His Return - Acts 1:9-11

... [Jesus] was taken up before their very eyes, and a cloud hid him from their sight.

They were looking intently up into the sky as he was going, when suddenly two men dressed in white stood beside them. "Men of Galilee," they said, "why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus, who has been taken from you into heaven, will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven."

- Acts 1:9-11

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Day of Pentecost: Acts 2:4, 16-17

All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit...

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Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.

For great is his love toward us, and the faithfulness of the LORD endures forever.

- Psalm 117

Power Over Death and Rock

Power Over Death and Rock

And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door and sat on it...

But the angel answered and said to the women... "He is not here. He is risen." - Matthew 28: 2 & 5-6

[For the full account (in NIV), please click here.]

Commentary: The earthquake is a sign of our Lord's great victory over death,... Note that the angel does not roll back the stone to let Jesus out, for in His glory, Christ could pass through solid rock. Rather, this allows the witnesses in to see that He has already risen. 

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Scripture credit: Old Testament Text

St. Athanasius Academy Septuagint [TM]

Copyright (C) 2008 by St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology

Commentary credit: The Orthodox Study Bible

Copyright (C) 2008 by St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology

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Additional Commentary: It's fascinating and awesome that Jesus, the Rock, would choose to pass through rock when he defeated death and left his grave. For he is all powerful! And he will return.

A Prayer from the Lamb of God - Psalm 101 (102)

A Prayer from the Lamb of God - Psalm 101 (102)

Hear my prayer, O Lord
And let my cry come to You.

Do not turn Your face from me;

In the day when I am afflicted, 

Incline Your ear to me;

In the day when I call upon You,

Hear me quickly...

[From Psalm 101, the Orthodox count; and Psalm 102, the Western count. Be sure to read the remaining chapter (NKJV). For the Orthodox Bible Online select the Book and Chapter.]

Commentary: Psalm 101 (102) "is about a poor man, when he was depressed and poured out his supplication before the Lord. This Man is Jesus, who became poor for our sakes and interceded with the Father for our salvation. The Lord to whom He prays is the Father and describe Jesus' extreme anguish for us. He also rose again for our salvation, for He is the Lord over death..."

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Scripture credit: Old Testament Text

St. Athanasius Academy Septuagint [TM]

Copyright (C) 2008 by St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology

Commentary credit: The Orthodox Study Bible

Copyright (C) 2008 by St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology

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"The Doe in the Morning" - a Psalm of David [a prophecy about Jesus on the cross]

My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?

Why are you so far from saving me, so far from my cries of anguish? 

- Psalm 22:1 (NIV)

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Prophecy Fulfilled

From noon until three in the afternoon darkness came over the land. About three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, "Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?" (which means "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?") 

- Matthew 27:45-46 (NIV)

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HE IS RISEN!

A Morning Prayer - Psalm 89 (90) 1-4, 17

A Morning Prayer - Psalm 89 (90) 1-4, 17
A prayer of Moses, a man of God.

O Lord, You became a refuge to us in generation and generation;
Before the mountains were made,
And before the earth and the world were formed.
And from everlasting to everlasting, You are.
Do not let man be turned back to humiliation,
And You said, "Return your sons of men."
For a thousand years in Your sight are like yesterday, which passed,
And like a watch in the night...

And let the brightness of the Lord our God be upon us.

And prosper for us the works of our hands.

[From Psalm 89, the Orthodox count; and Psalm 90, the Western count. Be sure to read the remaining chapter (NKJV). For the Orthodox Bible Online select the Book and Chapter.]

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Commentary: [This] "is a morning prayer designed to keep one focused on the Lord rather than on this temporal life and its hopelessness. For He exists outside of time, and is therefore our only refuge. Every morning is an opportunity to return to Him in repentance [i.e.: turn around], and He is very patient, because a thousand years in His 'sight are like yesterday, which passed, and like a watch in the night.'... because He does not will that anyone should perish. Therefore, when we focus on the Lord every morning, we look for His return (2 Peter 3:13) and for His mercy, joy, enlightenment, and prosperity [*] throughout each day." {[*] Defined as a Heavenly prosperity.} 

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Scripture credit: Old Testament Text

St. Athanasius Academy Septuagint [TM]

Copyright (C) 2008 by St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology

Commentary credit: The Orthodox Study Bible

Copyright (C) 2008 by St. Athanasius Academy of Orthodox Theology

God's Work of Art

 GOD’s Work of Art

All of us were children at one time. For some of us that’s hard to remember. The experience of childhood is different from one person to the next because we are all different people and we all experienced different environments. But we all have one thing in common, we were once children, and we all grew up to be adults. Throughout that process, and even into adulthood, we may have had times when we looked in the mirror and felt inadequate or insufficient. Maybe we felt we weren’t good enough at a certain sport. Or we were shy. Or maybe we didn’t care for a certain physical feature.

But GOD made us the way he wanted to make us. GOD made you the way he wanted to make you. When we look at ourselves through the GOD’s eyes, there is a completely different perspective – a completely different view of who we are.

