Category: James

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In Need of Assistance

I wish I could say that I learned things on the first try but that just wouldn’t be the truth. Learning is a process!

I love to cook and bake but I am no chef. I’ve had some epic fails in the kitchen and I have learned from them. I never really learned to play piano the way I had hoped even though I had years of lessons and practice. Career choices and relationships have also been by trial and error.

Yes, learning is a process but the key to the process is having a good teacher, a wonderful counselor!

“ This will happen when the special child is born. God will give us a son who will be responsible for leading the people. His name will be ‘Wonderful Counselor, Powerful God, Father Who Lives Forever, Prince of Peace.’” Isaiah 9:6-7 ERV

It’s best if we want to know something to ask an expert. Many are willing to offer advice – some of it’s wrong, some unsolicited, some unhelpful, but the advice of an expert is always spot on.

Jesus came to be an expert advisor on daily life.

“Jesus, our high priest, is able to understand our weaknesses. When Jesus lived on earth, he was tempted in every way. He was tempted in the same ways we are tempted, but he never sinned. 16 With Jesus as our high priest, we can feel free to come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we receive mercy and kindness to help us when we need it.” Hebrews 4:15-16 ERV

He understands our weaknesses; He was tempted in every area that we will be, and He was victorious in everything He did. Who better to go to for help?

Just the other day I was talking to Dave about something, actually, I was complaining. I had only gotten a couple words out of my mouth when I was hit with such a strong conviction that I was doing wrong and I knew it was time to hush, immediately.

“So let’s come near God with pure hearts and a confidence that comes from having faith. Let’s keep our hearts pure, our consciences free from evil, and our bodies washed with clean water. 23 We must hold tightly to the hope we say is ours. After all, we can trust the one who made the agreement with us.” Hebrews 10:22-23 CEV

God knows how to get my attention, not to punish me but to correct me. He wants me to keep a clean conscience and a pure heart. Nothing profitable is accomplished by complaining. With His instruction, His advice, as my Counselor I certainly learn to do things in a better way with a better outcome.

It would be foolish not to listen to the instruction of the One who knows the beginning and the end. The One who is omniscient, who knows all and is willing to be my Counselor.

“If any of you need wisdom, you should ask God, and it will be given to you. God is generous and won’t correct you for asking.” James 1:5 CEV

King Solomon asked the Lord for wisdom. God told him he asked for a good thing. We have also been given a gift, a Wonderful Counselor, His name is Jesus!

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Let the Son Shine

I love waking up to pray. This morning I learned of a young woman named Suzy who is going to have part of her thyroid removed and a biopsy done, it appears to be cancer. Her father posted a request for prayer. I count it a blessing and a privilege to pray for this lady and her family, whom I have never met.

Shortly after that I learned of a fire that destroyed everything a dear friend’s nephew had. Again – more prayers.

The Lord doesn’t prompt me to pray for every story or situation I learn of but when He does I want to be faithful.

“…The earnest prayer of a righteous person has great power and produces wonderful results.” James 5:16 NLT

I believe that verse with all my heart and so I pray.

Finally, I read one more story this morning that another friend had posted. It’s about the town of Barrow, Alaska. On November 18, the sun set and won’t be seen again until January 23, that’s 65 days with no sun.

No sun, but how many days do some people experience with no SON?

That’s why I pray. I want those who are hurting, in need or in a dark place to experience the Son shine.

“We ourselves heard that voice from heaven when we were with him on the holy mountain. 19 Because of that experience, we have even greater confidence in the message proclaimed by the prophets. You must pay close attention to what they wrote, for their words are like a lamp shining in a dark place—until the Day dawns, and Christ the Morning Star shines in your hearts.” II Peter 2:18-19 NLT

The Apostle Peter had a life transforming experience when he was with Jesus on a mountain top and heard God, the Father, speak from heaven. He’s saying here that because of that experience he has great confidence in God’s word. However, he is also saying that we, who haven’t heard an audible voice, can also have confidence in the Word of God. The Word is like a shining light for our path and Christ is like the light that shines in the morning, the sun, and He shines in our hearts.

