Just Ask

Scripture – 2 Timothy 4:9-15: ⁹Do your best to come to me quickly, ¹⁰for Demas, because he loved this world, has deserted me and has gone to Thessalonica. Crescens has gone to Galatia, and Titus to Dalmatia. ¹¹Only Luke is with me. Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry. ¹²I sent Tychicus to Ephesus. ¹³When you come, bring the cloak that I left with Carpus at Troas, and my scrolls, especially the parchments. ¹⁴Alexander the metalworker did me a great deal of harm. The Lord will repay him for what he has done. ¹⁵You too should be on your guard against him, because he strongly opposed our message.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Paul’s letter suddenly becomes very personal. He describes disappointments as a couple people have turned against him. He touches on his loneliness as others have moved on to other areas of service. He requests some specific personal items. Over-all, he asks for help. He recognizes he’s nearly alone, except for Luke. His life is nearly over as far as he can see. And so, he asks for help. Sometimes I find that hard to do. Whatever’s behind that dynamic, I’ll struggle alone with something when the simple help of someone else would make the project easier and produce a better result.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will ask for help. I’ll practice that today. I will intentionally ask for help at least three different times.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you provide all the help I need. I just don’t take advantage of that a lot of the time. Please forgive my pride and keep me open to serving you. For that’s the real goal – not that I do what you want done, but that what you want gets done.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

A Guiding Vision

Scripture – 2 Timothy 4:6-8: ⁶For I am already being poured out like a drink offering, and the time has come for my departure. ⁷I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. ⁸Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day—and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for his appearing.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Here it’s like Paul is writing his own epitaph. I have quoted this scripture at many funerals over the years. And while it’s certainly not an epitaph for me, it does stay before me as a guiding vision. I will fight the good fight. What is the “good” fight? While it takes different forms, I know it’s not a fight over what color to paint a wall. There are bigger, more important battles to choose. I run to “finish” the race. I notice he doesn’t say to “win” the race. So I pace myself – taking appropriate breaks along the way. And I work to keep the faith – to remember always who I serve, who is the Director of my life.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will be faithful to Christ today. I will move in such a way to ensure I finish the race and I choose good battles to fight.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Keep my eyes and my heart open today, Lord Jesus. Guide me along the way. Refresh me when I’m tired. Speed me up when I’m going too slowly. Keep me moving ever toward the finish line you’ve drawn for me.

Power-Filled Words

Scripture – 2 Timothy 4:1-5: ¹In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who will judge the living and the dead, and in view of his appearing and his kingdom, I give you this charge: ²Preach the Word; be prepared in season and out of season; correct, rebuke and encourage—with great patience and careful instruction. ³For the time will come when men will not put up with sound doctrine. Instead, to suit their own desires, they will gather around them a great number of teachers to say what their itching ears want to hear. ⁴They will turn their ears away from the truth and turn aside to myths. ⁵But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Those are some powerful words: correct, rebuke and encourage. And I’m called to do that “with great patience and careful instruction.” I must admit, encouraging is easy and fun. Correcting is not usually so bad, either – especially when I’m sure of the truth. Rebuking, however, is by far the hardest. My personal tendency is to avoid confrontation. Yet there are times when, if I’m to be a faithful minister, I need to step up and do that.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) In this day, when the idea of “truth” has become so muddled, I will speak the truth. I will watch for times when a rebuke is called for rather than just a correction. I will be faithful to my call.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) I don’t really like this side of ministry, Lord. Yet it is part of my call. Give me wisdom and patience and careful instruction. Help me know when to speak and when to remain silent. In all things, may your church be strengthened.

A Fresh Word Each Day

Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:14-17: ¹⁴But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, ¹⁵and how from infancy you have known the holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. ¹⁶All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) One of the things I have come to appreciate over the past couple years is the transforming power of God’s written word, the Bible. That’s one of the things I “have learned and have become convinced of.” The Bible is a living book – different from any other written resource. In addition to this Mini-Journal, I do reading every day from another outline designed to take us through the entire Bible over the course of a year. I do written reflections following the same outline we use here. I am constantly surprised at how God speaks to me through His written words. The exciting (and sometimes troubling) thing is, I never know what to expect. I never know what word will be there for me each day.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will continue this discipline of daily Bible reading. I will keep myself open to God’s new word for me each day.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, thank you for preserving your written word. Thank you for the timeless lessons you keep teaching. Keep my mind open. Keep equipping me for good works – especially those you have for me today.