“Then GOD said, ‘Let us make man in our image, after our likeness. … So GOD created man in his own image, in the image of GOD he created him; male and female he created them.” (Genesis 1:26a & 27) GOD thought so highly of his creation, he created us in his image. Since GOD is love, we are created to reflect his love.

“Let them have dominion over the fish of the sea and the birds of the heavens and over the livestock and over all the earth and over every creeping thing that creeps on the earth.” (Genesis 1:26b) GOD thought so highly of his creation, he created us to be in charge of the rest of creation. That means we are created above the animals – not equivalent to the them.

“For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother’s womb. I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” (Psalm 139:13-14) GOD thought so highly of his creation, he created us with care as he took his time to “knit” us together.

Whenever we see a painting, especially an exceptional painting, one of the first things we do after admiring the work of art is we look to see who painted it. When we look into the mirror, we should see that we are created by GOD. When we look at other people in the world, we should look at them and know who the artist is – GOD. We should not be defined by what other people think or say. As GOD’s creation, we should define ourselves as his work of art.

   

Planted by Streams of Water - Psalm 1:1-3

Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, but whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on his law day and night. That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not whither - whatever they do prospers. - Psalm 1:1-3

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Commentary: In a world that rejects the instructions of absolute truth, which is found in GOD's law, it is encouraging to know that it is blessing to be refreshed like a tree planted by the water when His instructions are followed. Those that stray from his instructions - whether by a lack of integrity, vengeful actions or a lifestyle displeasing to GOD, to name a few - may prosper in an earthly sense, they will miss out on GOD's heavenly prosperity. 

The Return of the King - Christ Jesus

"Immediately after the distress of those days, 'the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light; the stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.' Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man [Jesus] in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming in the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather the elect [believers] from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other." - Matthew 24:29-31 (NIV)

"For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's [Almighty GOD] glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what they have done." - Matthew 16:27 (NIV)

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Everyone is invited. Today is the time to respond.

True Peace

True Peace

Who doesn’t want peace? We all want peace. Peace on Earth. Peace and goodwill toward mankind. Peace throughout the day. Peace for tomorrow. What is the source of peace? The perfect way to ask that question is, “Who is the source of peace?” John 14:27, Jesus said that he is the source of peace. “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you.”

But is one reason we ask for peace from God due to any selfish reason? What is “selfish peace”? Asking for peace for just one. A couple of examples include, do we want peace to “escape” the drama of life? Do we want peace to ease our suffering? This is difficult to swallow.

But the Bible promises peace that surpasses all understanding. Peace that transcends. Philippians 4:17 says, “And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” The prophet Isaiah wrote, “For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways … For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts.” This is why his ways are higher than our ways.

If we can’t understand his ways, how then, can we fully experience God’s peace?

Faith. Simple faith. The author of Hebrews said, “Faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” You can’t see faith. Like the wind, you can only see the effects of the wind. You can only see the effects of faith. Of peace. Peace in our hearts.

God called King David, “… a man after God’s own heart.” While on this earth, we will never fully understand God’s ways. But do we strive to be men and women “after God’s own heart”? Do we abide in him? Jesus said, “Abide in me, and I in you.” All that Jesus offers, including peace, is for the asking when we abide in him.

Another important question is, “What are God’s ways?” Does the Bible give any indication? Jesus gave us a glimpse of that answer when he taught his disciples how to pray:

“Our Father, who is in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come; your will be done; on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day, our daily bread. Forgive us our debts as we have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil.” (Matt. 6:9-13)

What does this tell us about God’s heart, his ways? His ways are kingdom ways. We will not understand the “how” of his kingdom ways, but at least we know that his ways are kingdom ways. This also takes faith. “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.” He desires for us to experience his kingdom forever. When does that “forever” begin? For those who call Jesus Lord and Savior, it starts here on earth. His kingdom is here now. Being built one believer at a time. And peace is one of the many blessings experienced in his kingdom. But while we are still on earth, our flesh can be an obstruction to experiencing his peace.

But when we ask for peace, is it for a selfish reason, or for kingdom reasons?

Jesus also instructed us to pray, “Give us this day our daily bread.” Notice the plural pronoun “us.” Jesus wants us to pray for “daily bread” for those on earth, for the community of believers. This is not a selfish prayer. And what is “daily bread”? Food? Yes. And also, spiritual food. What is “spiritual food”? His Word. When we read his Word, we receive spiritual food. The Word of God, his Bible, contains an infinite amount of spiritual food. It is reasonable to conclude that when the Apostle Paul wrote to the Galatians the list of the fruits of the Spirit, “…love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control,” that he presented them with a menu of spiritual food. Peace is on that menu. And God’s peace is eternal.

That eternal peace can be received now on earth. The Psalmist David wrote, “Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” Notice the psalm as a prayer. David says that his shepherd (his Lord God), comforts with his rod and staff. In ancient times, this is imagery for a shepherd guiding his sheep. The sheep know their shepherd and his tools of the trade to provide guidance. David goes onto say, “He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters.” Doesn’t the image of green pastures provide a sense of peace? The mention of “still waters” is exceptionally profound because sheep, by nature, do not drink from a fast-moving stream. In fact, a sea or rough waters was seen as chaotic. And the evil one brings chaos to this earth. Jesus brings the opposite: order and peace. Even amid chaos, our good shepherd provides peace.

