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Post by PrisonerOfHope on May 31, 2019 22:45:29 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James; An Introduction, 31 May 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, MAY 31, 2019 Friday, 31 May 2019 The Book of James; an Introduction The book of James is the 59th book of the Bible, and it is comprised of 5 chapters of 108 verses. Therefore, a verse-per-day evaluation of James will take a bit over three months to complete. James is believed to be the Lord’s half-brother; born of Mary and Joseph. As there are four people named James in the New Testament, it is important to determine which it is. The apostle James, the brother of John, died too early for the letter to have been written by him. His death is recorded in Acts 12. The other two men named James did not have any reputation which would make either a likely candidate for being the author. However, James, the Lord’s half-brother did. He is mentioned first in Matthew 13:55 in a list of Jesus’ other half-brothers. Therefore, he was probably the oldest of them. It is noted in John 7:5 that Jesus’ brothers were originally of those who didn’t believe in Him. Eventually, that changed, and James became the leader of the early church. He is noted as having been one who witnessed the resurrected Lord in 1 Corinthians 15:7. Acts 15:12-21 is the passage from which we determine that James was the leader of the early church (not Peter as suggested by the Roman Catholics). After hearing testimony from the entire group and specifically Peter, Paul, and Barnabas, it was James who made the final decision on the matter being discussed. Thus, it is a logical assumption that he also was the author of this letter. Further, he was of such renown in the early church that Jude, also the Lord’s half-brother, identified himself as a “brother of James.” He is mentioned by Paul in Galatians 1:19 and 2:9, and he is mentioned at several other key points in the book of Acts. As this book was written very early after the establishment of the church, around AD 48, the letter is addressed to Jewish believers. At this point, the number of non-Jewish believers would have been exceptionally small. Also, as it was Paul’s ministry that was directed to the Gentiles, it is no great leap to see that James is specifically writing to a solely Jewish audience. As the first verse of the epistle will note, he is writing to “the twelve tribes scattered abroad.” The Apostle Paul states in 2 Timothy 3:16, 17 that, “All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.” So, in a real sense, the letter is, like all of Scripture, written to the people of the world. However, James is written specifically to the Hebrew people of the twelve tribes. Due to its placement after Paul’s letters, and then after the book of Hebrews, it is evident based on an evaluation of the structure of the Bible that the Lord intends for this epistle, like Hebrews, to be a letter directed to the Hebrew people of the end times as much as it was directed to the early Jewish believers in the Lord. The very structure of the Bible gives us this hint of redemptive history. The main theme of James is “The Necessity of Living Faith.” James includes works as a demonstration of faith, something which has brought the letter into theological question by many. Paul argues adamantly against works for justification, but James seems (but which is not correct) to argue exactly the opposite. This is so much the case that the Roman Catholic church – misunderstanding important theological points raised by James 2 – states in Canon 10 of the Council of Trent that – “If any one saith, that by faith alone the impious is justified; in such wise as to mean, that nothing else is required to co-operate in order to the obtaining the grace of Justification, and that it is not in any way necessary, that he be prepared and disposed by the movement of his own will; let him be anathema.” In other words, they state that man is not justified by faith in Jesus Christ alone, but also by their cooperating works. This will be addressed during the evaluation of this epistle. Martin Luther found little value in the book of James, having stated about it – “In sum, St. John’s Gospel and his first epistle; St. Paul’s letters, especially the ones to the Romans, Galatians, and Ephesians; and St. Peter’s first epistle are all books that show you Christ, and they all teach which is necessary and salutary for you to know, even if you do not see or hear any other book or teaching. It is for this reason that James’s epistle is in comparison a real strawy epistle, for it has no evangelical character about it.” In calling it a “real strawy epistle,” he was indicating (based on 1 Corinthians 3:12) that using James’ epistle for one’s doctrines is to use straw to build upon the foundation which is Jesus Christ. Is this true? Or did Martin Luther miss one of the principle points concerning James’ idea of faith and works? That too will be evaluated in this analysis. In the Old Testament, there are five books known as wisdom literature: Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and the Song of Solomon. In the New Testament, no book is considered specifically as wisdom literature, but James is the closest to the style and content of a book of wisdom. As a short summary of the intent and purpose of the book, we should remember these points: 1) Author: James, the Lord’s brother; 2) Date: Mid to late 40s; 3) Theme: The necessity of living faith; 4) Purpose:To remind the believers that genuine faith is seen in a life that is changed and which is produced by living according to God’s wisdom; 5) Presentation of Christ: Our Wisdom. Life application: We hope that you will spend the next 108 days of your life learning the book of James, one verse at a time. From there, we hope you will apply its truths to your life, molding yourself more each day into being a faithful and wholehearted follower of Jesus Christ, to the glory of God the Father. Lord God, we are given sixty-six books of marvelous wonder to study in order to know Your heart and what You intend for us as we live out our short lives in Your presence. Help us not to fritter away our time with worthless pursuit, but to study Your word, apply it to our lives, and stand approved in Your eyes as we anticipate the Day when we will come before You for an evaluation of the days we have spent in these lives You have given us. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 2, 2019 0:08:37 GMT -5
= Daily Bible Verse, James 1:1, 1 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, JUNE 1, 2019 Saturday, 1 June 2019 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.James 1:1 In his opening words, James (the Lord’s brother and the early leader of the church) identifies himself. In Greek, the name is Iakóbos, or “Jacob.” Somewhere along the line, the name “James” was used instead of Jacob, and that has continued on since that time. The first English translation, that of John Wycliffe in the 1380s, uses “James,” and so it is assumed that he is the source of this change. James next states that he is “a bondservant of God.” The Greek word translated as “servant” is doulos. This indicates a person who is a slave or bondservant. Thus, he is a slave of God “and of the Lord Jesus Christ.” In calling himself a bondservant, or slave, it is a voluntary act of submitting himself to God through Christ. This does not mean that Jesus Christ is not God. Rather, He is a member of the Godhead, but He is both fully God and fully man. This then is a focus on His dual nature – both human and God. Rather than proclaim himself “The brother of the Lord,” he makes it absolutely clear that he is His servant first. There is no sense of high-handedness or boasting in his greeting, but rather a humble submission to his Lord. Next, he identifies his audience by saying, “To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.” The words fully identify his audience as being to the Hebrew people who are identified as the twelve sons of Israel. Though the epistle is written at a very early date, there were already Gentiles coming into the faith. But James’ ministry was specifically to the circumcised, meaning the people of Israel. This is perfectly in line with Paul’s words to the Galatians – “But on the contrary, when they saw that the gospel for the uncircumcised had been committed to me, as the gospel for the circumcised was to Peter 8 (for He who worked effectively in Peter for the apostleship to the circumcised also worked effectively in me toward the Gentiles), 9 and when James, Cephas, and John, who seemed to be pillars, perceived the grace that had been given to me, they gave me and Barnabas the right hand of fellowship, that we should go to the Gentiles and they to the circumcised.” Galatians 2:7-9 The words, “scattered abroad,” are more literally rendered, “in the Diaspora.” This is referring to the Jewish people who dwelt outside of the land of Israel and who were dispersed among the Gentiles, usually living in small pockets around an area where a synagogue was built. The very fact that James addresses the “twelve tribes” shows that there were not only two tribes left. That is a false understanding of the matter. It is claimed that only the tribes of Benjamin and Judah remained after the exile of the ten tribes by the Assyrians in 722BC. However, that is incorrect. No tribes were missing. The term “twelve tribes” is not merely a technical term to describe Israel in general, but rather it is a designation which means exactly what it says. There were people from all twelve tribes who remained. After the dispersion of 722 BC, various individuals are named in Scripture from tribes other than Benjamin and Judah. Further, Simeon was located within the territory of Judah and was never considered a lost tribe. Also, there are Levites and priests mentioned several times within the New Testament. One example of an individual from the tribe of Asher (which was one of the exiled tribes) is recorded in Luke 2:36 – “Now there was one, Anna, a prophetess, the daughter of Phanuel, of the tribe of Asher. She was of a great age, and had lived with a husband seven years from her virginity.” The fact that this woman is mentioned, and that she was from the tribe of Asher, means that not all of Asher was lost. Any number from a tribe means the tribe exists. This is certainly true with all twelve tribes. The book of Revelation lists the twelve tribes by name, not because it is a symbolic counting of the people, but because He has preserved those tribes for His own sovereign purposes. It is to this group of people, the twelve tribes scattered abroad, that James next says, “Greetings.” It is a primary verb which signifies “to be cheerful.” When one would meet or part from another, it was common to use the term. Thus, it gives the sense of “be well,” “be glad,” “Godspeed,” etc. It is the same word used in the letter which was sent by James’ authority in Acts 15. It thus ties the two together as both being letters from the same individual. Though the word is a common one in the New Testament, it is not used in this manner in any of the other apostolic epistles. James states this now to set the tone for his audience to be comfortable as they transition into the main body of the letter. Life application: Lots of people, groups of people, denominations, and cults claim that they are the ten lost tribes of Israel. This is an attempt to set themselves apart as somehow special and worthy of note. But it is a very poor handling of Scripture. It is true that the ten northern tribes were exiled and they were assimilated into the surrounding people wherever they were sent, but it is not true that there are “ten lost tribes” of which some group or another can then make the claim that they are those lost tribes. If you hear a group claim this, be sure to know that they are wrong. Don’t get involved with nutty theology. Stick to what is right, sound, and proper. God has preserved His people Israel, and Christ Jesus will return to rule among them at some point in the future. Heavenly Father, open our eyes to the wonders of Your precious word. Help us to rightly divide it so that we don’t get sidetracked into unnecessary diversions or off onto wild tangents that can only distract us from the intent and purpose of the message. May You alone be glorified through our study and learning of the Bible. Amen!
