In it for the Long Haul

by | Sep 5, 2015 | James

James 1: 12-17

“I don’t care and I want it now!” -Veruca Salt Willy Wonka

As I’m writing this, I’m becoming increasing impatient with how long I’m spending writing this and how my wifi isn’t fast enough to stream Apple Music. My life is constantly in a state of irritably looking at the clock and wondering, “Why is this taking so long?” “Cars get out my way now! “The “Uberization” of the world is in full-swing, but at what cost? Even dating is becoming streamlined and hassle-free with Tinder. Relationships must be quick, convenient and less  time-commitment. Let’s get real: We don’t care and we want it now, but what is this doing to us spiritually? To be clear, Uber and Tinder aren’t the problem, we would have this problem regardless. We all have a little Veruca in us, but the Christian life is about rolling up our sleeves and daily pursuing God and asking Him to make us more into the Image of Christ.

James 1:12

Even in Biblical times, James is writing to believers and encouraging them to remain steadfast during trials and that those who remain faithful will inherit the crown of life. Passages like this are a struggle to read. They are in complete opposition of what we experience. Let’s be honest, remaining faithful is boring. It’s antiquated language. Following through with commitments is becoming uncommon, but how our hearts must yield to scripture.

James 1:13

This is one of my favorite verses because it speaks to the human psyche. The thought pattern is: When temptation happens, it’s God’s fault. Why would God allow temptation into my life. Or well I just can’t stop doing….[fill in the blank]. James is very quick to correct this. God is not upstairs playing some sick game with humanity. The story of Job is the most accurate depiction of how God allows, but does not cause.

James 1:14-16

Bad things happen because of our sin, which originates in our desires, which ultimately leads to death. You’re the problem!!!! I’m the problem!!! My temptations come from the depths of my black heart that’s constantly wrestles with my spirit for control. Temptation is the elusive carrot dangling that our heart yearns to reach for. It’s the soft whisper of deceit that edges us one step too far. James is warning believers to stop thinking temptation is out of our control and start taking control. Be responsible for your relationship with God.

James 1:17

In contrast of our own ugly, sinful desires, God is good. He’s a God that gives magnificent treasures. He gives perfection. Unlike our ever-changing state, God is unchanging. God doesn’t turn his back casting a shadow on anything. He is a patient God.

In a world of. “I want it now,” we must fight the temptation of thinking our relationship with God is temporal, immediate, and can be completed. “I am spiritually in it for the long haul” must be the response as genuine Christ-followers.

 

 

 

Photography: @jacobnnorris

 

Humility

by | Sep 4, 2015 | James

James 1: 9-11

Like a flower withers in the rays of the scorching summer sun, so is the fate of the rich as they go about their business.  When we spend our time striving, it is as if thriving is our eternal goal and surviving is a mere means to an end. And yet it is opposite in the kingdom: success is fleeting. James teaches us that humility is worth pursuing, as riches hold no eternal value.

Humility isn’t worthlessness; it isn’t defined by burying yourself in the pits. Humility isn’t being a doormat for walkers to rub their feet on and its not abdicating your monetary worth as a means to success.

Humility is a state of your heart; it is a perspective. The perspective to say everything is a result of God. Humility grasps the reality of the need for a Savior and moves forward in thankfulness that empowers others to see the beauty in Our Creator.

Living with a humble heart is the foundation of a godly life.  To live in humility is to reveal the character of God. We must house the perspective to accept that a humble life is a life that embraces less of me and more of Him. A life that says its not about me, its all about Christ.

Sure, humility may mean picking up trash in the school parking lot or thanking God as you accept a sales award on the main stage. But these outward actions are not of as much concern as the true state of the heart that they are made with is. Are you doing what you do to show others that you are humble? That’s false humility and that’s a detriment to society.

True humility comes from a desire to serve God wholly. True humility cares only for the glorification of God. True humility is keeping the main thing the main thing, no hidden backdoors or agendas.

When we come to the table with a humble heart, we can come with boldness in assurance, as we rely on God not our own abilities. When we are humble God can influence, impact and change the very world around us.