While we are here on this broken earth, this imperfect world, God’s peace is peace amid life’s drama. Peace is not meant to be a selfish request from life’s drama (although sometimes God does resolve an earthly problem, which is great). Again, his peace is peace amid earthly problems.

So the question is, do we seek God’s peace? And do we seek his peace not just for ourselves but for others? Do we ask for his peace from God’s kingdom point of view? “Your kingdom come your will be done; on earth as it is in heaven.” And peace in heaven is eternal.

GOD’s Infinite Forgiveness

 GOD’s Infinite Forgiveness

Have you ever done something against a friend, a neighbor, a stranger or even directly against the GOD of creation? It may be something that the current society frowns upon more than other offenses. Have you asked for forgiveness from the person who was offended? And from GOD? Then, that is all a person needs to do in order to receive forgiveness from the GOD who provides infinite forgiveness and grace. However, since we are still stuck in these imperfect human bodies, we sometimes forget about GOD’s forgiveness. And we allow past sins to haunt us.

May the following scripture encourage you: “If we confess our sins, he [GOD] is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9. Did you see that keyword in that scripture? “All.” Not some or a little. But all!

The Psalmist wrote thousands of years ago and it still holds true: “For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; as far as the east is from the west, so far has he removed our transgression from us.” – Psalm 103: 11-12. The imagery of “east from the west” is that of infinity. Infinite forgiveness.

“And Peter remembered the saying of Jesus, ‘Before the rooster crows, you will deny me three times.’ And he went out and wept bitterly.” (See Matthew 26:69-75 for the entire passage.) Amazingly, Jesus forgave Peter. He forgave him what some may consider quite the heavy sin. [But all sin is equal in the eyes of GOD. (See James 2:10).] Later, Jesus made certain that Peter knew he was forgiven. John 21 records the account when Jesus restores Peter. Jesus asks Peter three times – the number of times Peter denied Jesus – “Do you love me?” Peter replied in the affirmative each time. Jesus not only forgives Peter, but he restores him to being a shepherd of his people when Jesus instructed him, “Feed my sheep.” Have you ever felt like GOD forgives you but are not worthy to be a part of his work? The example of Jesus restoring Peter to his previous role as follower and shepherd should give us great encouragement.

The sin of King David is a similar story. David committed adultery and then murder. (See 2 Samuel 11-12) These are two offenses that current society frowns heavily upon. But after the prophet Nathan confronted David he “… said to Nathan, ‘I have sinned against the LORD.’ And Nathan said to David, “The LORD also has put away your sin; you shall not die.” 2 Samuel 12:13. David went on to write Psalm 51, “Have mercy on me, O GOD, according to your love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions.” And GOD did as David repented. GOD restored his soul. He also did not take away his service as King. There were consequences for David’s sin. The child born from his adultery would not live. (2 Samuel 12:14). Also, David would not see the completion of the temple. (1 Chronicles 22:8). In this example, GOD did not take away his sovereign leadership nor his new wife. Nevertheless, he experienced the discipline of GOD. The important lesson here is not to consider GOD’s discipline as a message he is holding back his forgiveness. Never! Remember, the aforementioned scripture, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9.

The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Rome, “For with the heart one believes and is justified, and with the mouth one confesses and is saved.” Did you see the keyword in that scripture? Justified. Meaning, being freed from the guilt of sin and being made right with GOD. Not only are we forgiven by GOD but just as he has removed it “as far as the east is from the west,” we no longer should feel the guilt of sin. This is an incredible promise, especially when our fallible minds prompt otherwise. In his forgiveness, he sees us without sin. 

Test All Things - 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21 (ESV)

 Do not quench the Holy Spirit. Do not despise prophecies (*), but test everything; hold fast what is good.
- 1 Thessalonians 5:19-21

(*) In the year of our Lord [AD], this means to test and interpret the foretold in retrospect by means of forthtelling as interpretation of established Biblical written prophecy. In other words, nothing new added.  

Beware of Heresy

Scripture Warnings Against Heresy

But there were also false prophets among the people, even as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Lord who bought them, and bring on themselves swift destruction. And many will follow their destructive ways, because of whom the way of truth will be blasphemed.

– 2 Peter 2:1-2
 
… 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, …
– Ephesians 4:14
 
For the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine, but according to their own desires, because they have itching ears, they will heap up for themselves teachers; and they will turn their ears away from the truth, and be turned aside to fables.
– 2 Timothy 4:3-4

The Greatest Champion - Jesus

The Greatest Champion – Jesus

Have you ever been angry at the many injustices of this world? Wars. Terrorism. Human trafficking. Extreme poverty. Sexual perversion. Child abuse. Spousal abuse. Freedom infringed upon. Disregard for human life. Theft. Murder. Arson. The list goes on.