The Temptation to Play It Safe

Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:10-13: ¹⁰You, however, know all about my teaching, my way of life, my purpose, faith, patience, love, endurance, ¹¹persecutions, sufferings—what kinds of things happened to me in Antioch, Iconium and Lystra, the persecutions I endured. Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them. ¹²In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, ¹³while evil men and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) When Paul wrote these words in the first century, Christians lived with persecutions I can’t imagine today. Their lives literally were at risk because of their faith. The economic and social impact on their lives affected their daily living. As I look around at my life today, I’m not sure I’ve ever been persecuted because of my faith. In fact, I’m rarely inconvenienced because of it. I don’t know what that means. I’ve often wondered about it. I’m quite sure I’m not called to go out and look for trouble just to get myself “persecuted” somehow. At the same time, do I play it too safe?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will pay attention to life for this next week or so with a specific eye to this persecution business. What are the implications of vs. 12 in my life in this place at this time?

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, make no mistake: I am very glad to don’t live in a place where overt persecution of Christians takes place. At the same time, help me see how following you impacts my daily life. Save me from taking the easy way when it would compromise my commitment to you.

Living Faithfully in Our Culture

Scripture – 2 Timothy 3:1-5: ¹But mark this: There will be terrible times in the last days. ²People will be lovers of themselves, lovers of money, boastful, proud, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, ³without love, unforgiving, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not lovers of the good, ⁴treacherous, rash, conceited, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God—⁵having a form of godliness but denying its power. Have nothing to do with them.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Wow! These verses seem to point right to our North American culture today. There’s a list of attitudes and behaviors that are evident in people we see and that continue to be temptations for me. I’m particularly struck by vs. 5. In our nation we clearly have developed a “form of godliness” that has no real power. From President Bush on down, our politicians routinely refer to God and prayer as though they are important realities. Yet their behavior reveals nothing of faith-based decision making. My question is, how are we to “have nothing to do with them?”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep looking up personally. And I will keep directing people toward Christ as we live our individual lives in this culture. I will listen for God’s direction in relation to political involvement.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, this raises some interesting and unsettling images in my mind. I don’t know how you would have me become more politically involved. I am open to your leading. Give me courage and wisdom to follow whatever you have for me.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Tomorrow’s Reading: Sunday, August 26:

2 Timothy 3:6-9: ⁶They are the kind who worm their way into homes and gain control over weak-willed women, who are loaded down with sins and are swayed by all kinds of evil desires, ⁷always learning but never able to acknowledge the truth. ⁸Just as Jannes and Jambres opposed Moses, so also these men oppose the truth—men of depraved minds, who, as far as the faith is concerned, are rejected. ⁹But they will not get very far because, as in the case of those men, their folly will be clear to everyone.

Pursuing Righteousness

Scripture – 2 Timothy 2:22-26: ²²Flee the evil desires of youth, and pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace, along with those who call on the Lord out of a pure heart. ²³Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. ²⁴And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. ²⁵Those who oppose him he must gently instruct, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, ²⁶and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Two things stick out to me here. First, there’s the counsel to avoid “foolish and stupid arguments.” I’ve become pretty good at recognizing those and staying out of them. As a pastor, I get a lot of random questions form people that are really statements in disguise. And the intent is to pull me into an argument about something that doesn’t matter. It’s not too hard to avoid those. The other thing I see here is much harder. That’s the instruction to actively “pursue righteousness, faith, love and peace.” It’s one thing to sort of live those out as I move through life. It’s a little different to pursue them. What are the implications of that?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) To me “righteousness” deals with behavior that’s grounded in and arises from a right relationship with Christ. I will explore the meaning of that word today. I’ll look for ways to pursue it – to grow in it. I will let Christ lead me into life today, using me to affect the world around me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Please keep teaching me, Lord. The word “righteousness” has a lot of meaning I have yet to discover. Help me see more of that meaning and show me how to pursue it in my daily living. Keep me ready for whatever you have in store this day.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Restoration!

