Devotions for Week 47

Nov 21-25, 2011

Monday, Nov. 21, 2011

James 3

Do You Have Heart Trouble?

 “Out of the same mouth proceed blessing and cursing. My brethren, these things ought not to be so…” James 3:10

With all the things we have to do from day to day it is tempting to “rush” through our time with God. Don’t rush today! Let Jesus show you a way to do a spiritual test on our heart!

If you want to know what is going on in your heart or another person’s heart, listen to what they are saying! Jesus said “But those things which proceed out of the mouth come from the heart, and they defile a man.  For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, and blasphemies. Matt. 15:18-19.

James gives us some powerful illustrations of the power of the tongue: The tongue is like a bit in a horse’s mouth or the rudder of a ship (v. 4). It is like a fire that can consume an entire forest (v. 5). It is hard to tame (7-8). It is like a deadly poison (v. 8).  

No wonder Solomon wrote “Death and life are in the power of the tongue, And those who love it will eat its fruit.Proverbs 18:21.

If you want to know your REAL heart condition listen to what you are saying!

Father, thank You for reminding me of the power of my words. Forgive me for using biting, cutting hurtful words. Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable in Your sight! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011

James 4

A Slap in the Face!

Have you ever needed a slap in the face? Recently

I’m ashamed to say, I needed one. I got into an argument with someone I love over the dumbest thing! I said things I should not have said and soon afterwards felt like a heel!

Why is it we will “fight” about stupid stuff but don’t get serious about what REALLY matters?

James 4:10 sheds some light on this:
 What is causing the quarrels and fights among you? Don’t they come from the evil desires at war within you?  You want what you don’t have, so you scheme and kill to get it. You are jealous of what others have, but you can’t get it, so you fight and wage war to take it away from them. Yet you don’t have what you want because you don’t ask God for it. And even when you ask, you don’t get it because your motives are all wrong—you want only what will give you pleasure… So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. Let there be tears for what you have done. Let there be sorrow and deep grief. Let there be sadness instead of laughter, and gloom instead of joy. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up in honor.

Instead of fighting…confess your sin to God and your friend or family member!  Humble yourself and God will give you the grace you need!

Father, I need your grace to live and love others as I should. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Wednesday, Nov. 23, 2011

James 5

Be Patient!

Therefore be patient, brethren, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, waiting patiently for it until it receives the early and latter rain. You also be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. James 5:7-8

James gives us a couple of helpful words that will help us as we  work and wait for Jesus return: “be patient” and “establish your heart”. 

Patience, as used here, speaks of suffering long with circumstances. James is encouraging us to endure hardships, difficulties and delays. God is faithful to us and we should be faithful to Him. Jesus is coming again!

How do we “establish our hearts”?  The word establish, means to set, to fix.  Concrete when poured will fit into the mold it is poured into. Once it is set, you cannot move it without serious damage!  Our commitment to Christ is to be set in stone! We are not to be “tossed about by every wind…” (Eph. 4:14).

When trials come, and they will, it’s not time to quit! Instead, it’s time to dig into His Word and “set” your heart on Jesus! He has promised to help you and He will return for you! “Be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand!”

Father, I praise You and thank You for Your faithfulness to me! Help me to be faithful to you! In Jesus Name, Amen!

Thursday, Nov. 24, 2011

1 Peter 1

A Message for Pilgrims

“Peter, and apostle of Jesus Christ, to the pilgrims of the Dispersion…” 1 Peter 1:1

Today is Thanksgiving!  We owe a debt of gratitude to William Bradford and those brave Pilgrims of days gone by who came to America seeking religious freedom. The sacrifice, perseverance and faith in God that they modeled should never be forgotten!

As “pilgrims”in this land we too must face hardships with faith and determination. Resentment and opposition to our faith in the Lord Jesus should be a daily reminder that we too are pilgrims in a foreign land!

Thank God for the freedoms we do have and that this world is not our home!  We were created and are headed for much more! We have an “inheritance incorruptible and undefiled and that does not fade away, reservedfor you (us) in heaven” (1 Peter 1:4).

Today will be filled with family, food and for many, football, but don’t leave out the most important ingredient: Faith in the Lord Jesus!

Before you enjoy your meal today: join hands with your family and ask everyone in the circle to name some things for which they are thankful! After all this is THANKSGIVING!

Father, thank You for __________ and thank You that one day I’ll get to enjoy all eternity with you in the place You have prepared and reserved for me! In Jesus Name, Amen.

Friday, Nov. 25, 2011

1 Peter 2

A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words!

“Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that we should follow in His steps.” 1 Peter 2:21

Peter uses several metaphors to describe who we are as disciples of Christ:

As believer’s we are “newborn babes” (1 Peter 2:2).  We need God’s Word and the nurturing of a family so that we grow up healthy and strong.

We are “living stones”(v. 5). God is building His Kingdom upon Jesus “the chief cornerstone”, but we are “living stones”in His “house”! As “living stones”we are not to just take up space as these other metaphors illustrate!

We are to live as members of God’s “holy” and “royal” “priesthood”(v. 5,9)! We are to take His message to men and offer praise to Him!

We are “sojourners and pilgrims” ( v. 11-12) who are “salt”and “light”in a wicked world (Matt. 5: 13-16). We are to live in such a way that others can come to know Him!

We are “bondservants of God”living as short term citizens of this world! As such we are to submit to the laws of the land (v. 13), respect our government officials (v. 13) and our bosses (v. 18) “for the Lord’s sake”(v. 13).

We are “sheep,”who “have now returned to the Shepherd and Overseer of our souls” (1 Peter 2:25).

Father, help me to follow my Shepherd in such a way that others will come to know You, love You and follow You! In Jesus Name, Amen!