These are difficult to hear and read about in the media, or perhaps to have experienced first-hand or observed a friend or family member experience. Sometimes, we just want to lash out. With that in mind, it’s easy to want to take action. And there are times to take action. To speak out. To write to a legislator. To be a part of organizations that fight against injustice. There are examples of Jesus standing for the rights of women and children. The woman at the well (John 5:5-30). Jesus prayed over children. Matthew 19:13-14 tells us, “Then people brought little children to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked him. Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these.” Jesus acted. But when we read about or see an injustice, sometimes our impulse is to react in an unwise manner. Jesus acted with wisdom.   

The Bible also tells us in Ephesians “For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against the cosmic rulers, against the authorities, against the cosmic powers over this present darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places.” (Ephesians 6:12-13)

This tells us two things. One, that the focus of who is ultimately responsible for injustice is the dark enemy of this world – Satan. And two, this means that there are many in this world who are deceived and conduct their lives in a manner which results in an injustice. Which is an injustice in and of itself.

Have you ever been angry at Satan for the injustices of this world? Or have you ever doubted faith in Jesus to the point of being angry? Perhaps at yourself. Perhaps at the enemy. Have you ever wanted to lash out at the enemy?

So what are we as Christ-followers to do? The Apostle Paul tells us as he continued to write to the church in Ephesus. “Therefore, put on the full armor of God. That you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm.” (See Ephesians 6:13-20).

Focusing on three of the pieces of his armor: the breastplate of righteousness and the shield of faith and the sword of the spirit.

Isaiah 11:5 is a reference with regard to when Jesus wore a sash, it was meant figuratively as righteousness. One of the many ways he was and is our example. Moses wrote in Exodus that two of the gemstones on the breastplate that the priests wore were carnelian and jasper. These were gemstones which represented God’s righteousness and purity. There’s nothing magical about these stones – they are only a representation (See Exodus 20:4.) Jesus is our high-priest. He goes before us, and through his eyes, God sees us as righteousness and pure. (Colossians 1:22)

The shield of faith is meant to extinguish the “flaming arrows” of the enemy. Think about what arrows in the modern age we may encounter – the temptations placed before us. The shield would have been an image clear in the minds of the first century church since Roman soldiers used shields. In battle they would form a line of shields. And behind them were more rows of soldiers, all with shields. This image tells us that we cannot fight this battle alone. We need each other. (See Ecclesiastes 4:12.)

So what are we as Christ-followers to do in a practical way? This is where the sword of the spirit is incredibly important. The Word of God. Daily, we need to read and abide. Jesus tells us, as recorded by the Apostle John, “If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you.” Ask Jesus to give you the armor of God. His righteousness and faith. There is nothing we can do without Jesus. How his words work in our life is beyond human understanding. Proverbs tells us to not “lean on our own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3)

A question was asked earlier. Knowing that this battle is an invisible one, have you ever wanted to lash out at the enemy? The Psalmist, David, gives us encouragement in that regard. “Contend, O LORD, with those who contend with me; fight against those who fight against me! Take hold of shield and buckler and rise for my help! Draw the spear and javelin against my pursuers! Say to my soul 'I am your salvation!’” (Psalm 35:1-3) Jesus is our warrior. He fights for us. He fights for you!

I Corinthians 15:17 tells us, “… thank God! He gives us victory over sin and death through our Lord Jesus Christ. But now in a single victorious stroke of life, all three – sin, guilt, death – are gone, the gift of our savior, Jesus Christ …”

In Revelation, Jesus “has conquered.” Past tense. This is a parallel to when Jesus said on the cross, “It is finished.” Jesus was and is victorious!

I am thankful I have Jesus the Messiah, the King of kings, the greatest Champion on my side! In the midst of the evil in this world I am encouraged and strengthened knowing that I have his Word, his truth, righteousness, faith and the promise of his salvation on my side! 

James 1:19-27 – Slow Down and Focus

 James 1:19-27 – Slow Down and Focus

“My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. But whoever look intently into the perfect law that gives freedom and continues in it – not forgetting what they have heard but doing it – they will be blessed in what they do.

Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves and their religion is worthless. Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”

The author begins and ends in similar topics: human anger and loose speech. And in the middle section James gives the reason with the use of imagery. In the First Century, the people were oppressed by the Roman government. It would have been easy for human anger to lead to a violent reaction. James knew this when he wrote this passage. When we react, it is more times than not going to come from an imperfect human response. Slow down. Note that James avoids saying, “do not get angry.” He says to “listen, [be] slow to speak and slow to become angry.” As imperfect beings, it is easy to display unrighteous anger. God’s anger is anger against injustice. (Proverbs 6:17 and 17:15) God desires justice. When our desires abide with his, then when we become angry – as we slow down – we are more apt to know that the anger is against an injustice. This is why James concludes the first part of this passage with “get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you.” In other words, confess our imperfection and susceptibility toward erroneous reactive human anger, and in humility rely on the direction God has provided in his word. James then reminds the reader that it is his word “which can save you,” not only in salvation (John 3:16), but also – in the context of the passage – from the destructive nature of human anger. Returning to the oppression of Rome, there was a myriad of injustices. But James urged the opposite of human anger. As individuals, there is a time to voice opposition against such injustice – but with peace. A modern-day example is the Peace Prayers in Leipzig, Germany in the 1980s, as hundreds of thousands of people flooded the streets to demonstrate peacefully against the oppressive Soviet reign. By November 1989 the Berlin Wall fell and soon thereafter democracy was restored with the result of a unified Germany. The people were urged by the courage of a few pastors – who taught peace and the power of prayer – to slow down and focus. Focus on God’s direction. (Even in war, human anger should be avoided. The key is to focus on God’s direction with regard to the injustice in which a nation or nations are fighting against – e.g.: the injustice of the Third Reich.)