“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” Psalm 119:105 NLT

“For God, who said, ‘Let there be light in the darkness,’ has made this light shine in our hearts so we could know the glory of God that is seen in the face of Jesus Christ. 7 We now have this light shining in our hearts, but we ourselves are like fragile clay jars containing this great treasure. This makes it clear that our great power is from God, not from ourselves.” II Corinthians 4:6-7 NLT

About a week ago, I met a man while having dinner with friends. After talking with him for a while he said something no one has ever said to me before. He said, “You have a light in you. It shines through your eyes and your smile.” Thank you, Lord, for shining in me.

Some people we meet are like those folks in Barrows, they’re living without “Son shine”. It’s up to us to let the Son shine through our actions and our prayers.

I’m so grateful for the light of God’s love!

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Technical Difficulties

Today is one of those days when things aren’t going according to normal…

What to do?

 “Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. 3 For you know that when your faith is tested, your endurance has a chance to grow. 4 So let it grow, for when your endurance is fully developed, you will be perfect and complete, needing nothing.

5 If you need wisdom, ask our generous God, and he will give it to you. He will not rebuke you for asking.” James 1:2-5 NLT

Join me in considering each circumstance an opportunity of GREAT joy!

The Father is always in control!!

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What We Can’t See

Knowing that God is in control and that He is working things out even/especially when you can’t see what’s going on is a great place of peace and comfort.

“God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
He will be my guide
Hold me closely to His side
With love and strength for each new day
He will make a way, He will make a way” by Don Moen

The words of this song ring true in so many of our life’s circumstances. Like the words of this song, the Apostle Paul gave us an instruction filled with hope and promise.

“ Our life is lived by faith. We do not live by what we see in front of us.” II Corinthians 5:7 NLV

The Lord delivered Noah in the flood, David from Goliath, Daniel from the lions, Joseph in Egypt, Paul in prison, the thief on the cross and He won’t quit on us!

“Great blessings belong to those who are tempted and remain faithful! After they have proved their faith, God will give them the reward of eternal life. God promised this to all people who love him. 13 Whenever you feel tempted to do something bad, you should not say, “God is tempting me.” Evil cannot tempt God, and God himself does not tempt anyone. 14 You are tempted by the evil things you want. Your own desire leads you away and traps you. 15 Your desire grows inside you until it results in sin. Then the sin grows bigger and bigger and finally ends in death.

16 My dear brothers and sisters, don’t be fooled about this. 17 Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same. 18 God decided to give us life through the true message he sent to us. He wanted us to be the most important of all that he created.” James 1:12-18 ERV

Sometimes we get things backwards. Sometimes we say God is testing me or putting me through this trial to see what I’m made of. God doesn’t do that. When the trials, tests and temptations come they come from our own making or the influence of Satan in the world. God steps in to give us the strength to win the battle.

“And it is impossible to please God without faith. Anyone who wants to come to him must believe that God exists and that he rewards those who sincerely seek him.” Hebrews 11:6 NLT

The Lord rewards us when we seek Him. Afterall, He is the One with all the answers. He is the giver of every good and perfect gift.

“We thank God for the power Christ has given us. He leads us and makes us win in everything. He speaks through us wherever we go. The Good News is like a sweet smell to those who hear it.” II Corinthians 2:14 NLV

Our Father will lead us into victory. Thank Him for all the good and perfect gifts that He has provided. He’s working even when we don’t see what He’s doing.

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Drawing Close

There was a time when I felt the Father was so far away, I wondered if I would ever have a close relationship with Him again.

Circumstances in life had caused me to distance myself from His presence. I honestly felt like the prodigal daughter. It started out with the little things – selfishness, putting my needs and wants before others. Self-pity. Why are “they” treating me like this? Self-importance. I deserve better, and went searching for it.