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 2, 2019 23:08:12 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:2, 2 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, JUNE 2, 2019 Sunday, 2 June 2019 My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, James 1:2 James immediately further defines “the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad” that he just referred to by saying, “My brethren.” Though a Jew may consider all Jews in this category, he is certainly referring to Jewish believers in Christ here. It is they who are brethren in the Lord. To them, he says to “count it all joy.” The words are all inclusive of what will next be described. What he will identify is not to be considered a type of divine rebuke, divine punishment, or divine disfavor. Rather, we are to look at what he will next say as a source of complete joy. In this, he uses the word chara, or “joy,” and thus he makes a word-play on the word of the previous verse translated as “Greetings.” That word was chairó. He will next explain what is to be counted “all joy,” which is “when you fall into various trials.” The word, “trials,” is correctly rendered. It can be speaking of loss (be it monetary, a loved one, etc), suffering, sickness, frustrating circumstances, and etc. Anything that comes one’s way which would otherwise rob his joy is to be considered a joyful thing. This seems counter-intuitive, but the coming verses will explain why this attitude is to be expressed. The words are given to prepare believers in Christ for their walk before God in a right and proper manner. Life application: As is often the case with the Bible, and particularly the wisdom literature, what seems contradictory to us from a worldly perspective is what the Bible proclaims as that which is right. In our mortal bodies, we look at trials as something to distance ourselves from; hardships as undesirable; and pain as a something to be avoided at all costs. However, the Bible puts these things in a different light and asks us to look beyond the immediate sensation to the purpose behind it. Job, King David, Solomon, and others were tested in these ways and wrote about what happened. By referring to what they learned, we have a sound and reliable foundation upon which we can study and reflect on for our own trials. James received his instruction from these great men through the writings of the Hebrew Scriptures and he builds upon that foundation to help explain the Christian message in its fullness. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to read your Bible. It has been building up and edifying the faithful believer for millennia and is a guide and a blueprint for the troubles of our lives. Do you have physical pains? Look at the experience, although painful, with joy. It could be worse than it is. Do you have financial troubles? They could always be worse. Are you facing family problems now? If you endure through them, your relationship may be strengthened at the end. Whatever trial you are facing, face it with the knowledge that God allowed it into your life for a set time and for a good purpose. In the end, you will see the wisdom of what has occurred. Lord God – You are sovereign and Your plans and purposes for our lives will come to pass whether we accept them or not. Because of this, help us to live joyfully in pleasure and in pain, in trial and in ease, in lack or in abundance. May we understand that such trials have been given us to teach us something beyond the moment. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 3, 2019 23:37:10 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:3, 3 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, JUNE 3, 2019 Monday, 3 June 2019 ...knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.James 1:3 James began the general content of his letter with the previous verse. This verse finishes the thought. Together, they read – “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, 3 knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience.” James equates “various trials” with “the testing of your faith.” Understanding this he states it in such a way that we are to learn a lesson from it. He states it as, “knowing that the testing of your faith.” There is to be a mental acknowledgment that our trials of various sorts have purpose, and they are not merely random events. We can either take our trials badly, or we can “count it all joy” when they come. Either way, the choice is ours because when they have come, they must be responded to. By taking the admonition of Scripture, and by counting with all joy that we have fallen into various trials, the result is that this test of the faith “produces patience.” The verb used is one which signifies, “‘work downto the end-point,’ i.e. to an exact, definite conclusion” (HELPS Word Studies). In other words, there is a final point, an end goal, which is being worked for (or at least anticipated) when one is tested. That is to bring forth patience. In this, one matures in his ability to endure other trials which are sure to come along, and they become an example to others of how to properly handle such matters as well. This logical progression of thought is also spoken of by Peter – “In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while, if need be, you have been grieved by various trials, 7 that the genuineness of your faith, being much more precious than gold that perishes, though it is tested by fire, may be found to praise, honor, and glory at the revelation of Jesus Christ, 8 whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, 9 receiving the end of your faith—the salvation of your souls.” 1 Peter 1:6-9 Life application: When facing trials, the Lord already knows if our faith is genuine, so such a test isn’t for Him to learn anything. If it were, what would be the point in salvation through faith? He would be looking for works to validate our faith, thus negating the faith. Further, He knows how much we can take, and He understands our limitations. As we face more challenges though, our ability to face those which are more intense will increase as well. Think of faith as a muscle. When we exercise our muscles, they grow and can withstand more and more work. Faith works in a similar fashion. Because of this, the Lord will challenge it to strengthen it. In the end, your faith will be as strong as He believes is necessary for His sovereign purposes. And then some wonderful day, our faith will become sight. This will happen when Jesus appears to transform our bodies to be like His. That day is coming, but until it does, have faith… and work out your faith to His glory. Lord, You know the truth of my faith. You know I love you and that I trust in You alone for my salvation. Increase my faith that I can have a long, strong, and stable walk with You. May You be glorified through the ever-increasing faith I display in You. Amen!
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 4, 2019 23:50:49 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:4, 4 June 2019WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, JUNE 4, 2019 Tuesday, 4 June 2019
But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.James 1:4 Remember the progression of thought – 1) consider trials as pure joy; 2) because these test faith; 3) faith develops patience.
In this verse, we see what brings us to a state of fullness and maturity. This is not something which comes immediately, but rather it needs to be developed in us. As James says, “But let patience have its perfect work.” Being patient is a part of the process of being molded into what the Lord knows is right for us to be fully developed. Without it, we may possess faith, but our attitude during trials will inevitably be seen as inappropriate to the situation.
Without patience, the devil will find a place to wear us down and bring about an undesirable outcome. And so we are to not only consider trials as pure joy, but to continue to do so, even if they continue on without any seeming hope of their coming to an end. In this, the benefit is not only for us individually, but it is the Lord’s intent that our patient attitude will become an example for others to see and emulate. This is reflected in the words of David – “I waited patiently for the Lord; And He inclined to me, And heard my cry. 2 He also brought me up out of a horrible pit, Out of the miry clay, And set my feet upon a rock, And established my steps. 3 He has put a new song in my mouth— Praise to our God; Many will see it and fear, And will trust in the Lord.” Psalm 40:1-3
When we come to this point, we are lacking nothing in our faith. As James next says, we are to let patience work itself out so “that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.” The word translated as “perfect” is teleios. It signifies “full grown” or “of full age.” It is completion in all of its parts. It is what Jesus said in the beatitudes, “Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect.” There, the same word is used twice. Once it explains how we are to be, and then it reveals how our Father in heaven is.
We are to develop to such a state that we reflect the same maturity of person that is seen in our heavenly Father. It is a high calling indeed. The importance of patience is also spoken of directly in relation to the trials which were to be set before the disciples. Jesus said this to them – “By your patience possess your souls.”Luke 21:19
Patience is something that reveals one of the aspects of God. He has patiently endured the troubles man has sent His way from the very beginning of our time on earth. And yet, he has preserved mankind despite our bent towards wickedness. As God is so very patient, we are called to be so too. This, so that we can be perfect and mature in His presence.
In these verses of James, a training technique known as an anadiplosisis used. It is a style of writing, using repetition, where the last word of a clause, sentence, or section is then repeated at the beginning of the next clause, sentence, or section. In James’ words, patience led to patience; perfect work led to perfect (in person); lacking nothing will lead to lacking wisdom; asking of the giving of God will lead to that being given; asking in faith and not doubting will lead to he who doubts. Pay attention to such literary devices as they will help you more fully understand what the author is revealing as he progresses.
Life application: What trial are you facing right now (or for even an extended period) in your life? Suppose you are facing a major health problem. This is testing your faith as you learn to trust the Lord in an issue that isn’t simply resolved by medicine or professional help.
As your faith in the Lord increases, you learn to persevere through this particular trial. But there is another important point to learn. All of the other matters which once seemed so burdensome no longer carry the same weight in your life. You learn to discern what is truly of value and that which is trivial in nature. Once you come to trust in, and rely on, the Lord in this manner, you have become a mature Christian. James says you are not lacking anything.
God is our Creator. When we trust Him completely in every way and in all issues, we come to the final point of our faith relationship. We come to rely on the One who we should have been relying on all along. He Created us, He is sustaining us even now, and He is aware of all things at all times. There is nothing that will come our way which is outside of His knowledge or ability to control. It took Job about 40 chapters of the Bible to fully realize that, but when he did he exclaimed – “I know that You can do everything, And that no purpose of Yours can be withheld from You.” Job 42:2
As this is so, then why be troubled over difficulties in health, finances, relationships, or any other aspects of which you may have no control? He can handle them and He will in the way that is best. Have faith in His wisdom.