James continues to emphasize this point by urging the reader to put the word into action. He then uses – with an obvious, and dare I say, comical – imagery of a person who looks into a mirror then forgets what he or she looks like. We can all close our eyes and picture our own face. The same should occur when reading God’s word – his instruction manual. The Psalmist David wrote in Psalm 119:11, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” So should we memorize – and do. Slow down. Focus on what God would have us do and enjoy the freedom that only his instruction manual can provide. The law cannot save (Romans 7:13-24). But James reminds us God’s “perfect law that gives freedom” is the freedom from the “filth” which can lead to a destructive lifestyle – including the downward spiraling path of human anger. Proverbs 14:17 tells us that human anger leads to hate, “A man of quick temper acts foolishly, and a man of evil devices is hated.” James concludes the middle section of this passage with a promise, if we take what we have heard and read and actually do it, “[we] will be blessed in what [we] do.” This is a direct reference to what Jesus said to his disciples when they were just northwest of the Sea Galilee, “… and he [God], will reward each person according to what they have done.” (Matthew 16:27b)

James bookends this passage by reminding the reader – and with a focus on the religious person – to keep a “tight rein on their tongues.” If a religious person displays human anger (or gossip or slander, etc.), then his or her poor example nullifies the very beliefs he or she has read – and has even spoken to others – but has not done. Again, this behavior is not righteous in God’s eyes as James states, “their religion is worthless.” The follower of Jesus is to “humbly accept the word,” which is why human anger, and a loose tongue comes from pride. Only in humility can we know God’s concerns. “…to look after orphans and widows in their distress.” At the time, orphans and widows were “the least of these.” (Matthew 25:31-46) These were the people who suffered the most injustice. The less privileged in our modern society are of God’s concern. If we abide in him, then they become our concern. And we are not just to listen, but we as followers of Jesus, do something and serve. Lastly, James urges the reader to “keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” Just as the Apostle John wrote when Jesus said that his followers are “in the world but not of the world.” (John 17:14b). It’s interesting that prior to this statement Jesus said, “I have given them your [God’s] word, and the world has hated them, because they are not of the world...” (John 17:14a) Being of the world and its deception can cause a person to get angry with the instructions of God – his word. It is this very attitude which can lead to the injustices throughout the world. As followers of Jesus, we are to abide in his word in order to conform to his image (Romans 8:29-30). Therefore, slow down, avoid human anger and worthless religion, and focus on the concerns of God: caring for others in love, grace and truth.

In Ephesians 4:15-16 the Apostle Paul writes, “… speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up [some versions use the word “mature”] in every way in to him who is the head, into Christ, from whom the whole body [of followers] joined and held together at every joint with which it is equipped, when each part is working properly, make the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.

 

James 1:13-18 – Temptation and Heavenly Status

 James 1:13-18 – Temptation and Heavenly Status

“When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me.’ For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone, but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin, and sin, when it is full grown, gives birth to death.

Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we may be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.”

It is intentional that the author chose to write about temptations directly after trials. The latter is an outward source of one of life’s difficulties and the former is from within. And immediately he points out that temptation is never from God, our Creator. When Jesus was in the wilderness for 40 days, near the end of that time, he was tempted. But not by God the Father. He was tempted directly by Satan. (See Matthew 4:1-11) Since Jesus is God, it’s fascinating to know that God cannot tempt himself as opposed to the fallen man and woman. It’s as if each person has an “evil twin.” A persona, if you will, that entices him or herself. This persona wants to do what our flesh wants to do – what feels good in many cases – and not the good that God has planned and wants for each person he created. (See v. 17). And how many times when there is outward trials does it feel easy to allow the inward temptations to deceive us?

James continues by personifying sin as being born. But this sin, when it fully matures, leads to death. This death can manifest itself in many ways: a life of self-induced suffering, the pain of others around him or her caused by the sin, spiritual death or even physical death. But there’s good news! God’s grace. One of God’s many good and perfect gifts is his grace. “For if we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us of our sins...” (I John 1:9) God is described by James as the “Father of the heavenly lights.” In a world of darkness, as it was in the Roman ruled First Century (as is now in this residual kingdom), hearing of an eternal light would have brought great encouragement to the early church. How much should God’s light encourage us now? God is not like a shifting shadow, which sounds similar to the wild flowers which soon die off (see verses 10 and 11). The author’s use of imagery emphasizes the life that God provides and the destruction by the shadowy path of sin.

