He's Never Late!

Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 27 / NT + James 5

"Be patient, then, brothers, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop and how patient he is for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against each other, brothers, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!" -- James 5:7-9 

In a time of great impatience, farmers are a rare breed. When the internet and rapid transit has made everything lightening fast to the touch, these stalwart souls still have to be patient. Over two thousand years have passed since the above writing and little has changed for the farmer. Patience remains the great imperative.

The same remains true for the believer who awaits the return of Christ. His coming is nearer today than in James' day, but we still need to be patient and stand firm. Our conduct should be God honoring with brotherly love. Our faith in the Lord's timing must continue strong through the darkest days. As Peter wrote in 2 Peter 3:8, "With the Lord a day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like a day."

All believers know the end of the story and we live in great expectation of the Lord's return. The question is; how then shall we live? Take a lesson from the farmer my friend, and patiently sow your seeds of Christ-like living. As the spring and autumn rains come, the Lord will also come... and He's never late!

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 28 / NT + Psalms 62-64

Submit to God...

Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 26:16-24 / NT + James 4

"Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you..." -- James 4:7-8  

I have known too many people who have suffered physically rather than seeking the care of a doctor. I knew a man who came to a point that he daily swallowed a dose of Listerine for throat pain. One morning he just collapsed. He died of advanced cancer that was never diagnosed or treated. We can fight disease in our bodies all we want, but until we are willing to come under the care of a skilled physician, we will only get worse.

The soul is far more diseased than the body. We have a condition called sin and it will eat us up if we don't seek help. Choosing to deal with the habits of sin in our own strength is like taking aspirin for a tumor. We can determine to resist temptation, sin, and the devil all we want, but until we submit ourselves to the Great Physician of our souls, we will only get worse.

The simple prescription for spiritual health is found in the words, "Submit yourselves, then, to God". Place yourself under the care of the Great Physician. Allow him to heal your soul, knowing that if you "Come near to God and he will come near to you." Only then will sin, temptation and the devil flee, and you will get better.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 27 / NT + James 5

Heavenly Wisdom...

Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 26:1-15 / NT + James 3

"But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness." -- James 3:17-18

I have attended more board meetings than I can count. There have been church boards, associational boards, library boards and consultation boards. Each board has had a different personality and focus. And, time and again there would be some dear soul that believed they were wiser than any other. Their wisdom was to be accepted or there would be tension and stress beyond belief. Wisdom it might have been, but it wasn't from heaven.

The beauty of God given wisdom is the way it is expressed. Godly wisdom is given in a merciful, considerate and submissive manner. There is no partiality and peaceful results are sincerely sought. Wisdom of the natural man seeks praise and honor for the great insight that has been offered. If their counsel is rejected or altered, trouble comes and peace goes out the window. Only heavenly wisdom can raise a harvest of righteousness.

Before you enter the next meeting my friend, seek the wisdom that comes from heaven. You will know it comes from God when you are more concerned about others and a peaceful conclusion than your own ideas. The difference between a peacemaker and a peace-breaker depends on the kind of wisdom you choose.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 26:16-24 / NT + James 4

Everyone needs Love...

 Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 25:15-38 / NT + James 2

"If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, "Love your neighbor as yourself," you are doing right. But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers. For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." - James 2:8-10 

Every church I ever served had one or more broken people in attendance. Whether physically, emotionally or mentally, their presence called for special care and love. I was always grateful to see most of our church family embrace these dear souls and make them feel welcome. But it saddened me when I would see some believers avoid them at any cost. How can we love one another and not love the broken?

James called us to a deeper level of compassion when he challenged our "Love Capacity". It's easy to love those who love us back and those who are lovable. Such are the people we choose to show that extra interest and care. But, if we are going to be consistent in our obedience to the second greatest commandment, "Love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39), we must take time to love the Herbs of our world.

Today you will meet some broken soul. They will not win your attention or your desire to show compassion. They may offend you by their conduct and attire. How will you choose to treat them, my friend? Will you avoid them in the name of inconvenience or will "Love them like Jesus"?

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 26:1-15 / NT + James 3

Rein it in!

Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 24:1-25:14 / NT + James 1

"If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless." - James 1:26

Speaking carelessly has cost some people jobs and many people their credibility. Not long ago a military General lost his position for derogatory remarks about his superiors, and then a popular personality had to apologize to the town council for remarks made about the local citizens. Both cases were spoken during an interview for a national magazine. I have no doubt that these two guys were more careful about their words going forward. It pays to keep a tight rein on the tongue.

James makes the quality of thoughtful speech a significant characteristic for the believer. We can do all the right things and teach others with great insight, but with just one wrong word we can irreparably offend someone. Many a Christian testimony has been lost over a few thoughtless words. As James said earlier in verse 19, "Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak". It pays to keep a tight rein on the tongue.

By the grace of God, there have been many thoughts that have come to mind that I refused to verbalize. I would encourage you to do the same, my friend. We may have "Freedom of Speech", but it's not freedom to offend. The treasures of friendship, peace, harmony and unity are far more valuable than words can say. Solomon wrote in Proverbs 25:11, "A word aptly spoken is like apples of gold in settings of silver." and in Proverbs 17:28 "Even a fool is thought wise if he keeps silent, and discerning if he holds his tongue." It pays to keep a tight rein on the tongue.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 25:15-38 / NT + James 2

The Right Leader...

Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 23:9-40 / NT + Psalms 60-61

"Give us aid against the enemy, for the help of man is worthless. With God we will gain the victory, and he will trample down our enemies." - Psalm 60:11-12

During the years when our troops were in Afghanistan, a major upset involving the leadership occured. One General was relieved and a new leader was assigned. War brings various changes like this for many reasons. The utmost concern is gaining victory over the enemy. Having the right leader is critical.

Our spiritual battle is no different. Victory over the enemy is the major goal and we can't do it by ourselves. We need more than the "worthless" help of man. We need the Sovereign leadership of our God and King. With the "Captain" of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10 KJV) in charge, our spiritual enemies will most certainly be "trampled down". Having the right leader is critical.

Be wise my friend and understand, "the help of man is worthless" in our spiritual battles. With God and God alone victory is sure. Remember the words of Solomon in Proverbs 3:5 ... "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding..." Having the right leader is critical.

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 24:1-25:14 / NT + James 1

A Sacrifice of Praise...

Today's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 23:1-8 / NT + Hebrews 13

"Through Jesus, therefore, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise—the fruit of lips that confess his name. And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased." - Hebrews 13:15-16

The "Prosperity Gospel" has been popular for quite some time. Our generation has been quite taken with what they can get from God in riches. We come to worship and pray when we want something from God. The thought of bringing sacrifices to Him or giving generously to others is quite foreign to this self-centered theology. But what is it that truly pleases God?

We may be careful to choose a church that teaches the true gospel, but do we worship and serve in the spirit of that gospel? God is most honored in worship when we offer "a sacrifice of praise" and He is most pleased when we "do good and share with others". John put it this way in 1 John 3:16, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers." The right response to the gospel is giving, not about getting.

So, what are you planning for this coming Lord's Day? How will you worship the Lord? Will you arrive with your heart focused on Him and lifting up all that you are to praise him? Will you in turn give to others this week and share God's blessings with them as unto the Lord? For "... with such sacrifices God is pleased" 

Tomorrow's Readings: OT - Jeremiah 23:9-40 / NT + Psalms 60-61