Tag: James

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What Would James Do

This past weekend I had the great opportunity to spend my time in Gatlinburg with over 11,000 teenagers and their chaperons at a fantastic conference. During on the sessions, there was a fantastic comedian named Michael Jr.  This is a very funny man who has a great love for his creator.

Anyway, during his show, one of his joke sets is about the whole WWJD thing.  But he talks about Jesus’ brother – James, and spins a few very funny stories about James growing up with Jesus asking the question What Would James Do?

So, I thought I would take a look myself.  However, at first I had to find a bible that still had the book of James in it – as I have been known to tear those pages out of the bible since they are so difficult and penetrating.

Take a look at this.

12 In everything you say and do, remember that you will be judged by the law that makes people free.13 So you must show mercy to others, or God will not show mercy to you when he judges you. But the person who shows mercy can stand without fear at the judgment. James 2:12-13 New Century Version (NCV)

Taking nothing from Michael Jr’s comedy, which is outstanding, I think we have found what James would do – and it is to live a life that reflects the mercy we have been given from the Creator of the world through the forgiveness of our mistakes.  James reminds us to show mercy to others in the same way we have been shown mercy.  That’s whats James would do – ’nuff said…..

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Munchies

The thing about the winter for me is that I find myself snacking and munching a bunch in the evenings. It must be something about trying to stay warm by adding on a few pounds or something like that. I think a lot of us our that way in the winter, and since my brain can’t really come up with a deep thorough thought this morning, here are a few snacks for you to munch on mentally:

1 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. Philippians 2:1-4

7 Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4

Have a great day – and stay warm.

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What Are You Working On?

What are you working on?

No, I don’t mean what projects do you have in the woodshed, or what is going on at work.  I mean about yourself – What personal issue or personal transformation are you working on?

That’s an odd question, I suppose, but one that I hope that if you don’t have an answer for it you spend some time to think about.  I stumbled on this question last week when I read a tweet that mentioned an article about spotting your blind spot.  The article poses the question I just asked.  It also proposes that most people could not provide an answer, not because they don’t want to share, but they don’t have an eye for change.

Well, as I mentioned yesterday, it is my prayer that if you have been following this blog all year, or even for a week, that you have been challenged to change some aspect in your life and that you can identify the transformation.  I think this week, as we head into New Year resolution time, it may be time to consider yourself to see what opportunity for transformation still remains.  None of us are perfect, but the followers of the Christ have the Spirit that is willing to help if we ask.  It should be a good thing if we can identify the needs for transformation in our lives and live with the intent to allow that transformation to occur.

The book of James speaks briefly about examining yourself

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. 23 Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror 24 and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. 25 But whoever looks intently into the perfect law that gives freedom, and continues in it—not forgetting what they have heard, but doing it—they will be blessed in what they do. James 1:22-25 (New International Version, ©2010)

So, let us not forget what we are, but lets look intently into the words, and find the answer to the question, and let transformation continue – the blessings await.

What are you working on?

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Truly He Taught Us

The other day at work I was listening to some Christmas music whilst I banged out a power point presentation.  After a few rounds of Veggie Tales singing “I can’t believe it’s Christmas, I think I might be getting something”, the shuffle of my iPod took me over to Chris Tomlin’s version of O Holy Night.  One verse in particular stuck out to me, and that was this:

“Truly he taught us to love one another”

and then that is followed by this

“In his name all oppression shall cease”

So here we are, one week from the celebration of the Christos, the Christ, the Messiah, the Savior’s birth.  We will be gathering around Christmas trees with our families, passing the Eggnog and opening presents.  But let’s not forget the lessons that babe taught us as he grew in wisdom and stature. For he did indeed did tell us,

34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (New International Version, ©2010)

Lets heed James’ call and follow the law of love:

22 Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says – James 1:22 NIV

and then we can truly sing along:

Truly He taught us to love one another,
His law is love and His gospel is peace.
Chains he shall break, for the slave is our brother.
And in his name all oppression shall cease.
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
With all our hearts we praise His holy name.
Christ is the Lord! Then ever, ever praise we,
His power and glory ever more proclaim!
His power and glory ever more proclaim!

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The Good, the Bad and the Ugly

I am sure by now you heard about Buffalo Bills wide receiver Steve Johnson’s reaction to dropping the winning touchdown pass on Sunday. If you have not, after dropping the winning touchdown pass, he later tweeted this:

“I PRAISE YOU 24/7!!!!!! AND THIS HOW YOU DO ME!!!!! YOU EXPECT ME TO LEARN FROM THIS??? HOW???!!! ILL NEVER FORGET THIS!! EVER!!! THX THO…

Seriously!

My first reaction was like “What’s up with you man?”, but then I thought about how that’s just like all the rest of us. We are so much like football players with our praise- quick to thank God for the winning touchdowns and to blame him for the loss!

But I don’t think that’s the way we are to go about life – accepting the good, and discounting the bad and ugly and using it as a source of judgment. Take a look over in the book of Job. When really bad things descended on Job, and his wife says “Curse God and die!”, he responds with this:

10 He replied, “You are talking like a foolish woman. Shall we accept good from God, and not trouble?” Job 2:10 (New International Version, ©2010)

So today, if you are have having the “Best day ever”, or your storage bin with all of your belongings has been sold off, or you wreck you vehicle, or you get stuck with a dirty job, or whatever does not go your way – remember to accept the trouble from God with praise – just like you would accept the good things!

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. James 1:12 ESV

Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Romans 12:12 ESV

Oh and Happy Birthday to my sister-in-law – Lori!!