Lastly, in this section, the author writes, “He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we may be a kind of firstfruits of all he created.” The “birth through the word of truth” is a reminder to what Jesus said, “… ‘unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God.” (John 3:3) In regard to the “firstfruits:”

The NIV uses the phrase, “… we might be a kind of firstfruits…”

The ESV uses the phrase, “… we should be a kind of firstfruits…”

The NASB uses the phrase, “… we might be, as it were, the first fruit…”

In the original Greek, the word “certain” is used instead of “kind of.”

There an allusion to God’s first fruit of creation, that being Adam and Eve. The Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth, “For just as in Adam all die, so also in Christ all will be made alive, but each in his own order: Christ the first fruits, then those who are in Christ.” (I Corinthians 15:22-23) Like being heirs with Christ, the born again are also first fruits. Christ first, then the born again. As if the born again are the restored first fruits so that those who are “in Christ all will be made alive.” This is the heavenly status of the born again! And it is certain! This should give the believer strength! 

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James 1:12 – Perseverance

 James 1:12 – Perseverance

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.”

At the start of this letter James stated it should be a joy to face trials “because the testing” of faith results in perseverance. Now, the author adds it will be a blessing to persevere. Recall from the earlier in the letter (James 1:1-11), that the person who perseveres is the mature person, the one who is striving to be complete in Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who does not doubt. Blessed is the one who asks for help in his or her doubt. Blessed is the one who does not allow the chaos of this world to toss them about by its misguided foolishness. Blessed is the one who is not double-minded. Blessed is the one who is humble.

Whether oppressed. Whether poor. Whether saddened by our brothers and sisters who are tortured and martyred for their faith. Or, simply clinging to the voice of Jesus during times of trouble and testing. Blessed is the person who perseveres. There is a crown of life waiting. The crown was (and still is), a symbol of royalty. Jesus is the King of kings, and we are joint-heirs with him to those who love him. What a wonderful promise! 

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James 1:9-11 – Humility and Exaltation

 James 1:9-11 – Humility and Exaltation
 

“Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. But the rich should take pride in their humiliation – since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.” (NIV)

 

“Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation, because like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with it scorching heat and withers grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.” (ESV)

 

This Scripture is a reminder of the following two proverbs:

 

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.” Proverbs 11:2 (NIV) And, “Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.” Proverbs 16:18-19 (NIV) The ESV uses the same language in each passage.

 

And Jesus said, as recorded in Luke 14:11, “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

 

The “humble circumstances” is referring to those without physical wealth as it is a contrast of the following image – “the rich.” (Humble circumstances as a result of Roman oppression or by the rich within their own community.) However, there is also spiritual parallel. The humble are those who have been exalted by God (see Luke 14:11). The rich are those who will be humbled, by God (also see Luke 14:11). James is not saying that it is wrong to have physical wealth; there were Christians in the First Century – Barnabas, Cornelius, Aquila and Priscilla, and Philemon to name a few – who were wealthy. The important message James relays is how a rich person treats others with that wealth and how they present themselves – with pride or humility – both physically and in spirit of heart and mind (i.e.: attitude). Each person listed above used their wealth to further the Kingdom of God in humility which was a focus on the spiritual – “the concerns of God.” (See Matthew 16:23b)

 

The NIV uses the word “pride” which is not the kind of pride that self-exalts. Christians can boast (as the ESV uses), in Jesus for the position he has given. And it is a high position as Christians are “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ [Jesus]…” (Romans 8:17) Jesus suffered while on this planet – both in his ministry and on the cross – and he did so out of love. As followers of Jesus, the Christian should also consider it “pure joy … whenever [faced with] trials of many kinds.” – just as our “joint heir” did. It was a way for James to remind us of our connection with Jesus who humbled himself in the greatest of manner – on the cross. “… he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8)

 

A quick note regarding “…since they will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.” In the region surrounding Jerusalem, there were and are wildflowers that bloom in the late spring but quickly fade during the heat of the summer. James uses this image to show how quickly the haughty will fade in their foolishness. In contrast, wisdom comes from humility. (Proverbs 11:2)

 

The Scriptures are laced with many examples of its warning against pride. Here is a reminder of a few (Italics and Bold added to show the parallel).

 

“Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation.”

 

“When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom.”

 

“Pride goes before destruction, a haughty spirit before a fall. Better to be lowly in spirit along with the oppressed than to share plunder with the proud.”

 

 “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

 

Whether in physical wealth or not, may we as Christians be humble as our joint heir Jesus was humble. And in doing so, he will exalt you. 

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James 1:1-8 – Trials and Wisdom

 James 1:1-8 – Trials and Wisdom

“James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes scattered among the nations:

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials on many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one you doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. Such is person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.”

The majority of scholars consider the author of this letter to be the James, the brother of Jesus. There is significance is how he opened his letter. James was not one of the twelve disciples and not a follower during Jesus’ ministry on earth. (The James who was one of the twelve was the son of Zebedee.) James, the author of this letter came to follow his brother after the resurrection of Jesus. In the opening of his letter, he called himself a servant – a servant of his brother. When the author identified himself, he also presented a picture of humility, yet without boasting about it. He recognized, that although Jesus was his earthly brother, he was now his heavenly brother – his Lord. This took humility.