Scripture – 2 Timothy 2:20-21: ²⁰In a large house there are articles not only of gold and silver, but also of wood and clay; some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. ²¹If a man cleanses himself from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Restoration is one of God’s greatest works. Around the Detroit area there are all kinds of old buildings and structures people talk about restoring. They have great ideas, but seldom does anything come of them. God, on the other hand, makes things happen. My life is a constant restoration project. There are old things that need to be cleaned out so there’s room for some of the new things He has for me. As I keep myself open to that, He makes me ever more useful and prepared to do any good work.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will avoid resisting the restorative work God is doing in my life. I will let go of the ignoble things and let Him bring in some new things.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, I don’t know what exactly you have in store for me. I do know you’re a master craftsman when it comes to remodeling a life. So please keep up your work. Make me more useful to you. Make me holy this day – “set apart for you, my Master; ready to do your will.”

Already Approved!

Scripture – 2 Timothy 2:14-19: ¹⁴Keep reminding them of these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. ¹⁵Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. ¹⁶Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly. ¹⁷Their teaching will spread like gangrene. Among them are Hymenaeus and Philetus, ¹⁸who have wandered away from the truth. They say that the resurrection has already taken place, and they destroy the faith of some. ¹⁹Nevertheless, God’s solid foundation stands firm, sealed with this inscription: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Everyone who confesses the name of the Lord must turn away from wickedness.”

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) In my younger days I put a lot of effort into trying to please other people and gain their approval. In that, I was giving them the power to validate who I was. I even gave that power to complete strangers. Part of the transforming, redemptive work Christ has done in me is to lift me out of that trap. He continues to teach me about His grace. God loves me no matter what. So I am free to present myself to Him, not to gain approval, but as one already approved.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Without question, this is still an issue for me. The temptation to look to others for approval and validation still pops up with regularity. I will remember today, God accepts me as I am. In Him, I am approved and validated. I will live in that freedom.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you know how easy it is to look elsewhere for approval. Help me today to live for you – to live in your grace – to live free from the need to please others for the wrong reasons.

Losing My Self

Scripture – 2 Timothy 2:10-13: ¹⁰Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory. ¹¹Here is a trustworthy saying: If we died with him, we will also live with him; ¹²if we endure, we will also reign with him. If we disown him, he will also disown us; ¹³if we are faithless, he will remain faithful, for he cannot disown himself.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The Christian experience is that of dying in order to live – to be constantly giving up my life in order to find my life. That’s hard to do these days. The culture around me has me focus so much on myself it seems unnatural to give myself away – to lose my self. Yet Jesus has promised, in doing that I will find my self – my true being. By His grace I can keep working at that process because I know when I am faithless He will remain faithful.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will consciously practice giving myself up for Christ’s sake today. I really don’t want to do that, so it will be a challenge.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, you died for me. Teach me to follow you in that. You know my heart today better than I do. Show me how to lose my self for your sake and the gospel’s. Thank you for your faithfulness.

Keeping It Simple

Scripture – 2 Timothy 2:5-9: ⁵Similarly, if anyone competes as an athlete, he does not receive the victor’s crown unless he competes according to the rules. ⁶The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. ⁷Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this. ⁸Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, ⁹for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This passage seems a bit cryptic. However, two phrases stand out to me: “Remember Jesus Christ,” and “God’s word is not chained.” Sometimes I get myself confused trying to theologize too much. In those times I just step back and remember Jesus Christ. He is all I need for guidance today and life tomorrow. No matter where I am or what’s going on around me, God’s words also is always present and free. Through His Spirit and word, I am empowered and liberated to do whatever He wants.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep things simple today. I’ll keep in mind some that that “what would Jesus do” business. I’ll also keep open to and extension of that I heard from a friend of mine – “What would Jesus have us do?”