I hardened my heart to the conviction of the Holy Spirit. This was my thought, “If God’s not going to fix this then I’ll do it myself”. I wanted to be in charge.

Have you ever fallen into that mindset? I hope not but if you have let me show you the way that the Father ministered to me.

As a little girl I grew up loving the Bible stories I heard in Sunday School. One day as I was struggling with self-pity, I remembered the story of the prodigal son. I wasn’t in a physical pigpen but I was in an emotional one. I remember imagining that I was walking with the son on the road to his Father’s house.

I saw the Father running up the road to greet us but instead of embracing His son, He wrapped His arms around me and He held me close. I heard Him whisper in my ear, “Welcome home, I’ve been waiting for you. I love you”.

Never once did He ask me where I’d been or what I had been doing. He knew. I didn’t feel condemned – only love and forgiveness flowed from the Father’s heart to mine.

“So he returned home to his father. And while he was still a long way off, his father saw him coming. Filled with love and compassion, he ran to his son, embraced him, and kissed him. 21 His son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you, and I am no longer worthy of being called your son.’…We must celebrate with a feast, 24 for this son of mine was dead and has now returned to life. He was lost, but now he is found.’ So the party began.” Luke 15:20-24 NLT

When we start on our return journey to the Father, drawing close to Him, He meets us – embraces us and throws us a party. His heart is full because we have come home!

 “So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. 8 Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. 9 Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. 10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.” James 4:7-10 NLT

When we humble ourselves and repent, He forgives and restores. He brings us to a place of peace, surrounded by His love.

Come with me and draw close to the Father!

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A Full Tank

When I was a teenager, my Dad always reminded me to make sure I had plenty of gas in my car. He would tell me to never let my tank get below 1/4. “You never know if the gauge is correct”, he would say.

It was an important lesson and one we tried to impart to our kids as they were becoming responsible drivers. But more importantly, it is necessary for us to keep our “joy full”. It makes such an impact on our daily lives.

Before our day gets started, have we filled our tank?

A joy-full day. Let’s get that joy tank filled first thing. I must admit I get distracted sometimes – I forget that I am in the Father’s presence and then I discover that attempting to do things in my own strength and power is tiring at best and always frustrating.

“ My friends, be glad, even if you have a lot of trouble. 3 You know that you learn to endure by having your faith tested. 4 But you must learn to endure everything, so that you will be completely mature and not lacking in anything.” James 1:2-4 CEV

In the King James version, this verse reads “Count it all joy”. Count it joy when we face temptations – really? Yes. The joy comes from knowing that we’re not in this alone!

God has promised to never leave us or forsake us. We are always in His presence and in His presence there is fullness of joy! Joy in knowing we are not alone, joy in knowing that we aren’t operating under our own power or our own wisdom, joy to know that He has created us to be victorious! And when we realize that it is a sign of growth and maturity. We are becoming more Christ-like .

“You will teach me the right way to live. Just being with you will bring complete happiness.
Being at your right side will make me happy forever.” Psalm 16:11 ERV

In John 16, Jesus was talking with his disciples the night before His crucifixion. He was giving them last minute instructions. He told them that they would all abandon Him and that He would be alone but He quickly added that the Father would be with Him so He wouldn’t really be alone. (In His presence is fullness of joy)!

He then told the disciples that they would have troubles in this world. Not as big as the crucifixion but troubles all the same. His next words may have seem strange to them, He said “Be of good cheer (find joy), for I have overcome the world”. Jesus had just told them how he was overcoming the trials in His life – He wasn’t looking for the support of friends and followers but He was simply looking to the One who would never leave or forsake, the Father and in the Father’s presence is victory and fullness of joy.

Be determined to have a joy-filled day. Keep your mind focused on the Father and in His presence you will find fullness of joy!

Keep your tank full.

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Showers of Blessing

I slept so well last night and when I woke, later than usual, this morning I asked the Lord what I could share.

Gratitude, praise, thanksgiving – those were the words that came to mind.