James continued the opening with an address to the “twelve tribes.” This phrase once referred to the actual Twelve Tribes of Israel – God’s chosen nation. But ten of the tribes were scattered centuries prior – along with the other two. However, the former are unaccounted for. The point, or parallel, that James is making is that the current followers of Jesus who have been scattered (from Jerusalem), due to persecution from Rome as well as religious leaders, are like the original Twelve Tribes when scattered centuries prior. It is now a reference to the new nation, the Kingdom of God. This is important in that the followers (Christians), of the First Century were of Jewish and non-Jewish (Gentile), heritage. Now, their heritage is one in Jesus – the shared bond the Apostle Paul describes in his letter to the church in Ephesus (see Ephesians 4:1-13).

After the opening salutation, James immediately provides encouragement (verses 2-4). Before examining his support it is important to understand further the magnitude of the cultural setting. For over one-hundred years the Roman Empire had taxed Jewish farmers to a point that many of them had to mortgage their land just to pay the totalitarian government. And that was not enough, which resulted in many farmers driven to poverty as they lost their land. Those who lived outside the city walls and within Jerusalem were not affected as severe, but the financial pressures caused many to live in substandard and stressed means. In addition, many religious leaders continued to burden and distress Christians which included a life-threatening environment. This oppressive rule and atmosphere continued into the early first century, when Jesus was on earth, and into the mid-first century when James wrote his letter.

Therefore, when the Christians read the opening words: “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials on many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything, …” there was an immense depth of meaning. Many of them had been alive during the time Jesus was crucified. His faith to God the Father is what brought them salvation and assured hope in the eternal promise of which their Messiah had spoken. Jesus completed his task on the Cross. James encouraged the believers of the day to “… let perseverance finish its work so that [they] may be mature and complete …”

Many times when this passage has been read by modern preachers and teachers, the first-century aspect seems to be overlooked and is read from a democratic free-world point of view – where the high majority of Christians do not face the persecution that was prevalent in the first century. But – it should be viewed from a global point of view – and more so from a Kingdom point of view. Yes, any trial endured – whether health, finances, education, vocation, etc. – is important to God, because he is the loving God. These trials, through faith, can also produce perseverance. But James wrote of direct persecution for a person’s faith in Jesus. So then, the question for the modern Christian who lives in a free society is: how does this passage directly relate? The letter to the Ephesians provides the answer. As one body, one church and united in one Kingdom through Jesus, any Christian throughout the world suffers when one or a group of our brothers and sisters are directly persecuted in a nation – or nations – that oppress(es) Christians. Thousands upon thousands of Christians are tortured and executed for their faith each year. This should cause believers throughout the world and in a free society to mourn and pray. And as Jesus taught, we are to “love [our] enemies and pray for them that persecute [us].” (Matthew 5:44) Also, believers have a connection with Jesus that is eternal. It is this connection which gives the believer joy. Since Jesus suffered and was persecuted, the believer should considered it a joy to share in the same or similar.

Though the modern Christian does not face physical persecution in places of religious freedom, there are currently pressures from governments, corporations and places of education to subdue our faith. To speak of our faith in some work-places is frowned upon even to the point of disciplinary action. The indoctrination of certain world-views and lifestyles contrary to what the Bible teaches are taught in schools despite the opposition of Christian parents. In parts of the U.S., police and fire chaplains have been ordered not to end a prayer “in Jesus name,” or face termination. Therefore, “Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials on many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”

James completes the phrase, “… so that [they] may be mature and complete,” with “… not lacking anything.” He reveals one aspect of the anything in the next sentence. And since it was just one, it seems reasonable to conclude it is the most important – wisdom. He wrote, “If any of you lacks wisdom you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault.” This added further encouragement to the Christians of the time and should as well currently – this is straight-forward. The clause “without finding fault” seems to either elude to or reference the mercy and grace God provides as he sees the Christian through the lens of Jesus – no fault (see Ephesians 1:7-10). Or it could mean the fault is doubt as the passage added, “But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt. (Or it could be both.) The latter brings to memory Mark 9:14-29 when a man with a possessed son asked him to heal his son, but then asked to help him in his unbelief – in his doubt. God is so generous, that even if we doubt he can gives us the faith to then ask for wisdom. James emphasized the importance of wisdom with imagery a first century person would find compelling. He states that, “because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.” Two images come to mind. One, when Jesus calms the storms after the disciples fear for their lives and doubt (see Matthew 8:23-27, Mark 4:35-41 and Luke 8:22-25). Jesus told them they were to go to the other side of the lake – but they doubted. In the first and subsequent centuries the sea – especially a storm – was equivalent to chaos. When the Apostle John wrote in Revelation, “… and there was no more sea,” he used the same imagery – one day there will be no more chaos (see Revelation 21:1). To the first century Christians, being told that doubt equates to chaos would have sunk deeply into their hearts in a convicting manner. James continued, “That person would not receive anything from the Lord.” Chaos and order cannot exist at the same time; therefore, James wrote, “Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” We need the wisdom of God in order to navigate through the chaos of this world. We need his wisdom to persevere in times of trouble and persecution. We need his wisdom to stand up for our faith in the same way Jesus remained on the cross for our iniquities. Thank the Lord for his wisdom, mercy and grace.