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, thank you for all your help over the last few days especially. Please continue to keep your hand on Kirsten and Ryan. Give me continuing insight into what you would have me do.

A New Beginning

Scripture – 2 Timothy 1:13-18: ¹³What you heard from me, keep as the pattern of sound teaching, with faith and love in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴Guard the good deposit that was entrusted to you—guard it with the help of the Holy Spirit who lives in us. ¹⁵You know that everyone in the province of Asia has deserted me, including Phygelus and Hermogenes. ¹⁶May the Lord show mercy to the household of Onesiphorus, because he often refreshed me and was not ashamed of my chains. ¹⁷On the contrary, when he was in Rome, he searched hard for me until he found me. ¹⁸May the Lord grant that he will find mercy from the Lord on that day! You know very well in how many ways he helped me in Ephesus.

A Personal Note: Today my daughter is getting married. If the Lord wills (Thank you, James.) the ceremony will take place this afternoon. It’s my privilege and pleasure to be officiating. So I’m breaking from the usual pattern for these reflections on the scripture. I simply ask that whoever reads this say a quick prayer for Kirsten and Ryan as their new life begins. Thanks.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Afraid to Share

Scripture – 2 Timothy 1:8-12: ⁸So do not be ashamed to testify about our Lord, or ashamed of me his prisoner. But join with me in suffering for the gospel, by the power of God, ⁹who has saved us and called us to a holy life—not because of anything we have done but because of his own purpose and grace. This grace was given us in Christ Jesus before the beginning of time, ¹⁰but it has now been revealed through the appearing of our Savior, Christ Jesus, who has destroyed death and has brought life and immortality to light through the gospel. ¹¹And of this gospel I was appointed a herald and an apostle and a teacher. ¹²That is why I am suffering as I am. Yet I am not ashamed, because I know whom I have believed, and am convinced that he is able to guard what I have entrusted to him for that day.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This certainly pokes a button in me that I would rather ignore. If I’m in my “preacher” role, I talk quite openly and clearly about Christ and who He is for us. At the same time, when I’m in personal conversations with friends, family, the mechanics at my local gas station, etc…….I hesitate to bring His name up. Am I ashamed to speak of Him? I mean, the fact is, knowing Jesus Christ has radically changed my life in all kinds of ways. What stops me from sharing that freely and clearly?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will answer that last question.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please give me insight and the courage to look honestly within myself. I see so many people who have no idea what they’re missing by not knowing you. Yet, outside of preaching times, I stop way short of sharing that. You really are everything to me. Teach me how to let that truth out in natural, honest ways.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Fanning Into Flame

Scripture – 2 Timothy 1:5-7: ⁵I have been reminded of your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and, I am persuaded, now lives in you also. ⁶For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. ⁷For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) How do I “fan into flame” a gift of God which is in me? I guess it begins with me recognizing and accepting that there is a gift in me. As I identify what that gift (or gifts) might be, then I look for ways to fan it into flame – to nurture it and let it grow bigger and even, perhaps, out of control. That gets a little scary sometimes. I find the spirit of timidity trying to take over. So I’ll keep a gift smoldering without allowing or encouraging it to burst into flame.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will let the spirit of power take over today – the spirit of love and self-discipline. I’ll see what happens if my gift bursts into flame.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you have done amazing things in my life – often in spite of me. Help me today to trust you enough to let the wind of your Spirit do its fanning work in my heart.

Spiritual Roots

Wednesday, August 15, 2007

Scripture – 2 Timothy 1:1-4: ¹Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, according to the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus, ²To Timothy, my dear son: Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord. ³I thank God, whom I serve, as my forefathers did, with a clear conscience, as night and day I constantly remember you in my prayers. ⁴Recalling your tears, I long to see you, so that I may be filled with joy.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Paul had an intriguing life story. He had been a Pharisee – an expert in the Jewish law – a loyal soldier in God’s service. When he refers to his “forefathers” here, he’s referring to faithful Jews. In his experience, he came to recognize “the promise of life that is in Christ Jesus.” He didn’t leave his Jewish roots. He grew from them. He continued serving the same God. My story’s not nearly as dramatic as Paul’s. At the same time, I continue growing from the spiritual roots of my parents and grandparents into ever new experiences of grace and adventure.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will stay open today to whatever new thing God has for me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you, Lord, for the growth that’s taken place in me. Thank you for the growing that’s yet to come. Help me live today as your person.