We have had rain nearly every day for almost 6 weeks. That’s summer in the mountains! When our campers come, they always comment on how green the mountains and the meadows are. Even now, I look out my window and see a camper who has come to look across a meadow, as the morning fog is rising and take in the beauty of the beginning of the day.

Oh, there are some who want to complain about the afternoon showers and “it would be nice to have ONE day without any rain” but those are also the same ones who complain when we have fire restrictions in place because the forest and meadows are too dry.

It’s better to sing in the rain than grumble in a tent!

“ I will bless the sheep and the places around my hill. I will cause the rains to fall at the right time and will shower them with blessings. 27 And the trees growing in the field will produce their fruit. The earth will give its harvest, so the sheep will be safe on their land. I will break the yokes on them and save them from the power of the people who made them slaves. Then they will know that I am the Lord.” Ezekiel 24:26-27 ERV

Shower them with blessings!

Look around you right now. What blessings do you see? Quickly, pick five and thank God for them. He is the One who brings the blessings.

“Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:17 ERV

Ultimately it is the Father who gave you the favor you needed to secure your job. He is the one who blessed you with wisdom and creative ideas. You may have gone to the store and purchased a new item or even the house you live in, but it is gift of the Father’s provision.

“I say this because I know the plans that I have for you.” This message is from the Lord. “I have good plans for you. I don’t plan to hurt you. I plan to give you hope and a good future. 12 Then you will call my name. You will come to me and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will search for me, and when you search for me with all your heart, you will find me.” Jeremiahs 29:11-13 ERV

The Father has planned for us to have hope and a good future. When we ask, He listens, when we search, we find. Knowing that fills my heart with gratitude!

Instead of grumbling about the rain, let’s go out and dance as the showers of blessing fall all around us!

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What Are You Waiting For?

Every few years the Lord reminds me of my need to be contentedly patient.

Therein lays the struggle. “Contentedly” patient. Patient in the moment of today while still waiting for the fulfillment of God’s promise. If we become so intent on the when of the promise, we lose sight of the now of our walk of faith.

We become impatient and impatience is a destroyer of faith.

When we become impatient, we begin to try to work things out on our own – we wonder if God is ever going to come through – what’s taking sooooooooooo long? Those kinds of thoughts come from doubt and doubt brings fear – fear that it is never going to work out right. Doubt and fear will choke out the promises of God’s word – they can outweigh faith, if we let them. We must stand with confidence in God’s word if we expect to see God’s promises fulfilled.

“But when you ask for something, you must have faith and not doubt. Anyone who doubts is like an ocean wave tossed around in a storm. 7-8 If you are that kind of person, you can’t make up your mind, and you surely can’t be trusted. So don’t expect the Lord to give you anything at all.” James 1:6-8 CEV

Abram followed God from his homeland out into the middle of nowhere because God made him a promise. A promise that he would possess great land and be the father of many nations. God changed Abram’s name to Abraham reiterating the promise that he would be a father of many descendants.

Abraham and his wife, Sarah, had to wait years to see that promise come to pass. They tried to rush the promise, using their own efforts, and it caused real issues of jealousy and bitterness. Their efforts didn’t stop God’s plan.

“God promised Abraham a lot of descendants. And when it all seemed hopeless, Abraham still had faith in God and became the ancestor of many nations. 19  Abraham’s faith never became weak, not even when he was nearly 100 years old. He knew he was almost dead and that his wife Sarah could not have children. 20 But Abraham never doubted or questioned God’s promise. His faith made him strong, and he gave all the credit to God. 21 Abraham was certain that God could do what he had promised.” Romans 4:18-21 CEV

What is it that God has promised you? Don’t give up – don’t fall back. Move forward – continue to follow in obedience what God has put in your heart.

“By faith even Sarah herself, when she was unable to have children, received power to conceive offspring, even though she was past the age, since she considered that the One who had promised was faithful.” Hebrews 11:11

Keep going. Don’t become impatient. A friend of ours told us once “If God says go North He will provide, if you go South you’ll think you died”.