Wisdom

by | Sep 3, 2015 | James

James 1:5-8

Wisdom is the creative nature of God applied in every day life. It is actually a force that makes all other things possible. In 2 Chronicles 1, Solomon asked God for wisdom and became the wisest man to ever live up until that point.  Out of his request for wisdom and knowledge, he gained wealth, possessions, honor and so much more. Not because those were things that Solomon sought after, but because a man who can steward wisdom, can steward much more. God gives us this very opportunity today when he said that if we lack wisdom, to ask, and when we ask, it will be ours completely. But wisdom is an active force. The more you use and apply it, the more you receive, but like any other gift, it can also be abused. The gifts and callings of God are irrevocable. We see that tested near the end of Solomon’s life as He fell away from the Lord, and allowed a different spirit to anoint his gifting, but yet it still remained. It is incredibly important to stay in touch with the Lord, and hear His voice in this journey of seeking wisdom, to allow him and others to prophesy into the destiny and purpose to apply the gifts He has freely and graciously given. The gift of wisdom, and the gift of prophecy have very similar jobs. That is why we see in the Bible, almost without fail, that the prophets were some of the wisest men to walk the earth in their time. Many times, the two giftings will work side by side, but they can operate completely separate from one another. Prophecy gives us the opportunity to see the things He has already created, while wisdom gives us the opportunity to create something out of the tools that He has given us. If you ask, you better believe that you will receive. But its what you do with the gifts after you receive that will change the world.
Photography: @brandon_nalley

Opportunity for Joy

by | Sep 2, 2015 | James

James 1: 2-4

An opportunity for joy may not present itself to you in typical fashion. In fact, it will be the last thing you think of when a trial hits. As humans we automatically go on an emotional roller coaster. Jamespresents it as an ideal time for your joy to radiate from the inside out.  To depend on the steadfastness of joy.
Have you missed an opportunity for joy?
His Word. Our joy.
Tucked away in the book of Jeremiah, he states how God’s word is his joy and heart’s desire.  Considering means we have a choice. We can consider how we will handle the troubles. We can choose joy or a “woe is me” moment. Joy is having God’s word hidden in your heart. This leads to an unswerving countenance in your soul. Doesn’t mean the trials are easy. Joy, not in the trials themselves, but joy over what those trials will accomplish by deepening our faith.
Endurance cannot be built unless we have trials. Each trial is a stepping stone for the next. God needs to build our endurance. This results in being found perfect and complete, needing nothing.
It’s our desire to be found this way. Don’t miss your next opportunity for joy. It probably won’t be the first thing you think of when it arrives and the experience will produce the endurance. But, oh, remember how you long to be perfect and complete.  Joy will be the sustaining power.
Consider…….
Jeremiah 15: 16
“When I discovered your words, I devoured them. They are my joy and my heart’s delight.”
Photography: @mattglenn

The Brother of Jesus

by | Sep 1, 2015 | James

James 1:1

Have you ever been skeptical, possibly saying whatever just to fit in, scared that if you said something wrong you would be mocked? Well, you’re not alone, just like me and a lot of other people, including James, have done these things. The most ironic part is that James was Jesus’s half-brother, and James was the first born son after Jesus (Matthew 13:55). James grew up in the same house, they probably wrestled, chased, and climbed trees together, there wasn’t any doubt that he didn’t know all about his brother. Yet James wasn’t the first one sticking up for Jesus when he was being persecuted, he sat towards the back and watched, he didn’t believe Jesus was the Savior (John 7:5).

It wasn’t until just before Christ died that James came to his senses and realized, “you know what, mybother isn’t crazy. He is who he says he is!” Jesus forgave him and from then on James goes on to tell about Jesus, he calls himself “a servant of God” (James 1:1).

In only five short chapters, James gives us a guide for practical spiritual living, it’s the “cliff notes” for how to think and live like Christ. The theme is how to be a doer of the word, having an outward expression of your inward convictions. I like to think of it as my “check list”, and ask myself am I living the way God desires me to, are what I say and my actions matching his? Would I stick up for my Heavenly Father? After all, I am his daughter (2 Corinthians 6:18).

James is encouraging us as believers to stay strong, and live right. Jesus is coming soon!

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Photography: @mattglenn