater.  Rivers were flowing out of their banks and it looked like the entire state was turning into one big lake.  The "just and the unjust" were saturated in rain water.  I feel like that pretty well describes what has been happening with the Hofer clan over the past several months.  We've faced our fair share of flood waters and then some.  Even though at times we've become weary with all the dog paddling we've had to do, God has sustained us and the trials have not overcome us.  We have sensed the peace of God on our lives even we've had to "walk through the valley of the shadow of death."  I don't dread tomorrow or what it may hold for us because as an old song says, "I know who holds tomorrow and I know He holds my hand."   


 

Choosing to Serve

James, a bondservant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:  Greetings.

James 1:1  (NKJ)

 

James could have bragged about a couple things in this verse.  It could have easily read James, the brother of the Lord Jesus Christ or it could have even read James, the main leader of the church in Jerusalem.  However, James humbly declared himself, "James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ."

James understood the meaning of bondservant.  He learned what a bondservant was from Exodus 21:16.  It was someone who, compelled by love, chose to serve their master for life.  A servant's ear was pierced as a sign of the binding commitment he made to his master.  In his life time, James probably knew of people who chose to lay down their rights of freedom to become a bondservant to his or her master.

James also learned what a bondservant was from the example set by his half-brother, Jesus.  In His own words Jesus stated, "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many."  There are numerous biblical examples of how Jesus laid down His life to serve others, culminating with the greatest sacrifice of all...the price of His life for our freedom.  James, once free and motivated by love, chose to have his heart pierced in life-time service to His Lord Jesus Christ.

There are times when I do everything possible to have my service for the Lord noticed.  It's not wrong to want to be appreciated for my service to the Lord; however, if words of praise are my motivation then my service will be wanting and filled with dissatisfaction.  If I serve my Lord because, like James, my heart is pierced by Jesus Christ and I desire to make a binding commitment to Him, I will find peace and satisfaction no matter in what capacity He calls me to serve.

To be honest, sometimes my American mindset causes me to look at others with the prospect of what they can do for me and not necessarily what I can do for them.  In the footnote of my NKJ Bible* it states, "The measure for success for children of God is not in how we rule, but in how we serve."


Application of God's Word:

1.  If you were to write an epistle to the Church, how would you describe yourself in your opening statement?

2.  What is your motive in serving others?

3.  Read Mark 10:42-45.

*Jack Hayford's The Spirit Filled Life Bible  (NKJ)


Personal Matters:

I know someone who served on a cruise ship for nine months.  She said as far as the cruise employees were concerned that having to serve Americans on a cruise was like drawing the short straw.  No one wanted to work the American cruises because of the unreasonable demands placed on the employees.  It's true they were there to serve, but many were treated more like slaves by the customers than like employees.  At times, more often than I like to admit, my American mindset convinces me that I am superior, that I'm owed something and it's someone else's duty to fulfill my needs on demand.  The truth is, it's not always about me - sometimes its about God and others.  My selfishness has a tendency to blind me to the needs of others and serving them is the farthest thing from my mind.  President Kennedy famously stated, "Ask not what your country can do for you - ask what you can do for your country."  I suppose this could be paraphrased just a bit..."Ask not what God can do for you - ask what you can do for God."  God isn't done with me where this topic is concerned...I'm thinking He wants me to hang here for awhile and take a closer look as to what it means to be a bondservant.  Sigh.  I have a lot of "dying to self" to do yet.  How about you?

If It Isn't Practical, It Isn't Spiritual

James, a bondservant of God, and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad:  Greetings.

James 1:1 (NKJ)

James, in a straight forward and no nonsense manner, gives us some of the best advice we could ever receive when it comes to "walking the walk and talking the talk."  His approach in writing this book is imperative in nature which is evident in the fifty-four commands he gave (taken from my bible footnotes*).  As we study the book of James, there is something we will come to appreciate about the author.  He was a practical man with great advice for Christian living.

According to Funk & Wagnalls Standard Desk Dictionary, the word practical means, "1.  Pertaining to or governed by actual use and experience or action, as contrasted with speculation.  2.  Trained by or derived from practice or experience.  3.  Applicable to use."

For example, James doesn't speculate as to how we can count it all joy when we fall into various trials (1:2-4)...he knows that we will face trials but he also knows we can consider it a great opportunity for spiritual growth.  How does he know these things?  He experienced them in his own life too.  He knew the personal cost of living such a life.  Since James experienced these things himself, he gives sound advice which can be applied to our daily lives.

My husband, Mike,  and I own "Hofer's Auto Repair, Inc."  God has blessed our business and we consider to a joy to minister to others in such a practical thing as fixing someone's vehicle.  Occasionally, money has been tight and it's been a challenge to make payroll and keep the account payables current.  We have been at this for twenty-two years and the one thing we've learned over the years is, when those bills absolutely have to be paid, the money comes in.  God has never failed us in providing the finances we've needed.  Not one single time did the bills not get paid; maybe not always right on time but they were paid when they couldn't be delayed any longer.  We have come to learn that God is our Provider and very seldom do we lose sleep at night, no matter how dismal things may seem.  On a couple occasions, we owed several thousand dollars which had to be paid by the next day.  At the end of that day the money was in our account and we were writing checks like crazy.  We live by Philippians 4:13 and 4:19 on a practical, daily basis.

Over the years I've heard the pastor of The Family Room, Don White, make the statement, "If it isn't practical, it isn't spiritual."  Here's to exploring the more practical issues of our faith.




Application of God's Word:

1.  Look at the definition for "practical" again.

2.  Is there room for "practical" and "faith" in our lives?  How?

3.  From your own life how have the two (practical and faith) operated together?

4.  Read Philippians 4:13, 19.


*Jack Hayford's New Spirit Filled Life Bible (NKJ)


Personal Matters:

According to the above definition "practical" means learning from life's experiences.  One of the greatest life lessons I've learned over the years is about the faithfulness of God.  He consistently takes care of us and meets our needs time and time again.  His faithfulness to love, provide, protect and offer His grace and mercy is never based on my worthiness or my performance.  It is based on His love and compassion for me, His child.  My God truly does supply all my needs (and many of my "wants" too) according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.