Lord, despite trials which are difficult, help us to persevere through them that our trust and faith in You will be built up to a perfect state. May we lack nothing in our faith as a testimony to our complete trust in Your splendid hand. In the end, may You receive the glory as we walk by faith in this world of trials and hardships. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 5, 2019 23:51:04 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:5, 5 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, JUNE 5, 2019 Wednesday, 5 June 2019 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 1:5 There is a missed conjunction in the translation. It should read, “And if any,” or, “But if any.” This is a necessary conjunction because it ties the verse in thought to the previous verse. Together, it should read – “But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 5 And (or But), 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 has just said that through patience having its perfect work a person will lack nothing. However, lacking wisdom is lacking something. And so he implores his reader, if he is lacking wisdom, to “let him ask of God.” Before asking of God for wisdom, the context needs to be maintained. What is the lack of wisdom which is being spoken of? It is concerning the facing of various trials which test the faith of an individual. The asking of God for wisdom, then, is concerning such a situation. As Albert Barnes notes, “...to enable them to bear them in a proper manner, for there is nothing in which Christians more feel the need of heavenly wisdom than in regard to the manner in which they should bear trials, and what they should do in the perplexities, and disappointments, and bereavements that come upon them.” When wisdom is needed in such a situation, and it is then asked for of God, the individual is asking the One “who gives to all liberally and without reproach.” The structure of the Greek states this in such a way that the act of giving represents an attribute of God. It more literally reads, “Let him ask of the giving God.” The intent is, “God the giver.” It is a way of defining His very nature. This is defined further by, “to all liberally and without reproach.” Because He is the Giver, there is no pretense in His giving. He gives because He is good, and thus there is no mixing in of any evil intent, desire for gain or recognition, or any other such thing. He purely and simply gives in order to bless those who have, by faith, come to Him for the needed wisdom. As this is so, James says, “and it will be given to him.” The giving is tied into the asking. A need for wisdom is not to be anticipated if the need remains unexpressed. Like prayer, which such a request is a type of prayer, no response is to be expected when no request or petition is made. If a person is facing trials and says, “I need to work through this,” God is excluded. The granting of wisdom to rectify the situation is not to be expected, lest the individual be exalted in his own eyes through his own effort. The pattern holds true in salvation, prayer, and asking for wisdom. One must express his desire in order for it to be acted upon. When it is expressed, God will respond according to His wisdom, and in a manner which is appropriate to the situation. Life application: James 1:5 is probably the most misquoted verse in the book of James. Almost always, it is cited by itself without the context of the surrounding verses. This is not a blanket granting of wisdom for any and all circumstances. As seen, it is a granting of wisdom for one who is facing trials. If you are facing trials and need to know how to properly respond to the situation, then you should lay your request before the Lord in anticipation of receiving the wisdom necessary to properly handle (not avoid) the situation. Another point to keep in mind is that it is through the Bible that we understand God’s intent and purposes for our lives. It would be silly to neglect a study of it and then to expect to receive wisdom apart from it when things get difficult. Instead, it would make much more sense that the general answer to the dilemma is recorded somewhere there already. By praying for wisdom in the matter, we can normally expect that God has previously addressed it and that He will direct us to the place in His word where we can find the answer. As Deuteronomy 4:5, 6 says – “Surely I have taught you statutes and judgments, just as the Lord my God commanded me, that you should act according to them in the land which you go to possess. 6 Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, ‘Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.’” The more you study and know your Bible, the more you will be prepared for life’s trials. In the time of those trials, when your head may not be screwed on too tightly, we can ask God for wisdom and He will direct us to the passage we forgot during the stress of the moment. Then we can apply it to the particular issue which is generally addressed in His word. Well Lord, we can see from Your word the importance of studying and knowing what Your word says. If we neglect it, we are neglecting the very source of wisdom You have made openly available to us. What a tragedy if we continue to neglect it. That is to our own hurt. Instead, may we desire to study and know it completely. Assist us in this goal – to Your glory. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 7, 2019 0:29:40 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:6, 6 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, JUNE 6, 2019 Thursday, 6 June 2019 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.James 1:6 James just said that those who lack wisdom (speaking of during times of trial) should “ask of God, who gives to all liberally, and without reproach.” He now makes a statement concerning such a request that is a necessary part of it. When asking for this wisdom, the individual is to “ask in faith.” First, in order to make a request of God, one must believe in God. Thus, the words are to be an act of faith in God. Many people who claim they don’t believe in God will cry out, “Oh God!” when something terrible happens. They may even ask for help at that time – “Oh God, what shall I do?” In essence, they are asking, “Oh God, give me wisdom.” However, they may simply be reaching out in desperation, not having faith that the God they have always denied will hear and respond. Secondly, the request must be made properly. If one calls out, “Oh God of Islam, give me wisdom,” he is not calling out in faith to the true God. Because of this, no response should be expected from the true God. It would be contradictory for God to give the worshiper of a false religion a response to their petition. Thirdly, even when someone believes in the true God, he still needs to have faith that his words to Him will be heard and responded to. God is pleased with the prayers of His people. In the case of asking for wisdom as noted in James, His word states that He will give it when it is asked of Him. However, the Bible elsewhere says – “But without faith it is impossible to please Him, for he who comes to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of those who diligently seek Him.” Hebrews 11:6 Therefore, in order for the request for wisdom to be effectual, it must be united with faith that God hears and that He will respond positively. This is in accord with the word of the Lord from the gospels. In Matthew 21:21, 22 we read – “‘“So Jesus answered and said to them, “Assuredly, I say to you, if you have faith and do not doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but also if you say to this mountain, ‘Be removed and be cast into the sea,’ it will be done. 22 And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”’” This is not speaking specifically of wisdom, but the principle holds true to what He said to these disciples. A petition to the Lord must be accompanied by faith in order for it to be realized. James then goes further and says that it should be a request in faith “with no doubting.” This is not speaking of a lack of faith, but rather the word signifies a “back and forth judgment.” In other words, there is to be no vacillating or doubting in the mind. In this, it reflects a firm conviction of “God has said this will be the case, and I accept that at face value. It will come to pass.” To not have this attitude would necessarily lead to a lack of accepting the wisdom which was afterward provided, and thus a mishandling of it. To understand this, we can suppose that someone needs wisdom for a particular trial. He has faith that God will provide it, but he vacillates in whether it will meet the need or maybe come up short, or maybe it will be wrong for the circumstances of the situation (and etc.). If God were to give the wisdom needed to handle the trial while the same vacillating attitude existed, the person would still likely say, “I’m not sure that this is what God intended for me to consider in this matter.” The vacillating in the request has naturally led to a doubting in the reception of the response. Thus, it would be pointless for God to provide His wisdom to the person in such a circumstance. And this is because, as James says, “for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” The Greek words translated as “driven and tossed by the wind” are unique in Scripture. The first gives the sense of simply being blown by the wind, even the gentle winds. It reflects the person who is easily swayed and has no firm foundation. When the winds blow, he is moved. The second word means “to fan” or “to make a breeze.” It is a person who gets pushed around by the breezes. One blows north, and he goes north. Another pushes west, and he is pushed west. Thus, he is tossed about without direction. He is all over the place. The imagery is found several times in Scripture. In the 107th Psalm, the idea is beautifully expressed – “For He commands and raises the stormy wind, Which lifts up the waves of the sea. 26 They mount up to the heavens, They go down again to the depths; Their soul melts because of trouble. 27 They reel to and fro, and stagger like a drunken man, And are at their wits’ end. 28 Then they cry out to the Lord in their trouble, And He brings them out of their distresses. 29 He calms the storm, So that its waves are still.” Psalm 107:25-29 In Ephesians 4:14, Paul uses the imagery of someone who is unstable in his doctrine – “...that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting.” The effects of bad doctrine are the same as the effects of praying for wisdom while doubting. One is blown and tossed about without direction. It is unproductive, and it is a wasteful use of that which God has provided. Life application: James has told us to ask God for wisdom and it will be given. The context of the verse indicated that this wisdom is to help us understand, handle, and endure trials. With this in mind, James says that we need to ask in faith and not doubt. If you ask for wisdom in a trial and God provides it by showing you how to handle it, then it is up to you to take the step of following the wise path. As an example, but this applies to any situation, think on it from this perspective – You have a disobedient child and don’t know how to handle him or her. You ask God for wisdom in how to handle the situation. You are told there are verses in Proverbs that will help out and you find this one – “Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.” Proverbs 22:15. You also notice there are several other Proverbs which deal with this subject. Now, you have a couple choices. You can agree with the Bible and discipline your child in a godly manner; you can reject the Bible (which has been a standard of morality in society for thousands of years) and take the advice of someone who disagrees with spanking; or you can try to figure out your own method of restraining your child – which hasn’t worked so far! God has given you the instruction which you asked for – take it. Don’t be like a wave which is tossed around by the wind, but stand firm on the Lord’s advice. God, who created you and your child, knows what is right and best for you. When you doubt, you demonstrate a lack of faith in His counsel. Take His advice and don’t be like a wave tossed by the wind. Thank You Lord that the general issues of life addressed in the Bible can be applied to the specific issues of our lives. You have provided the wisdom; help us to accept it for what it is – divine guidance meant for our good and for Your glory. Help us not to waiver in our convictions when we receive Your wonderful counsel. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 7, 2019 17:17:22 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:7, 7 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, JUNE 7, 2019 Friday, 7 June 2019 For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord;James 1:7 James now explains what a person who fails to ask for wisdom in faith is like. He had just said for a person to “ask in faith, with no doubting.” For one who doesn’t ask in faith and who does doubt, he says, “For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord.” Who would go to a bank, fill out all the paperwork for a loan, and then hand the paperwork to the loan officer unless he thought there was a chance of getting a loan? It would be a waste of time and energy to do so. How much more then should a person have faith in God, who knows all things and who can do all things. And how much more should he ask without doubting when he is told in advance in God’s word that he will receive the wisdom necessary for the trial at hand! But, as it says in Hebrews 11:6, “But without faith it is impossible to please Him.” Faith is the key to salvation. Christ has done the work, and He offers life to us by grace through faith. Likewise, faith is the key to receiving the wisdom needed for each trial we face. Life application: This is a chronic problem with us. We receive godly instruction at church through sermons, Bible studies, or personal meetings and then we fail to believe the wisdom imparted to us. Have you ever sat next to a family member in church who is going through a problem and the pastor speaks to that exact problem that very day? He now has the information necessary to make his decision and yet he doubts what he has heard. The reason why this is so offensive is that God has created him, He has given him His guidance in an obvious way, and then He simply asks him to have faith that what he has received will be sufficient. Instead, he goes home with his hands on his face in frustration – “Oh me, how will this all turn out?” This is the one “like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” There is no anchor in such a life; there is no foundation for that soul. Instead, he actually expects nothing from the Lord, and he will receive exactly what he expected…nothing. If this is you, don’t be overly disheartened. We all face doubts in our lives to varying degrees. But James says that as our faith grows we become mature and complete. There is an end to doubt and worry; there is an end to the tempest. It is found in Jesus Christ, and Jesus Christ is found in the Bible. This is why a daily study of the Bible is so important. Again and again, Jesus held the “word of God” and the “Scriptures” to the highest level. Why? Because those written prior to His coming point to Him, and those written after His coming explain what His coming means. Look for your firm foundation in its pages – you’ll find it under the name “Jesus.” Glorious Heavenly Father, thank You for the wisdom You provide from Your word to meet our various trials and troubles. In the end, Your word speaks of Jesus, and so whether through life or death, if we are in Christ our Lord, we have the ultimate answer to our trials – life eternal because of Him. Thank You for this marvelous assurance. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 9, 2019 0:49:11 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:8, 8 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, JUNE 8, 2019 Saturday, 8 June 2019 ...he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.James 1:8 In this verse, James describes the man who doubts when asking for wisdom. Such a person is “a double-minded man.” The word translated as double-minded is unique to James, being used here and in verse 4:8. It signifies someone who is undecided about things. He can’t make up his mind and thus cannot commit to anything, whether sound or not. In the Old Testament, the heart is used as a metaphor for the mind. Thus, the same type of thought is conveyed in Psalm 12 – “They speak idly everyone with his neighbor; With flattering lips and a double heart they speak.” Psalm 12:2 In the case of the one James is describing, it is not referring to one who is deceitful, just vacillating and unsure. Further, James says he is “unstable in all his ways.” The word translated as “unstable” is another word unique to James, being found here and in verse 3:8. It signifies someone who is not constant in his attitudes and actions because he is double-minded. What this is speaking of is a person who is this way by nature, not necessarily in his prayers for wisdom. Such an attitude defines him. A person with this attitude will be this way in both his requests for wisdom and in his expectation concerning the approval of his requests. It is a pointless mindset which will result in no positive response from the Lord. Here is why – 1) A person asks God for wisdom. 2) The very fact that one asks God for wisdom supposes that he believes in God. 3) If the One being petitioned is all-knowing, then the wisdom provided will be suitable to the request. 4) Therefore, the person who doubts such wisdom and continues to fret over the possible outcomes is double-minded. In this scenario, the person is demonstrating a complete lack of faith in the Creator. The future is His responsibility. What is given for today is sufficient for today. It is for this reason that worry, in particular, is so damaging to a relationship with God. He asks us to trust that He is going to handle our lives in the appropriate way. The wisdom He gives us for today will be sufficient for the here and now, but if we doubt it then how can God find pleasure in us? Life application: Trust isn’t easy to come by – particularly between humans. But trusting is what establishes relationships. God has given us His word and asks us to trust that it is sufficient. When we doubt the promises of the Bible, then there is a rift in our relationship with the One who gave it in the first place. Think it through and you will see that all things occur by His providence and for His purposes. We simply need to trust this is so. Don’t be double-minded by calling on God and then doubting Him or by worrying about what belongs to Him. Instead, have faith that He is in control. Lord God, you know our weaknesses when it comes to trusting You. You also know that we can’t see the future, which is yet unknown to us. Therefore, help us to direct our hearts, faith, and future to the care of Your hands – without doubt or worry – knowing that You have all things in Your control. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 9, 2019 23:46:05 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:9, 9 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, JUNE 9, 2019 Sunday, 9 June 2019 Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation,James 1:9 In the Greek, there is a conjunction which is left out here. It says, “But let the lowly brother...” The person referred to here is set in contrast to the double-minded person just mentioned. The “lowly brother” isn’t speaking of someone who is humble in spirit, as one might suppose. Rather, it is referring to a person who is truly poor, in difficult straits, afflicted, etc. It is a literal state of lack which exists in his life. For such a person, James says that he should “glory in his exaltation.” The idea here is not that he goes from his state of poverty to that of becoming wealthy, but rather that in his poverty he has been exalted through the gospel. No matter what a person’s state is in this physical world, if he is a saved believer in Jesus Christ, that person can glory in his exaltation. He has acquired the greatest riches of all which no amount of gold or silver could purchase. Life application: What James is essentially saying here, and in the coming verse, is in line with literally dozens of verses of the Bible. Someone who lacks humility is there to please himself or to let others know how great he thinks he is. Such a person can’t be pleasing to the Lord in any way. This is because a person like this thinks he “deserves” heaven. But we all fall short of God’s glory. A person who is humbled in his life’s estate will understand this. Moses was such a person – “(Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth.)” Numbers 12:3 Moses was exalted because he understood that he was just a mere man – no better than any others and not deserving of any special consideration. The arrogant and boastful feel they deserve such consideration. The Psalms speak a good deal on humility, but in particular this verse fits what James is saying quite nicely – “For the Lord takes pleasure in His people; He will beautify the humble with salvation.” Psalm 149:4 Only when we realize our own fallen and lowly state will we ever come to the foot of the cross and ask Jesus to save us. As long as we feel we merit God’s favor, we will never do this. But by bowing down to Jesus, God crowns us with salvation. Have you come to the end of your own arrogance and haughtiness? If not, God can’t look upon you with favor. Hand over your boastfulness and acknowledge Jesus is your only hope… and He will satisfy your soul. Lord, may our souls not be haughty or arrogant in Your presence, but rather may we understand our lowly position. You are God; we are the work of Your hands. May we never be presumptuous or boastful about that which You alone have bestowed upon us in our lives. In the end, may You alone be glorified through who we are and what we possess. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 12, 2019 0:02:54 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:10, 10 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, JUNE 10, 2019 Monday, 10 June 2019 ...but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.James 1:10 Here we have the contrast to what the previous verse stated. Taken together, they read – “Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, 10 but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away.” Just as the lowly brother should glory in his exalted status in Christ, the rich should glory in his lowly status as a fallen being, redeemed solely by the blood of Christ. Thus, he should walk in humility and understand his lowly state. His riches had no part in his salvation, and they mean nothing in God’s sight. They are a temporary blessing from God which he is expected to handle properly. His lowly state is then compared to the “flower of the field.” God made the flower of the field, and it is beautiful, but it is also extremely temporary. This is just like the rich. God endowed him with his state and, like the flower, “he will pass away.” He will die and return to the dust, just as the poor will. In this verse, James builds on what is said in Isaiah 40 and on what Jesus said in Luke 12 – “The grass withers, the flower fades, Because the breath of the Lord blows upon it; Surely the people are grass. 8 The grass withers, the flower fades, But the word of our God stands forever.” Isaiah 40:7, 8 & “Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you, even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 28 If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, O you of little faith?” Luke 12:27, 28 Wildflowers are extremely beautiful and come in an almost infinite number of sizes, colors, and shapes. They demonstrate God’s wisdom, gentleness, and love towards us; and yet they are so transitory that they pass away almost as quickly as they arrive. Their beauty lasts but a moment and then they return to the soil, making compost for the next generation of beauty to rise and be adorned by the morning dew. And this is what James compares the rich to. They are as lowly and transitory as the wildflower of the field. Just as God created the flower’s richness and beauty, so He granted some to be wealthy in this life. But even their wealth is fleeting and their lives are a mere breath. Israel’s wealthiest and wisest king, Solomon, understood this precept – “Then I hated all my labor in which I had toiled under the sun, because I must leave it to the man who will come after me. 19 And who knows whether he will be wise or a fool? Yet he will rule over all my labor in which I toiled and in which I have shown myself wise under the sun.” Ecclesiastes 2: 18, 19 Life application: If you are poor, or if you are one of the many who are struggling with finances, remember that God ordained your life for His glory. Your continued faith through your temporary lack will be rewarded with eternal abundance in Christ Jesus. In the same manner, if you are in Christ, wealthy, and have been triply blessed, remember that your wealth will see an end and your life will fade into eternity – make sure your priorities lie in the eternal and not in the gold and silver you have here and now. Surely Lord the lilies of the field reflect Your glory far more than we do. We fight for more money and more possessions rather than opening our hearts like flowers to praise You. Help us to be as beautiful as even the lowliest wildflower – reflecting Your majesty as we live our lives in Your perfect presence. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 12, 2019 0:05:39 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:11, 11 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, JUNE 11, 2019 Tuesday, 11 June 2019 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 1:11 This verse, among more to come, is one reason that the book of James is equated with wisdom literature. The style of stating something and then repeating it in a poetic form is common in the books of wisdom. The previous two verses spoke of the humble being exalted while the wealthy are made lowly. As an example, he provides these words. He does this by explaining the nature of the “flower of the field” that he referred to there. He said that, like that flower, the rich “will pass away.” To further define what he meant, he says, “For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass.” The style of the Greek, using the aorist tense, actually presents these words in a narrative form. Young’s Literal Translation shows this – “for the sun did rise with the burning heat, and did wither the grass, and the flower of it fell, and the grace of its appearance did perish, so also the rich in his way shall fade away!” It is as if an accomplished fact. The state of the rich man perished when “the sun did rise with the burning heat.” In the Greek, there is an article in front of “burning heat” which sets it apart as a particular heat resulting from the effects of the sun. With the coming of this burning heat, “it did wither the grass” (YLT). The sun came up, and the grass could not bear up under its intense heat. The heat was strong enough to wither the flower before the sun had set. So it is with the rich man, whose life is as a passing day. In that day, “the flower of it fell” (YLT). The beauty of the flower in the first morning light, so delightful to the eyes, perished without hope. The effects of the heat were worked out in the death of this intricate and magnificent work of God. Jesus spoke of such things in Matthew 6 – “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; 29 and yet I say to you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these. 30 Now if God so clothes the grass of the field, which today is, and tomorrow is thrown into the oven, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?” Matthew 6:28-30 James continues by noting that, with the falling of such a flower, “the grace of its appearance did perish.” The colors of flowers are magnificent; they vary in size; they may have a certain smell; the number of petals and the shape of them is unique to each flower, etc. Each is a demonstration of the wisdom of God, and the intricacy of each is beyond finding out. And yet, as quickly as it opens and reveals its glorious appearance, it perishes. And like that temporary flower, with the grace it received from God, “so also the rich in his way shall fade away!” (YLT). The comparison is intended to open the mind of those who think they are something special. Instead, they should realize that whatever they are is because God so ordained it. The life of the rich man will end, the money he possesses will pass to another, and life will continue on without him. Life application: The wildflower, though complex and beautiful, is a temporary adornment of God’s earth. In the Mideast, there is a particularly destructive wind which comes out of the east which is known as the khamsin. It is exceptionally hot and dry. When it comes, everything is tested: man, animal, and plant alike. Even without the khamsin, the sun in the Mideast is direct and torturous. When it comes up, only the heartiest plants can endure the day. The wildflowers in particular – being in the direct path of the sun’s rays and the wind’s force – will not stand the extreme weather. Despite being elegant and colorful, they quickly fade away. In comparison, a rich person is usually bathed in ease and comfort. Should any unusual external pressure or trial be brought on him, he will find it hard – if not impossible – to stand the heat. On the contrary, the land also has cacti. Despite being largely ignored or shunned, they are hearty and can endure whatever nature inflicts on them. As an interesting comparison, the term for cactus in Hebrew, sabra, is applied to a native-born Israelite. Such a person has normally grown up in otherwise humble circumstances and can endure the trials and pressures of the difficult life in Israel much more readily. Are you a lovely but temporary wildflower, or are you a hearty although less beautiful cactus? If you are one of the lowly people of the world, rejoice in your exalted position. Jesus gives us life which is truly life. In His garden, we will be forever fresh and filled with life! Lord, as Your people, we may not be beautiful or wealthy by the world’s standards, but we know that we are in Your eyes. Keep us safely in Your care, and fill us with Your life-giving water that we can withstand any test from the heat and pressure of life. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 12, 2019 23:36:14 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:12, 12 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 2019 Wednesday, 12 June 2019 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 James now returns to the subject of verse 2. There it said – “My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials. Now he says, “Blessed is the man who endures temptation.” The word used here, and translated as “temptation,” is the same as that used in verse 2 which said “trials.” In verse 2, James told his reader to view trials as an opportunity to grow in patience. Now, he looks to the reward which comes from rightly using that opportunity. In this, he says that he is “blessed” for enduring temptation. From there, he explains what that means beginning with, “for when he has been approved.” This is not speaking of the actual time of trial, meaning when it is finished, but of the results of the trial. The individual endures temptation and he is found to have been faithful through it. In this, “he will receive the crown of life.” The Greek actually reads, “the crown of the life.” The only other time the term is used is in Revelation 2:10, and it is also used with the article, meaning “the crown of the life.” These are references to the true life which lies yet ahead and which is promised to those who are found to be in Christ. The tone of James’ words makes it sound like one must endure to the end, stand approved, and then be given the crown based on the deeds of the life during the trials. In other words, one must personally merit the crown of life. But this is not so. Rather, he continues with the thought that those mentioned will receive the crown of the life “which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” The one who loves Christ is the person who has received Him as the payment for their sins. They are given the gospel, understand its necessity in their lives to make them right before God, and who then have accepted that. James’ words must be speaking in the broad sense of life’s trials, not anything necessary for being made right with God. Some people face very few trials, some face a lifetime of difficulty. To face life, however, is to face trials. There is only one way to get to the end of them, and that is to get through life. One cannot be approved until the trial is complete. Understanding this, it is what occurs during those trials – meaning receiving Christ – that one will show he “has been approved.” He has loved the Lord and has come to Him for restoration. Life application: As is often the case with the Bible, and particularly the wisdom literature, what seems contradictory to us from a worldly perspective is what the Bible proclaims as that which is right. In our mortal bodies, we look at trials as something to distance ourselves from, hardships as undesirable, and pain as something to be avoided at all costs. However, the Bible puts these things in a different light and asks us to look beyond the immediate sensation to the purpose behind it. Job, King David, Solomon, and others were tested in these ways and wrote about what happened. By referring to what they learned, we have a sound and reliable foundation upon which we can study and reflect on our own trials. James received his instruction from these great men through the writings of the Hebrew Scriptures, and he builds upon that foundation to help explain the Christian message in its fullness. This is one of the reasons why it is so important to read your Bible. It has been building up and edifying the faithful believer for thousands of years, and it is a guide and a blueprint for the troubles of our lives. James asks us to not only endure trials, but to consider them joyfully, even as pure joy. Do you have physical pains? Look at the experience, although painful, with joy. It could be worse than it is. Do you have financial troubles? They could always be worse. Are you facing family problems now? If you endure through them, your relationship may be strengthened at the end. Whatever trial you are facing, face it with the knowledge that God allowed it into your life for a set time and for a good purpose. In the end, you will see the wisdom of what has occurred. Lord God – You are sovereign and Your plans and purposes for our lives will come to pass whether we accept them or not. Because of this, help us to live joyfully in pleasure and in pain, in trial and ease, and in lack or abundance. May we understand that the trials have been given us to teach us something beyond the moment. This we pray in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 13, 2019 23:30:21 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:13, 13 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 2019 Thursday, 13 June 2019 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.James 1:13 James continues on with the matter of temptation, as in a trial which could lead one to fall short of what is right. In such a situation, he says, “Let no one say.” Nobody has a right to do what he will state in this verse, and so no one should even think about uttering such a thing, thus bringing such a false accusation towards God. The state in which he is referring to is “when he is tempted.” The word signifies to make proof of something. It can be a test or a temptation, and it is the context which determines which is being referred to. In this case, it is speaking of being tempted. In such a case, the person should not say, “I am tempted by God.” The idea of being tempted is to allure one away from what is right. The sense of the Greek is “from God,” not “by God.” In other words, it is not speaking of God directly tempting someone, but rather by any type of temptation which could proceed from God. Matthew 4:1 makes this evident – “Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil.” God will not be the active source of temptation. This doesn’t mean that temptation may not come, but it is not within the working of God to actively say, “I will tempt this person into sin.” Rather, the coming verse will show us where the source of that temptation lies. For now, James simply goes on to show that it is impossible for God to tempt someone with the words, “for God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” Albert Barnes states, “The object seems to be to show that, in regard to the whole matter of temptation, it does not pertain to God.” There is nothing in God that would actively bring such a thing about. As the Creator, He is incapable of being tempted because all things are from Him and belong to Him; there is nothing by which He can be tempted. He is perfectly complete in Himself. The fact that temptations exist does not mean that they are a part of His intentions for us. This, however, does not mean that they are not unknown to Him. What is certain is that if the will of God is followed exactingly, then being seduced by temptation is excluded; it can be completely overcome. For example, in the Garden of Eden, there was enough abundance that Adam and Eve could have gone on forever and ever without being tempted. Instead, they were tempted, but it was not by God. If they had stuck to His word, they would still be in Eden and enjoying their lives there today. As noted, how temptation is brought forth will be explained by James in his words to come. Life application: We can’t blame God when we fall into sin – no matter what type of sin or what severity the sin is. Our temptation is not from God. Despite this, God is active in keeping us from greater temptation than we can bear – “No temptation has overtaken you except such as is common to man; but God isfaithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will also make the way of escape, that you may be able to bear it.” 1 Corinthians 10:13 The source and the objects of our temptation are no greater than any other people experience. In addition to this, God always provides a way out of our temptation – such as when Joseph was tempted by Potipher’s wife. Therefore, if we fail to respond correctly and instead act on our inappropriate desires, we really only have ourselves to blame. If you are being tempted by something right now, the best thing for you to do is to trust in God, pray for His help, and find the exit which the Bible promises God has already provided. Trust Him and His promises, and never accuse Him of being the One who has stirred up your evil desires. Lord God, You word reminds us of our struggles. From it, we know what we should do, but we also know the temptations that we constantly face. Open our eyes to the avenue of exit You have already provided for us when such times arise, and keep us from the sins which will surely result when we act upon our temptations. Strengthen us according to Your great mercy. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 15, 2019 0:15:45 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:14, 14 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 2019 Friday, 14 June 2019 But each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed. James 1:14 James has been speaking of enduring temptation, and that anytime someone faces tempting it cannot be attributed to God. As he said, “God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He Himself tempt anyone.” Therefore, the question is, “If God isn’t tempting me, then where is the temptation coming from?” The answer is that “each one is tempted when he is drawn away by his own desires and enticed.” More correctly the word translated as “drawn away” is a present participle. It should read, “is being drawn away.” Likewise, the word translated as “enticed” is also a present participle. It should read, “is being enticed.” James is noting the progression of what is occurring in the person. Here, James uses a word found only in this verse in Scripture, exelkó. It means “to draw out of the right place,” and thus to entice. It is a metaphor brought in from those who hunt and fish. Hunters may use a dead animal to lure an animal out of its den, or a fisherman may use a handmade fly or some other bait to lure a fish for the catch. This type of idea is what James now transfers to the tempting of man. Our own desires are like a lure, enticing us and drawing us away. Once the lure is set, and the bait has been gone after, man is drawn away to his fate. Therefore, although the temptation is based on something external, it is an internal force which impels us. Therefore, God – though He is the Creator of all things, and thus the Source of all things – cannot be held responsible for the temptation which arises. Rather, man goes beyond the divinely established parameters and falls into sin on his own. To see this actively portrayed in Scripture, take time to read the words of Proverbs 7:6-27. There, you will see a poor young soul lured in by the trap, who then finds himself caught in it because he followed the enticement of his appetite instead of following the word of God which is able to keep him from the sad path he set his feet upon. It should be noted that the word “desires” comes from the Greek epithumia. It is used in both a good and a bad way elsewhere. For example, Jesus said, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer.” One can have great desire for a thing and not be sinning. Therefore, it is a matter of the heart which is being considered here. God looks upon the heart and discerns between right desires and those which are sinful. Paul uses this term in Romans 7 to explain how the source of such desire is stirred into action – “What shall we say then? Is the law sin? Certainly not! On the contrary, I would not have known sin except through the law. For I would not have known covetousness unless the law had said, “You shall not covet.” 8 But sin, taking opportunity by the commandment, produced in me all manner of evil desire. For apart from the law sin was dead.” As one can see, the source of the desire is within. The law merely brings it forth. Paul speaks elsewhere of the law written on the heart (Romans 2:15). In this, we see that there are moral laws written within us, and there are laws given which are external to us. The laws establish parameters which are set, and which then highlight the nature of the desire. Jesus’ desire (mentioned above) was within the parameters of what is allowed. However, when one steps outside of those parameters, the condition of his heart is shown forth as sinful. James will reveal this more clearly in the coming verse. Life application: Can you remember someone blaming God for his misfortunes? Have you ever done this? It is inappropriate to ascribe evil or evil intent to God. Rather, our life and circumstances result from happenstance (read Ecclesiastes for a better understanding of this); from the devil and his demons; or from our own bad decisions. God intends only good for us, but He allows us to follow the paths of our own making. In the end, this shows us the great mercy of God. Despite our evil desires leading us astray, God is willing to forgive us in Christ Jesus – if we call out to Him. In addition to this, God is willing to leave us here and to continue to make mistakes even after our salvation. This is so that “that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (Ephesians 2:7). Even after coming to Christ, we fail to please God again and again. When we stand in His presence and see His majesty, we will forever sing His praises. First He saves us, and then He continues to put up with us! Let us attempt at every turn to be pleasing to Him – not gratifying the evil desires of our heart, but standing firm in Him. Rather than being dragged away by sin, let us be ever anchored to the strong and mighty Rock, who is Jesus Christ our Lord! Lord God! Thank you for enduring us, even when we at times follow our own wayward actions. Yes, even when we are enticed and dragged away by our sins, You will have mercy upon us. But Lord, keep us from willful sin. And when we fail You, we have the surety that Jesus’ precious blood covers our misdeeds. What a wonderful God You are for giving us forgiveness through Jesus! Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 15, 2019 23:47:23 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:15, 15 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, JUNE 15, 2019 Saturday, 15 June 2019 Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death.James 1:15 James equates the process of sin occurring to the way a person is conceived, born, and grows. In the previous verse, temptation was seen to draw the person away, enticing him (the union). When this occurs, that desire conceives (the state of being pregnant). Eventually, birth is the result, but the birth here is sin. From there, he says, “when it is full grown.” There is a point where sin’s effects take hold. At that time, the inevitable state is that it “brings forth death.” James’ words are not specifically given as a study on the concept of original sin, but rather he is using these images to show that what occurs does not find its origins in God. As it said in verse 1:13, “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.” He is showing how the birth of sin comes about through our own improper desires, and how it is brought forth and matures. In his words, James places an article before the word “desire.” It says, “the desire.” It is the particular desire which begins to foment in the person. There can be good desires and there can be bad desires. James is speaking of “the desire” which comes from being tempted as mentioned in the previous verse. It is this which then continues the process of bringing forth death. What James is speaking of here is similar to what Paul says in Romans 7:7-11. Paul’s words, however, are meant to more specifically reveal the way that sin’s effects arise from the giving of law, including the doctrine of original sin. James is showing how sin’s effects well up in a person without God being the Source of what occurs. In the end, both speak of sin bringing forth death. Paul’s concept is of spiritual death, a disconnect from God. He refers to death which is brought forth from the state of sin. James is referring to how sin will lead to death in whatever form it comes about. A person may be enticed to sleep with an adulterous woman. In this, he may be shot by an angry husband. A person may be enticed to rob a bank. In this, he may be shot by an armed guard. A person may be enticed to get drunk and go carousing. In this, he might get run over, drown in a ditch, fall off a bridge, etc. He refers to death which is brought forth from the act of sin. Life application: The state of death because of sin which Paul speaks of dwells in us. It, in turn, leads to our being drawn into acts of sin which bring forth physical death. Paul, like James, goes on to speak of this state in Romans 7:21-25 which he calls “this body of death.” It is a state which all people find themselves in. Through receiving Christ, we are freed from the state of death (meaning the spiritual disconnect from God). Through living for Christ, we can be freed from the enticements of sin which lead to harming ourselves (including death). Paul speaks of how to prevail in this struggle in Romans 12 – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is your reasonable service. 2 And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God.” Romans 12:1, 2 Although the term “living sacrifice” seems like an oxymoron, and it very well may be to the unregenerate world, it should be a daily concept for us as we walk in the salvation we received through Jesus Christ our Lord. Our lives have been freed from the penalty of sin. Now we are to have our bodies considered dead to the desire to sin. It can be done through Christ Jesus our Lord. Thanks be to God indeed! It is through Him that we are free from the sting of sin and death! Lord, Your word is a mine of treasure for our lives. As we follow it in obedience, we can see how it will change us to be the people You created us to be. And so, give us the wisdom to be living sacrifices to You all of our days. In response to Your majesty, may we cry out always, “How great You are!” Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 16, 2019 21:40:46 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:16, 16 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, JUNE 16, 2019 Sunday, 16 June 2019 Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.James 1:16 There are certain means of conveying an idea which permeate any culture or society. The words here show that this is the case with those at the time of James. The reason this is so is that the same type of general statement is made by both Paul and John elsewhere. One example of this would be – “Do you not know that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God? Do not be deceived. Neither fornicators, nor idolaters, nor adulterers, nor homosexuals, nor sodomites, 10 nor thieves, nor covetous, nor drunkards, nor revilers, nor extortioners will inherit the kingdom of God. 11 And such were some of you. But you were washed, but you were sanctified, but you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus and by the Spirit of our God.” 1 Corinthians 6:9-11 The same pattern follows in 1 Corinthians 15:33, Galatians 6:7, and a similar pattern which is seen in 1 John 3:7. In each of these examples, there is a thought expressed which is understood as a certain truth. After the words, “Do not be deceived,” comes a thought which corrects an opinion or idea which is false. As you can see from the words of Paul in 1 Corinthians 6, the first statement is that the unrighteous will not inherit the kingdom of God. Then comes the “Do not be deceived.” This is followed by a list of people who will not inherit it. James is doing that now. James has defined the process of sin and how it comes forth. He will next relay a correction of someone’s idea that God is the source of sin by showing what He is actually like instead. Paying attention to cues such as these will help correct faulty thinking which may exist in one’s mind. James then closes the verse with, “my beloved brethren.” He is ensuring that his words are taken as they should be. They are given in a spirit of love and fraternity towards those who are in Christ and may simply need a correction of an incorrect impression about such things. Life application: James’ words, “Do not be deceived,” remind us that when temptation comes it may appear alluring, right, acceptable, or even useful at first. This is no different than the temptation at the fall – “Then the serpent said to the woman, ‘You will not surely die. 5 For God knows that in the day you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil.’” Genesis 3:4, 5 This temptation – the way it was presented – surely made disobedience seem right, acceptable, and even useful. Certainly it was alluring. However, it was a deception which led to agony and sorrow for the world’s fallen children. This is how Satan works to this day. Think carefully about the things happening in your own life which seem so very right on a multitude of levels, but which you know deep inside are wrong. The end never justifies the means if it involves disobedience. Your deception will lead you to sadness and pain for yourself or others, and to a loss of fellowship with God. Because of God’s great love for those who are in Christ, forgiveness has already been obtained, but the consequences of the action will follow through regardless. Be wary and do not be deceived, my beloved brethren. Yes Lord, Your divine hand of wisdom is needed in our lives. The deceptions we face are often hard to discern, and temptation is hard to avoid. But grant us a spirit of understanding and give us the ability to choose the obedient exit rather than the door which is open to disobedience. This we pray in the name of Your beloved Son, our Lord Jesus. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 17, 2019 23:31:13 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:17, 17 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, JUNE 17, 2019 Monday, 17 June 2019 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.James 1:17 James has been talking about evil desires and how they produce sin; sin in turn produces death. Now he abruptly changes his angle and speaks of the good and perfect gifts which come down from the Father of the heavenly lights. This is done to contrast the death which we have earned through being enticed to sin. No such thing is to be found in that which comes from Him. The first words of this verse form a hexameter. Some suppose that because of this, the words are part of an ancient poem. Or, it could be that James was purposefully forming them in this way on his own. Either way, he starts this thought with this hexameter, “Every good gift and every perfect gift.” Two different words are both translated as “gift.” The first is a verb which indicates the act of giving. The second is a noun which refers to the gift itself. A more literal and understandable translation would be, “Every good giving, and every perfect gift” (YLT). In this, the contrast is made. Man falls into temptation through his own desires. He is enticed by them, and by them he sins. However, God only gives that which is beneficial and His act of giving is inherently good. And what He gives is perfect, meaning it is complete in all its parts and it lacks nothing. Such gifts from God are (as James tells us) “from above.” Though God is omnipresent, He is always considered above. In this, the imagery is that of a Father presenting gifts to His children who eagerly wait for them with outstretched arms. With this idea developed in the mind with the words “from above,” James then confirms it by saying, “and comes down from the Father of lights.” The verb is a present participle. It reads, “and is coming down.” It speaks of something which is continuously repeated. God habitually provides that which is good and perfect because He is the “Father of lights.” The Greek has a definite article here. It reads, “Father of ‘the’ lights.” It is speaking of the sun, moon, and stars as heavenly bodies. In the Greek translation of the Psalms and Jeremiah, the term is used when referring to the Lord. He is the Creator of them, and the One who sustains them even now. James then describes the heavenly Father by saying, “with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.” James had to pull out his science book to make this description, because the terms he uses here are technical in nature. The word translated as “variation” is parallagé. It is found only here in Scripture and it signifies a parallax. This is the effect “whereby the position or direction of an object appears to differ when viewed from different positions, e.g. through the viewfinder and the lens of a camera” (Online Dictionary). The word describes a transmutation of phase or orbit. If you hold your thumb out in front of you and close your left eye first, and then your right eye, the position of your thumb will change slightly. This is a trigonometric parallax, or simply a parallax. The author seems to have chosen this word specifically for his audience to make it completely clear that there is no “shift” or “change” in God – even in the slightest. A parallax will occur when a reference changes even minutely – such as in the atomic level. But in God there is simply no parallax at all. This is why the description “Father of lights” is chosen. If our field of view changes in the slightest, our view of the stars will change. But with God, who created and sustains the stars, there is no change at all. No matter how we view God, there will never be any change in Him. This is further described by James with “shadow of turning.” As lights move, shadows will move in accord with the source of light. As heavenly bodies move, there will be eclipses of other bodies. However, there is no such change in, or obscuring of, the glory of God. His radiance is not in any way affected by the creation. Rather, His glory transcends the creation because He is omnipresent. This unchangeable nature of God is confirmed by several other verses of the Bible, such as Malachi 3:6 and Hebrews 13:8. This is also confirmed by philosophic considerations about God. As He created time, space, and matter, He is outside of those things. They have no bearing on Him. Therefore, He must be One (monotheism), and He must be unchanging. Life application: If you sometimes have doubts or questions about your faith in the Christian God, don’t! The Bible absolutely confirms God’s nature; a nature we can determine from reason alone. You are on exactly the right path when you call on Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior – He is the image of the invisible God and our only path of restoration to our infinite, unchanging, and glorious Creator. Lord God Almighty, You who alone are unchanging and beyond our ability to comprehend – thank You for every good and perfect gift in our lives. Thank You for our Lord Jesus Christ also. He who came to reveal You to us. May we never forget that He is the greatest expression of Your unfailing love for the fallen sons of Adam. In His name we pray. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 19, 2019 0:00:49 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:18, 18 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·TUESDAY, JUNE 18, 2019 Tuesday, 18 June 2019 Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.James 1:18 James now speaks of the faith of the believer and how it comes about. The words here are to be contrasted to those of verse 15 – 15) Then, when desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, brings forth death. 