Real Life People

Scripture – James 5:17-20: ¹⁷Elijah was a man just like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. ¹⁸Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops. ¹⁹My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, ²⁰remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) “Elijah was a man just like us.” I find it easy to forget that. Elijah did some amazing things (1 Kings 17, 18 & 19). At the same time, he was a person like me. God used him just as God uses me. And the things God did through Elijah were no more miraculous than the things He does through me. I have tendency to “storybook” many of the Biblical characters. That is, I remove them from real life and just think of them as fictional characters. James, one more time, gives this very practical reminder – they were people just like us.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll keep that consciously in mind as I read the Bible. I’ll remember those folks dealt with all the experiences of life I face – doubts, fears, aches, pains joy, celebration, laughter, etc.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Help me today, Lord, to live real life with you as the author of real life. As I keep my focus on you, use me in whatever ways you would like. Thanks for the life that is mine.

A Simple Answer

Scripture – James 5:12-16: ¹²Above all, my brothers, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your “Yes” be yes, and your “No,” no, or you will be condemned. ¹³Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. ¹⁴Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. ¹⁵And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. ¹⁶Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) One of the on-going frustrations I have with people is the refusal to say “yes” or “no.” I don’t know what it is. Maybe it’s a fear of making a commitment they might not be able to keep. I hear a lot of “I’ll try,” or “I really want to,” or something like that. I do know a few people who will say, “Yes, I’ll do that,” or “Yes, I’ll be there,” and I know I can count on them. As for the others….I just need to remember the instruction, “Do not swear.”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Personally, I will work at telling the truth myself. I consciously keep that in mind when I say “yes” or “no.” When things come up that take me away from a commitment, I apologize. However, I will continue thinking things through before I make a commitment.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, thank you for your perfect “yes” in my life. Forgive my impatience and arrogance with other people. Give me wisdom as I make my own commitments. Teach me to tell the truth clearly today.

A Word to the Rich

Scripture – James 5:1-6: ¹Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. ²Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. ³Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. ⁴Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. ⁵You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. ⁶You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) These are great words for other people. I can pick them up and point them at all kinds of people – especially people I don’t know. Yet what is the message here for me? I have a great temptation at times to hoard my wealth (as though it were really mine). And clearly, James is writing to those who have accumulated wealth by taking advantage of other people. Have I done that?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll pay attention to that last question. In this day of a global economy, it’s hard to tell where exactly products I buy have come from. Under what conditions were the made? I’ll also loosen my grip on what God has entrusted to me. That is, I’ll avoid hoarding.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, teach me to loosen my hold on the great wealth you have entrusted to me. Show me how to handle your money in a just and righteous way in today’s global economy. Thank you for providing so generously. Forgive me for taking that and you for granted.

Alive Today!

Scripture – James 4:13-17: ¹³Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” ¹⁴Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. ¹⁵Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” ¹⁶As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil. ¹⁷Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) As trite as it sounds, each day really is a gift from God. Nothing in the future is guaranteed. And so I have tried over the past few years to keep that in mind. I literally tell myself that plans I make are based on “if it is the Lord’s will.” So I don’t know what will happen tomorrow. The attitude with which I look ahead deeply affects how I live today. In Christ, I have the promise that He will be with me in anything. He will carry me through, above and beyond anything – good or bad. And always there is the promise of eternal life. In light of that, there will always be a tomorrow.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will live today. I’ll prepare a few things for tomorrow, but I won’t live today in anticipation of tomorrow. Likewise, I won’t let the past hold me back. I will live with Christ today.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Thank you very much, Lord, for this gift today. Help me use it well as your child for my own refreshment as well as for your service.