(This devotion is not exhaustive but I believe touches the major points of this passage.)

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Renewal Series – 2 Corinthians 5:12 – New Creation

Renewal Series – 2 Corinthians 5:12 – New Creation

“Therefore, is anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17

When read with the preceding verses there is a connection to the what Jesus said to Peter and his disciples outside of Caesarea Philipi.

“For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died. And he died for all that those who live should no longer live for themselves but for him who died for them and was raised again.” – 2 Corinthians 5:14-15

Before Jesus Christ’s death and resurrection, he explained something to his disciples they did not understand nor were they convinced – at first.

“… Jesus began to explain to his disciples that … he must be killed and on the third day be raised to life.” – Matthew 16:21. Simon Peter objected because as Jesus rebuke him, he “did not have in mind the concerns of God, but merely human concerns.” (v. 23). Peter’s concerns were for his friend, Jesus. He did not want to see his friend die. His mind was so focused on human concerns that he overlooked the fact that Jesus said, “on the third day be raised to life.” It is also conceivable that Peter had similar aspirations for who Jesus was – as many of Jesus’ followers had. That is, they thought he’d overthrow Rome as a political leader – an earthly king. (The world and its kingdoms are temporary.)

But Peter grew in his faith as it was tested over time, as did the disciples of Jesus and most certainly many of his followers throughout the region. Later, the Apostle Paul wrote to the church in Corinth to encourage them to do the same. He reminded them that Jesus died for all. He was raised for all “that those who live should no longer live for themselves.” In Matthew 16, Jesus stated, “‘For whoever wants to save their life will lose it…’” (v 25a). Peter did not understand this at first, but over time he came to a full realization of what it meant to “… regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.” – 2 Corinthians 5:16. There is no room for self when a person becomes a new creation in Jesus. There is no room for pride as Peter later wrote, “… All of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because…” (1 Peter 5:5b), and then he quotes a Proverb, “… God opposes the proud, but shows favor to the humble.” This is how a follower of Christ should view Jesus for who he is, and how we should view others for who they are – creations of God who is eternal.

“Therefore, is anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come. The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17. Pride is dead. Humility lives. 

Renewal Series – 2 Corinthians 4:16 – The Temporary Versus the Eternal

Renewal Series – 2 Corinthians 4:16 – The Temporary Versus the Eternal

“Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.” – 2 Corinthians 4:16

Death of the human body is inevitable. The aging process and the pains that accompany it, is unavoidable. But as God, Jesus is alive – for eternity (Matt. 28:6). This should give the believer hope. The human body is temporary. The spirit of Jesus within the believer is eternal. Therefore, it is by his spirit that we are “renewed day by day.” The Apostle Paul went on to write:

“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18

Not only are there troubles with the human body but also many other kinds of troubles in life – from human conflict on a micro and macro scale to the persecution of his church, and those who endure it, to many other forms of temporary trouble. But again, the believer has hope. Hope in Jesus to renew us each day. Hope in that we will be with him for eternity. The human body is seen. Therefore, it is the unseen that matters because Jesus is eternal.  And one day, we will be able to see him in person! What a glorious day that will be!

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Renewal Series – Romans 12:2 – God’s Will

Renewal Series – Romans 12:2 – God’s Will

“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” – Romans 12:2

Have you ever wanted to know what the will of God is? According to the Apostle Paul, we can know his will more clearly when we are in the process of renewing our minds. That is, to transform our worldview in a manner that abides with God. Paul starts with a warning, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world,…”  The pattern of this world is contrary to the will of God. As discussed previously, King David allowed himself to follow a path which led to adultery with Bathsheba. In Psalm 51:12, David writes in his confession, “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.” David realized the only way to remain in the will of God was for his Creator to repair his spirit. Other words for “restore” include: “rebuild” or to “reinstate.” David asked God to rebuild what he had destroyed through his sexual impropriety. In the midst of his misconduct, David made other poor choices; one included the murder of his good friend, and Bathsheba’s husband. It was only after David pleaded with God to restore him was he then able to determine the will of God.

On a macro scale, the prophet Ezekiel wrote to the nation of Israel, “I [God] will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh.” – Ezekiel 36:26.

The prophet replayed the words of God to a nation that had rebelled in ways which included idolatry and sexual sin – they performed acts of misconduct similar to the foreign nations who did not consider God as their king and lord. But God promised that if his nation returned to him then he would restore them. Only in this restoration could his chosen nation know the will of God. Only if a nation returns to the words of God can it know correct decisions and actions to take. The pattern of this world leads to destruction (Matthew 23:1-12 and Luke 18:9-14). But God has the words of life (John 6:68). Life within the will of God.

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