Follow God and He’ll bring His promises to pass.

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Life Is Not A Tweet

This morning I want to present you with another challenge. This is an important question, how well do you listen?

You’ve seen those challenges on FB – do you read a post with no picture attached? If it’s a lengthy post do you read it all or just partially and then skip to the next more “interesting” feed. Twitter’s whole premise is brevity, convey your idea in 244 characters. Make is short!

But life is not a tweet.

True relationships require listening.

Yesterday I had a man check in for his camp site. He was by himself and when I asked, is there only one in your camping group he replied, “yes, I trying this alone; my wife died two months ago”. He talked and I listened. With tears in my eyes, I reached through the window and held his hand for a few moments. Inwardly, I was praying for him and thanking the Father that I hadn’t been in too much of a hurry to listen.

We build relationships by listening.

If you have children or grandchildren you know how important it is to listen. They want to tell you about their day or their favorite game or toy or pet or… They want to be heard and it’s important that we listen.

Sometimes you don’t need to read alot in the Bible to get your direction for the day. That was the case this morning.

“Let people finish speaking before you try to answer them. That way you will not embarrass yourself and look foolish.” Proverbs 18:13 ERV

It isn’t always necessary for us to provide a solution or even an answer, what’s important is that we care enough to listen.

“My dear brothers and sisters, always be more willing to listen than to speak. Keep control of your anger.” James 1:19 ERV

Our Father is always ready to listen to us. He invites us to come with our joys and our sorrows. He welcomes us to come with our problems and our victories. He listens to His children with a loving heart.

But He also wants us to listen to His words of kindness and instruction.

“My son, pay attention to what I say. Listen closely to my words. 21 Don’t let them out of your sight. Never stop thinking about them.” Proverbs 4:20-21 ERV

The challenge: don’t be in a hurry. Listen to the Father’s words, learn from Him. When we learn to listen to Him we will be better at listening to others.

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Thanks Dad!

Each morning when I walk to work, it’s right across the road, I stop to take in the beauty of the day and I say thank you Father. And when I work the afternoons/evenings, I do the same before I walk back home.

My focus is on my Father and all the beauty He has set for my enjoyment. It reminds me to keep things in a proper perspective.

It’s important to keep a proper perspective when going through tough times and times of contentment. If we begin to look to closely at the difficult situations, they can be overwhelming. In times of success, we can begin to depend on our own efforts and take credit for what God has done. We need to pull back and look at things the way God’s see them.

The Israelites saw a sea too big to cross; God saw a stream and damned it up. Saul’s soldiers saw a giant too big to conquer; David saw a man who was no match for God. Noah saw a world filled with corruption and a devastating flood; God saw a cruise ship of salvation.

King Nebuchadnezzar took pride in his accomplishments and his world-wide fame, forgetting about God. He ended up eating grass in a field like an animal. King Fetus took credit for being one who spoke as “God”, and he was destroyed by his pride.

Fear and pride are destructive forces but staying focused on the goodness and provision of the Father keeps all of life’s circumstances in the proper perspective. It is the Father who blesses us with all good things.

“ Everything good comes from God. Every perfect gift is from him. These good gifts come down from the Father who made all the lights in the sky. But God never changes like the shadows from those lights. He is always the same.” James 1:17 ERV

It is the Father who is standing at the ready to help us in any difficult situation.

“ Jesus understands every weakness of ours, because he was tempted in every way that we are. But he did not sin! 16 So whenever we are in need, we should come bravely before the throne of our merciful God. There we will be treated with undeserved grace, and we will find help.” Hebrews 4:15-16 CEV

Satan saw Jesus as a dead man, buried in a tomb but God saw the resurrection!

Our Father sees us, His children, and is ready to come to our aid. He has promised us victory, comfort and strength. He has promised peace in the midst of the storm and He gives grace to the humble.

Everything we need comes from Him – take time to be grateful.

Thanks Dad!

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