The Toughest Assignment Yet

Scripture – James 4:11-12: ¹¹Brothers, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against his brother or judges him speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it. ¹²There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Well, this certainly hits close to home. Now James is moving into my most personal conversations. “Slander” is a hard word. But “complaining” about people seems different. It’s easy to gather friends around and complain about someone. At the same time, in doing that I really am slandering them. I easily move beyond complaining about what they’ve done to judging who they are.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) James is beginning to really bug me. I’d love to skip over this passage and move on like always. Yet I am reminded (again) that Christ-like living comes from the inside out. So, I’ll be careful about how I talk about people today. I’ll at least confine any complaints to behavior, not being.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I simply cannot address this without you. Keep me mindful of my language and especially my thoughts today. Keep me aware of you trying to live through me. Somehow, Lord, cut through my resistance and do that.

Words to Live By

Scripture – James 4:6-10: ⁶But he gives us more grace. That is why Scripture says: “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” ⁷Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. ⁸Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. ⁹Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. ¹⁰Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This passage is full of one-liners aimed at sustaining and deepening faith. It’s hard to pick just one because each day is different. One day I may need to focus more on submitting myself to God. Another day I might need to consciously resist the devil. If there’s one that touches most days for me, it would be the last – to humble myself before the Lord.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will do that today. I have much to do – many miscellaneous plans for my agenda this day. I will keep my focus on trusting Christ to give me what I need. I will also keep open to His plans for me, as well.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, guide me along today. Remind me that you are the director of my life. Forgive me for taking control of your job sometimes. Thank you again for all you are doing in me and for me.

The Battle Within

Scripture – James 4:1-5: ¹What causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you? ²You want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God. ³When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures. ⁴You adulterous people, don’t you know that friendship with the world is hatred toward God? Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God. ⁵Or do you think Scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely?

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Wow! This resonates at a deeper level than I care to explore. I don’t want to look too closely at my motives. For at the bottom of things, I really deal with self-centeredness more than anything else. James taps right into me when he writes, “You want something but don’t get it.” That leads me into all kinds of tension and conflict with people and within myself.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) It seems I hardly ever experience pure motives. They are almost always mixed. I will practice looking through the eyes and from the heart of Christ today. I will let His love lift me beyond myself.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you can do that. Thank for the times you have done that. There are instances when I do things out of love for you and for other people without giving a thought to myself. You make that happen. Teach me to let go of my self-centeredness today. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. Thanks for your unending patience and grace.

Embracing a Better Wisdom

Scripture – James 3:13-18: ¹³Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by his good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. ¹⁴But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. ¹⁵Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. ¹⁶For where you have envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder and every evil practice. ¹⁷But 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. ¹⁸Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) This is a bit of a change for James. He moves from his focus on external behavior to inner attitudes. He directs me first off to aim for “the wisdom that comes from heaven.” That’s my on-going journey – to develop and/or embrace that kind of wisdom. Part of that journey takes me into my heart. Whatever I find there I’m instructed, “do not boast about it or deny the truth.” The pieces of “earthly” wisdom I find there are not to be ignored. They are to be lifted up to the transforming presence of Christ and offered to Him as a continuing sacrifice. He will effect the changes that are best for me.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will take a close look at my heart. I will identify one attitude I have been harboring that is holding me back. I will give it over to Christ and let Him do His re-creating work in me.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, thank you so much for your on-going interaction in my life. Thank you for the re-creating work you have done and are doing. Let my life today reflect your wisdom. Help me let go of something that holds me back. Set me free to live more fully for you.

Watching Our Language

Scripture – James 3:1-5: ¹Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers, because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. ²We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. ³When we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we can turn the whole animal. ⁴Or take ships as an example. Although they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are steered by a very small rudder wherever the pilot wants to go. ⁵Likewise the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Words have great power. The language we choose to use affects the over-all meaning of what we intend to communicate. For example, we’ve accepted a phrase that people can use when they’ve done something wrong, but they don’t really want to admit it. They’ll say something like, “I want to apologize” for doing whatever they did. I’ve read very eloquent statements that start out like that. Yet in all that’s said no apology is issued. There’s only the desire that’s acknowledged. It’s far easier to say, “I want to apologize” than it is to say, “I’m sorry.”