18) Of His own will He brought us forth by the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures. James had spoken of the bringing forth of death through one’s own desires. Now he speaks of being brought forth (to life), as he says, “Of His own will.” In other words, the contrast is between what man wills, with its resulting negative effects, and of what God wills, with its resulting positive effects. An obvious question, and one which divides scholars, is “What does, ‘Of His own will,’ signify?” Does James mean that God’s will is being worked out apart from man’s will, or does it speak of God’s will being followed by man in order to work out His determined end? The first is known as monergism. Monergism comes from two words which signify “one work.” It signifies that God’s will is solely seen in the process of salvation – apart from man’s will. The second is known as synergism. This speaks of a cooperation of two or more agents to produce a combined effect. To determine which is correct, more needs to be considered. James next says that it is of God’s own will that “He brought us forth.” The word used is the same as in verse 15. This now is its second and final use in Scripture. It is a medical or physical word which signifies the closing of a pregnancy. Thus it is to bring forth as a child. In the course of nature, a child has no part in his bringing forth. If this were merely speaking of a physical birth, the answer to the question concerning man’s will would be clear. But James doesn’t stop there. He next says that this bringing forth is “by the word of truth.” To understand what James is referring to, a comparison to the same thought in 1 Peter is necessary – “Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart, 23 having been born again, not of corruptible seed but incorruptible, through the word of God which lives and abides forever, 24 because “All flesh is as grass, And all the glory of man as the flower of the grass. The grass withers, And its flower falls away, 25 But the word of the Lord endures forever.” Now this is the word which by the gospel was preached to you. 1 Peter 1:22-25 Peter explains that “the word of truth” is speaking of the word of God, meaning Scripture, and specifically “the gospel.” Albert Barnes rightly states – “With the word of truth - By the instrumentality of truth. It was not a mere creative act, but it was by truth as the seed or germ. There is no effect produced in our minds in regeneration which the truth is not fitted to produce, and the agency of God in the case is to secure its fair and full influence on the soul.” James is showing the difference between choosing the natural inclination of man through desires and enticements and choosing that which God offers through the word of truth. It is obvious, based on the presentation by James, that what is being spoken of here is a synergistic model. God’s will (Of His own will) is revealed in Scripture. However, that will can be accepted or rejected. If it is accepted, it brings forth the new being through the act of regeneration. The will receives the word and believes it and the Holy Spirit regenerates the man. James then says there is a purpose for this. It is so “that we might be a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” Another obvious question arises with these words, “Who is ‘we’ referring to?” James’ words could be speaking of the Christians of the apostolic age only. He could be referring to all Christians at all times too. Or, he could be referring to the believing Jews of his day. First, the letter is written (as it says in verse 1:1) “To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad.” Secondly, the apostles had no idea what an “apostolic age” meant. They didn’t know if Jesus was coming back before their deaths or not. The answer is that James is referring to the Jewish believers of his time as “a kind of firstfruits of His creatures.” It was understood, even at an early age, that Gentiles were coming to faith in Christ. This understanding led James to equate the Jews as “a kind” of firstfruits. It was already understood that Christ is “the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” That is speaking of the resurrection of Christ. As Christ arose, so will those who are in Christ. However, there were also firstfruit offerings brought forth at the time of Pentecost. The firstfruits indicate a portion of a whole which is taken and offered as representative of a greater portion. These early Jewish believers were considered as the consecrated portion and the first of the Lord’s brought-forth creatures. This is why he says, “a kind of firstfruits.” It shows that he is speaking in figurative terms. The addressed portion is given to represent the whole. Life application: James speaks here of being born again as is stated in John 3:3-6. Jesus didn’t make it optional; you must be born again in order to enter the kingdom of God. This doesn’t mean rolling around on the floor or speaking in odd tongues. Rather, it means being born from above; from a divine source. Hyper-dispensationalists say that the term “born again” only applies to Jews. Reformed theologians say that a person is “born again” first by the Spirit. In this, he is then enabled to believe. He then believes, and then he is saved. In other words, they separate the idea of being born again from being saved. Both of these ideas are foreign to Scripture, and they both come from taking the words of Scripture completely out of context. It is sad too, because if someone says, “I’m a Christian, but not ‘born again,’” then he isn’t a Christian. The two are inseparable. Or, if a person believes that he is “regenerated in order to believe,” meaning born again first, then how can he know that he is really saved? Maybe his experience came from being light-headed because of not enough water to drink on a hot day. Rather, we are given birth through the “word of truth.” Jesus is the Word of God and He is revealed in the word of God, meaning Scripture. It is through faith in Him alone that we receive this new birth. We are presented with the information, and then we have a choice to make. This does not mean that God is denied glory. Salvation is wholly of the Lord. There is no deed of the flesh that merits it; no goodness good enough to satisfy the debt we owe. Instead, the transfer is made in Jesus Christ. We accept His cross and He gives us His righteousness. He did the work; we believe and receive. The problem with monergism is that it fails to make a distinction between the work necessary for salvation, and the process of salvation. All work is accomplished by Jesus Christ. There is no “thing” that we can do to merit salvation. However, the process of salvation says that man must believe in the work of Jesus Christ in order to be saved. Belief is not a work. James shows us this in his words of Chapter 1 of his epistle. In the end, the process of salvation is so simple that many fail to understand it. Paul calls it a “stumbling block” because of its simplicity. Don’t trip over it yourself, but rather accept by faith what Jesus has done. Be certain of your eternal destiny; call on Jesus Christ today! Thank You, O God, for Your sure word of truth that points us to the wonders Jesus has accomplished on our behalf. May we never take for granted the splendor of His work. Help us to be wise, understand what He did for us, and then receive that good news to the saving of our souls. And then, help us to keep our eyes and our thoughts fixed on Him – to Your glory alone. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 20, 2019 0:39:48 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:18, 18 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·WEDNESDAY, JUNE 19, 2019 Wednesday, 19 June 2019 So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath;James 1:19 James now enters into a section of exhortation by saying, “So then.” With a very small change in the first word, some manuscripts say, “Know this.” Thus, it would be stated as an imperative. Either way, the intent is that the reader is to call to mind the words of exhortation to follow. James then repeats his words of verse 16, “my beloved brethren.” Again, as there, he wants to ensure that his words are taken as they should be. They are given in a spirit of love and fraternity towards those who are in Christ. They are intended to spur them on to right thinking and right living. With that understood, he then says, “let every man be swift to hear.” The old saying that, “you were given two ears but only one mouth for a reason,” applies here. We are to listen to God through His word. We are to listen to others, assimilating what they have to say. We are to even listen to our own thoughts, thinking them over rather than pouncing upon the first thing that comes to our mind. With that in mind, and as the baseline for what he will next say, James then continues with, “slow to speak.” One should listen first, contemplate what has been said, and only then engage the mouth. Anything less than that will cause a person to put forth words which were hasty and not well thought out. As Solomon says in Ecclesiastes – “Do not be rash with your mouth, And let not your heart utter anything hastily before God. For God is in heaven, and you on earth; Therefore let your words be few.” Ecclesiastes 5:2 Job was so fed up with the hasty and not well-considered words of his friends that he cried out to them – “Oh, that you would be silent, And it would be your wisdom!” Job 13:5 In shutting their mouths, they would prove their wisdom above the babble that they had been spewing forth. James then finishes with, “slow to wrath.” This could be considered a general guide for the conduct of life, but the intent here is more specific. James is speaking about listening and speaking. Therefore, this is referring to wrath connected with discerning a matter, not specifically being an angry person in general. We are being exhorted to listen to a matter, speak only when we have thought it through, and then to not get angry as we discuss it. He will further define this in the second half of the sentence. Life application: As has already been noted, James is the closest to a book of wisdom in the New Testament. This is because he uses ideas which permeate the wisdom literature and which are meant for general life guides as well as specific Christian life. In this verse, he mentions three particular ways of conduct: 1) Be quick to listen – “He who answers a matter before he hears it, It is folly and shame to him.” Proverbs 18:13 2) Be slow to speak – “A fool’s mouth is his destruction, And his lips are the snare of his soul.” Proverbs 18:7 3) Be slow to become angry – “Do not hasten in your spirit to be angry, For anger rests in the bosom of fools.” Ecclesiastes 7:9 As you can see, each of these concepts has already been addressed in the Old Testament books of wisdom. Not only is this so, but each idea is brought up several times there. In order to properly understand God’s plan and purpose for our lives in its fullness, it really is necessary to dig into the entire Bible. If you find reading certain areas of the Bible difficult, then join studies with others who might have less trouble with those particular areas. Also, make sure the church you attend is willing to speak on any subject or book of the Bible. By doing so, you will be a much more rounded believer and also able to handle the trials which arise in life’s walk. What a wonderfully intricate treasure Your word is, O Lord! Thank You for the wise guidance and counsel You have provided in it. Help us to learn the lessons which it teaches and then apply them to our lives. Help us to be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. This we pray in the precious name of Jesus. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 20, 2019 23:55:43 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:20, 20 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·THURSDAY, JUNE 20, 2019 Thursday, 20 June 2019 ...for the wrath of man does not produce the righteousness of God.James 1:20 James had just said that believers should be “slow to wrath.” He now explains this beginning with, “for the wrath of man.” In the Bible, the idea of wrath is found numerous times; quite often wrath is ascribed to God. His anger is said to rise, and it is then worked out in His correction of what brought about the wrath. But, the wrath of God is a result of His just, righteous, and holy character. There is nothing arbitrary or vindictive about it. In fact, in understanding the nature of God, we see that God doesn’t change. He doesn’t “get” angry in the way we think. Rather, it is man who changes in relation to Him, and that results in His corrective action. However, man is not like God. He goes from one state to another. And such a change in man is often fraught with problems. Man can get angry over a lack of food, too much constant noise, by being needled by another, etc. At times, he can go from holding back his anger to a sudden outpouring of it without having given any clue that he was angry in the first place. His wrath can also be vindictive and arbitrary. In such demonstrations of emotion, James says that this wrath “does not produce the righteousness of God.” When God’s wrath is displayed, it is because His law is violated. It is given to correct this. When man’s wrath is displayed, it will often cause a violation of God’s law. Thus, the exact opposite result is seen at times in man in comparison to that of God. In man’s wrath, God’s righteousness is not produced. Instead, it is further violated. What is being spoken of here is not an increase in God’s righteousness, as if God can be affected by our actions, but rather it is speaking of a decrease of His righteous character in the one who displays wrath. God remains unchanged through the process. For this reason, man needs to be “slow to wrath.” We are to display wrath only in a controlled way, and only when it will cause us to reflect God’s righteous character. Life application: Generally, people who fail to listen and are quick to speak are also the type to burst into anger more readily. That may be because they want to control the situation with their words and when they can’t, the next step is to blow up in anger. But James says (and which is painfully obvious to those around such a person) that this doesn’t bring about a righteous life. In fact, it normally demonstrates just the opposite. When two people are debating an issue, the one who is calm and even normally (but not always) has the proper view on the matter. The one who is excited and verbally abusive normally doesn’t have a leg to stand on and therefore he can only defend his position in this way. The language and actions belie any sense of righteousness or godly character. To see this type of discourse close up, just turn on the news and watch two people debate a political issue – one will be from the left and one from the right. When one of them starts fidgeting, elevating his voice, making unwarranted accusations, and even becoming angry, that person is most likely attempting to defend an indefensible position and is also not living out a righteous life (at least at the moment) which God desires. By watching people behave this way, we can learn what not to do – but be careful you don’t get yourself sucked into the conversation and start yelling at your TV! When you engage in conversation, listen a lot, speak a little, and avoid ungodly anger. By doing so, you will demonstrate wisdom in your interactions. Lord, You know what pushes our buttons and also those things which cause us to lose our cool. Give us wisdom when we speak so that we might not sin against You with our mouths. Help us to have salt in our speech and a gentle attitude towards those we may not agree with. This we pray so that You will be glorified, and that we will have peace in our conversations. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 22, 2019 1:31:00 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:21, 21 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·FRIDAY, JUNE 21, 2019 Friday, 21 June 2019 Therefore lay aside all filthiness and overflow of wickedness, and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls.James 1:21 James now says, “Therefore.” That is given based on what he has been saying over the past verses concerning the temptation we face being something which comes from our own desires, not from God. As this is so, he implores the reader to “lay aside all filthiness.” Here is a word found nowhere else in the Bible, rhuparia. It properly means, “dirt.” It is the dirt or filth that clings to a person. Thus, it is equated with moral filth that stains the soul of a person. Peter uses a cognate noun, rhupos, in 1 Peter 3:21 which carries much the same sense. It is a grease-filth which soils everything it touches. James implores the reader, like Peter, to put away all such moral uncleanliness. Next, he adds in “and overflow of wickedness.” The idea of “overflow” here is that which exceeds normal expectations. There is wickedness in the heart which can be controlled, but there is wickedness which overflows from a man and which seems to exude from him in all he does. Again, James says that this needs to be laid aside so that only purity and that which is morally correct issues forth. He then gives a positive exhortation by saying, “and receive with meekness the implanted word.” Again, James uses a word unique to Scripture, emphutos, or “implanted.” It signifies that which is inborn, congenital, and natural. This is not the same as the idea of grafting which Paul speaks of in Romans 11, and which some translations use here. That is a different concept where something unnatural is brought into a source of life. This signifies that which is rooted. The gospel is that which is planted in a person, and it is the source of that “which is able to save your souls.” When the gospel is planted, it is what establishes the person as being “in Christ.” It is what makes it possible to do the other things James has stated in this verse. Paul referred to the power of the gospel in this same way in Romans 1 – “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek. 17 For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith; as it is written, ‘The just shall live by faith.’” Romans 1:16, 17 The planting of the gospel, which then takes root and grows within man, is that which has the ability to save. And more, it is that which has the power to transform the one who is saved. James understood this, and his words are given so that his reader can as well. Life application: James’ words were written over two thousand years ago. Immorality is nothing new. However, due to TV, the internet, etc. it has become a part of almost every living room in the world. We now no longer look with contempt upon someone who uses the name of God (or Jesus Christ – who is God) on a television show or a movie. Instead of walking out and refusing to watch that actor again, we ignore what we heard and continue on watching. Further, the Bible clearly portrays homosexuality as moral perversion, and yet we condone it by watching such people on talk shows, reality shows, etc. without even batting an eyelid. But what we should do is turn that person off and refuse to give our attention to someone who so openly opposes the truth of what God says about such things. Our lives are to be lived in holiness, not drunkenness; our speech should be seasoned with grace, not obscenities; our close friendships should reflect our character – never shunning the lost, but never condoning what is biblically inappropriate. As Christians, we all must face the judgment seat of Christ. How will your judgment go? Will it be one of sadness and loss or one of expectation of joy and reward? The lost will face their own judgment and condemnation unless they come to Christ. But we cannot lead them to Christ if we are living like them and not drawing a line between what is acceptable and what isn’t. Keep the word close to you, learn it, live it, and understand that moral filth and evil will be judged for what it is. Lord, certainly we fail You often in how we relate to the moral perversion which permeates our society. We let you down by not standing against those things which Your word forbids. May we be angry at sin and stand against it lest our morals grow cold and You be disappointed in the conduct of our lives. Help us to be vessels which are holy and set apart for Your good purposes. To Your glory alone. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 23, 2019 0:27:57 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:22, 22 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SATURDAY, JUNE 22, 2019 Saturday, 22 June 2019 But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.James 1:22 James has just spoken of “the implanted word.” It is this, as he said, “which is able to save your souls.” He now builds upon that thought. It is the word which brings one to an understanding of the gospel (Paul says this in Romans 10:17 with the words, “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”). Now James continues by saying, “But be doers of the word.” In this, he is stating that believers don’t simply hear the word and become holy. Rather, they are to act upon it. Again, it is the same thing that Paul said in Romans 12:12, 13 – “For as many as have sinned without law will also perish without law, and as many as have sinned in the law will be judged by the law 13 (for not the hearers of the law are just in the sight of God, but the doers of the law will be justified.” There in Romans, as here in James, there is the thought of applying the word to one’s life, doing what it says. We are not to be “hearers only.” The word translated as “hearer” is found only there in Romans 2 and three times here in James 1. This is James’ first use of it, but he will repeat it in verses 23 and 25. This is a clear indication that Paul and James are on the same page despite having seeming differences in their messages. These seeming differences are fine points which will be considered one at a time as they arise. Next, James says that when you are hearers only, you are “deceiving yourselves.” James makes a pun in the Greek which is not seen in our English translations. He uses the word paralogizomai. It comes from two words, para, meaning something which is contrary when it is compared side by side, and logizomi, meaning “to reason.” That second word comes from the same noun as that which is translated as “word” in the first clause, logos. His pun can be seen if we show his thought in an English paraphrase – But be doers of the word. And not hearers only, thus contrary-to-the-wording yourselves. The word is what gives wisdom, but the word is also to be acted upon. In not acting upon the word, one fails to make use of the wisdom which the word provides. Thus, we are to 1) know the word (which can only come about through reading and studying the word), and 2) apply that same word to our lives, demonstrating that we have obtained the wisdom of the word, and are willing to act upon it. Life application: James was written at a time when people would have heard the word spoken, but there weren’t many copies of Scripture for personal use. So, when you read your Bible or daily devotional, keep this verse in mind as it applies as well. However, we will stick with the example given – listening to the word. When you go to church, the pastor speaks on a given subject that he has studied and which is meant for you to listen to and then apply to your life. Many pastors add in real-life examples as they speak about the particular passage being analyzed. At times, you may have thought, “This applies to exactly my situation today.” Or, you may know someone in the congregation who really needed to hear a particular sermon because it applies to a situation in his life right at that time. However, he might walk out of church having heard the word spoken directly to him, and yet he will continue down the same unhealthy path that he was on before going to church. Surprisingly enough, you may even hear the guy who listens even comment on what a great sermon it was. It is as if the message went in one ear and out the other, having no effect at all on his life. James is asking us to not allow this to happen. When you hear the word which specifically applies to you, it is because the Lord is trying to wake you up! Don’t merely listen to the word and so deceive yourself. Instead, do what it says! Pay attention to your devotional each morning as it may be speaking to you, and pay attention to your morning Bible reading as it is certainly speaking to you. God sends His word out for your benefit. Pay attention to His word! Lord God, we surely thank You for the times You prompt us to action through Your word – spoken or read. Give us wisdom and discerning hearts to apply the instructions we receive to our lives. Let us not simply deceive ourselves by hearing only, but let there be positive growth in us. All this is to Your glory alone. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 23, 2019 21:41:19 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:23, 23 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·SUNDAY, JUNE 23, 2019 Sunday, 23 June 2019 For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror;James 1:23 James just spoke of those who are “hearers only” and not “doers of the word.” He notes that such people only deceive themselves. Now he begins to explain that by saying, “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer.” The words speak of the person who hears the word read (or today, someone who has his own Bible and picks it up and reads it), but who then fails to apply what he has read. One might think of a person who gets something in the mail which requires assembly. He opens the box, reads the instruction, but then decides that his way is better. Or maybe he simply reads the instructions without actually mentally cataloging what he has read. He will not do the things he has just read. The resulting damage will be irreparable. James says of a person who treats the word of God this way, hearing and not doing, that “he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror.” The Greek actually reads, “this one is like a man.” He is being made an object lesson for all others by singling him out in a definite way. There is a peculiarity about him which needs to be highlighted. James says he is like one who is “observing his natural face in a mirror.” The Greek literally reads, “observing the face of his birth in a mirror.” The word is genesis, and it signifies his birth, lineage, or descent. It is the face he was born with and which carries the state he was in, even since birth. The idea here is that he is a man, a son of Adam. He is fallen and bears all of the nature of a fallen man. What will this man do about that state? He sees it, but will he take action concerning his natural state? James will continue to explain what such a person is like in the coming verse. Life application: The Bible teaches many points of doctrine. One of them is that of “original sin.” This teaches that the sin of Adam is transferred to all of humanity. Further, it teaches that original sin extends to all humanity at the moment of their conception. Humans are conceived in sin, are born as fallen beings, and – without God’s corrective measure – will die in that state. In this, they will be eternally separated from God. There is nothing man can do to be reconciled to God because the defect already exists. The cure for it is only found in Jesus. He came to replace Adam as humanity’s new head. Without Jesus, man’s sin remains. But in coming to Jesus, the sin-debt is paid, life is granted, and sin is no longer imputed to man. Thus, he is free from any future condemnation. Jesus Christ is the answer. Come to Christ and be cured of the inherited-sin defect. Lord God, thank You for Jesus who alone can take away our sin. As only He can do this, may we demonstrate wisdom and receive the pardon that He purchased through His shed blood. Yes, give us this wisdom to receive and then to share, O God. Amen.
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Post by PrisonerOfHope on Jun 25, 2019 0:08:38 GMT -5
Daily Bible Verse, James 1:24, 24 June 2019
WWW.WONDERFUL1.COM·MONDAY, JUNE 24, 2019 Monday, 24 June 2019 ...for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.James 1:24 The verse is part of a single thought which comprises the previous verse and this one – “For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror; 24 for he observes himself, goes away, and immediately forgets what kind of man he was.” James says that this person is like a man observing his natural face in a mirror. The Greek gives a sudden, lively sense to what is said. The man “observes himself.” It is an aorist verb indicating a fleeting act – he observed himself. He next “goes away.” It more literally reads, “and has gone away.” The perfect tense indicates a completed action but it continues into the present. From there it says, “and immediately forgets.” There is no remembrance at all of what he saw. He did see himself, but he neglected to consider what he saw, which is “what kind of man he was.” Young’s Literal Translation gives the sense of the Greek – “for he did view himself, and hath gone away, and immediately he did forget of what kind he was.” The repetition of the word “and” reveals the sudden and swift nature of what occurred, and it brings out an ironic element. The person saw the face of his birth, meaning the carnal man, and yet it left no impression on him. What is being compared here is this man to the hearer of the word who fails to act upon what he hears. In other words, he can be equated to the person in the pew who hears the words of the preacher, sees himself reflected in what was said, and who then fails to act upon the words which clearly pointed to his own natural, fallen state. There is no change in him except that he is a moment older in time. Life application: When a person gets up in the morning, looks at the shabby face in the mirror – unshaven, stuff in his eyes, hair all messy, etc – and then walks away not caring about his appearance, he shows that his natural, unkempt, and (to others) offensive looks mean nothing. The Bible is like a mirror to us. It gives us common sense life lessons and warnings that are meant to guide us. Take this proverb as an example – “A soft answer turns away wrath, But a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 Someone who reads this verse, contemplates it, and then lives by it will certainly benefit from the counsel. No matter how correct your argument is, if you present it harshly, you will only stir up anger and chase people away from your view. If you are the type who has trouble dealing calmly with others, applying this proverb to your life can only benefit you. However, by rejecting its words, you are just like the disheveled person mentioned above. You should know your appearance will offend others, but instead of shaving your whiskers, combing your hair, and washing your face, you go out as you are and no one wants to be near you. Then you wonder why you’re such a lonely guy. Look into the Bible, absorb it, and then apply it to your life. Don’t be the person James uses for this negative example. Instead, be the person whom the Lord exalts because of his faithful application of sound biblical advice. In the end, you will benefit more than you can possibly imagine. Heavenly Father, may we be wise when listening to sermons, reading your word, or contemplating daily devotionals. Help us to apply these valuable insights to our own lives, rather than walking away and forgetting what we have heard or read. In the end, we will certainly be the ones to suffer if we don’t. So prompt us to be responsible and faithful followers of You and Your word. Amen.
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