I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? CONFRONTING THE DEVIL So how can we increase our fellowship and dependence on God so that we can receive more of His grace? A starting point is to identify and eliminate the things in our life that inhibit our humility and our desire to seek God’s help. Our desires for fellowshipping … Continue reading
I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? EVIL PRACTICESJames says that when two of the examples of being friends with the world(envy and selfish ambition) are present, they open the door to many other problems. For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice (James 3:16) Notice he said ‘disorder’ … Continue reading
I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD (2 of 2) Idolatry (continued): Obviously there are times when we are ill, or required to work, or something unexpectedly occurs. Any of these can prevent us from worshipping with others, but when we choose to please ourselves over obeying His command, … Continue reading
I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? FRIENDSHIP WITH THE WORLD (1 of 2) We all have one of two choices to make – be friends with the world, or be friends with God. Many people have a desire to be friends with both the world and God, however according to the scriptures, this is not possible. … Continue reading
I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? RIGHTEOUS PRAYER In verse two, James was not saying that ‘asking God’ (praying) is a way to get whatever we want. He may have suspected that some might misinterpret what he meant, so he clarifies the intent of his comment. When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask … Continue reading
I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? GREED There is a fine line between selfishness and greed. Selfishness wants everything to revolve around the person who is selfish. Greed wants everything everyone else owns – either their possessions or duplicates of their possessions. The bible has many warnings about greed. The greedy bring ruin to their households, … Continue reading
I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? PEACEMAKINGOne of the characteristics of having spiritual wisdom is, owning an attitude that loves peace. James expounds on the topic of peace and the benefits of being a peacemaker. Peacemakers who sow in peace reap a harvest of righteousness. (James 3:18) In our daily choices we either ‘sow … Continue reading
Life can have many “ups” and “downs”, can’t it? We know how “joy” can have a calming effect on our emotions, but too often it can seem far away from us, and instead of enjoying peace in the storm, too often we find ourselves in turmoil as one crisis after another demands our attention. Without … Continue reading
I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? HEAVENLY WISDOM To contrast the attitudes created in hell mentioned in the previous devotional (part-29), James gives us the traits of heavenly wisdom. But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. … Continue reading
I’M SAVED, NOW WHAT? ENVY AND BOASTING There are many characteristics that should not be evident or even detected in the lives of believers; James mentions two of them. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. (James 3:14) ‘Envy’ … Continue reading