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will watch my language today. I will speak clearly and truthfully.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, you have given us many clear words in our language. Teach me to use them to speak honestly. Give me the courage to make myself vulnerable by speaking the truth. Remind me of the vulnerability you accepted willingly for me. Guide my tongue this day.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting tomorrow morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

An Intriguing Tension

Scripture – James 2:20-26: ²⁰You foolish man, do you want evidence that faith without deeds is useless? ²¹Was not our ancestor Abraham considered righteous for what he did when he offered his son Isaac on the altar? ²²You see that his faith and his actions were working together, and his faith was made complete by what he did. ²³And the scripture was fulfilled that says, “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness,” and he was called God’s friend. ²⁴You see that a person is justified by what he does and not by faith alone. ²⁵In the same way, was not even Rahab the prostitute considered righteous for what she did when she gave lodging to the spies and sent them off in a different direction? ²⁶As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) The relationship of faith to actions creates an intriguing tension in Christ living. James takes the story of Abraham and Isaac (Genesis 22) and uses it as an example of faith being completed by actions. Yet the Bible is clear in many places (for example, Ephesians 2:8,9) that we have eternal life through our faith in Jesus Christ apart from any actions on our part. So I live with that assurance. I have eternal life because I believe in Jesus. And I don’t have to do anything else. At the same time, I am free to do all kinds of good things. When my faith and actions work together, life really becomes interesting – even fun. Then I find my good works deepen my faith.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I will keep doing good as I live with the assurance that I don’t have to.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord Jesus, thank you for your amazing grace in my life. Please keep leading me forward. I’m ready to do whatever you have for me.

An Invitation – If you’re interested in a face to face discussion about what we’ve been discovering in the Mini-Journal, a small group will be meeting this Sunday morning, 9:45 – 10:30am, at the Southgate Fun and Fitness Center (on Northline near I-75). Look for them around one of the tables in the Café area.

Faith and Actions

Scripture – James 2:14-19: ¹⁴What good is it, my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? ¹⁵Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. ¹⁶If one of you says to him, “Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? ¹⁷In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. ¹⁸But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do. ¹⁹You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder.

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) Here’s another of those basic Biblical truths. Faith in Christ results in changed behavior. It’s not up to me to tell someone else what those changes should include. God works in each of us in different ways. I can, however, look at myself and measure myself against the past. How is my faith affecting my behavior? How have I changed on the outside in the past few months? If I have to look too hard to find examples, what are the implications of that?

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) I’ll pay attention to my actions today. I will look for ways my personal faith in Christ changes my behavior. I can already think of one clear example of a difference from just six months ago.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, please continue to work within me as I walk with you. Guide my behavior today. Empower me to live in a way that demonstrates your leadership in my life.

Choosing Mercy Over Judgment

Scripture – James 2:8-13: ⁸If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. ⁹But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. ¹⁰For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it. ¹¹For he who said, “Do not commit adultery,” also said, “Do not murder.” If you do not commit adultery but do commit murder, you have become a lawbreaker. ¹²Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, ¹³because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!

Observation – (Write down what you see in the scripture.) “Mercy triumphs over judgment!” There’s a message in that for me – and for the church. I’m just not sure how to put it into practical words. It’s so easy to look at people outside the church who are living destructive life-styles and judge them rather than love them. Yet Jesus was open to all the so-called “sinners” of His day. His judgment was reserved for the religious folks.

Application – (Write how you will be different today because of what you have just read.) Although I’m not sure how to do this, I’ll be open to the people I encounter. I will welcome them into my life with mercy. I’ll leave any judgment up to God.

Prayer – (Write out a brief prayer.) Lord, I’m not sure how this works. Aren’t there some behaviors that just should not be in the church? I guess a deeper question is, what does it mean to be “in the church?” People can be part of the community without being “official” members. Lord, please cut through my confusion and teach me how to love people, and help them come to know you. I trust you to take care of the details of how they live.