Today I had two connections that were most encouraging. This morning I met with Greg Muehlberger, of the Norther Colorado Christian Business Coalition. I am looking forward to learning more about his work and connecting with the activities of this group. Then I had chance meeting with Ron Christian a retired Free Methodist minister. We had a great chat while I was waiting to get a tire repaired. I am looking forward to following up with my new friends.

This afternoon was a visit to Woodward Governor. This is a flagship company in Fort Collins with a history dating back to 1958. They have has just built a new world headquarters in our city.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “But someone will say, “You have faith and I have works.” Show me your faith apart from your works, and I will show you my faith by my works. You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe—and shudder!” James 2:18,19 ESV

James begins this discourse with one of his more “controversial” questions.  ^“What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him?” (James 2:14 ESV) I don’t believe that James is referring to salvation by works, but by a faith that compels us to action. We see this when he points out that even, “demons believe–and shudder!”

James is pointing out that it is not what you believe, but how do you respond to what you believe? One may believe “in God.” They may even recognize that Jesus is the forgiver of our sins. But faith must be personalized, it must be actualized. For salvation, my faith in Christ as Savior, moves me to ask for forgiveness and to confess my sin know, “if we confess our sin, He is faith and just to forgive and to cleanse from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9)

For many “faith” is an act of the mind and not the heart. Paul points out, “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and are saved.” (Romans 10:10 NIV)

I recall someone observing that many who do not profess Christ, demonstrate more righteous actions than many who do. While that may be true, those “works” don’t result in salvation. They may make someone a “good person” but not a follower of  Christ.

I believe James is simply calling for consistency. What we believe, the work of the Holy Spirit in our hearts by faith, should be manifested in our our actions….on how we live our lives.

So James points as an example our response to the poor. Do we just “wish them well?” or do we help meet their needs in practical ways?

“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” (James 2:15,16 ESV)

James then uses Abraham and Rahab as examples to illustrate what he is trying to communicate. Both of these took actions that demonstrated their faith in God. The result was Isaac being saved and Rahab and her family being saved.

The story is told of the great tightrope artist who asked the adoring crowd if they believed he could give a man a ride in a wheelbarrow across the Niagara River. With an uproar they shouted, “We believe! We believe! He then asked who would be the first to get into the wheelbarrow and all of a sudden the crowd was quiet!

The bottom line is that we should all demonstrate a living faith. Because actions based on faith reveal the life the Lord has given to us and is evidence of God’s reality to others. “Works” may be what people see, but faith is the life force behind how we live our lives.

“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.” (James 2:26 ESV)

Prayer for today…. Lord, help us today to put our faith into action. Let us be reminded that how we live our life is not based on personality or family “DNA” but because of the life and love of God who is in us, whose actions were seen when He sent His Son to die for us, to give us life.

Today Debbie and I traveled to Sidney Nebraska. My high school classmate and college roommate Bob Long is a retired educator and is the “Lay Leader” of First United Methodist Church. He had shared my story in the past and I was invited to personally share some of my story and a message. It was great to be there and reunite with some long time friends and to be graciously received.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well. But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.” James 2:8-9 ESV

James addresses a specific issue that was occurring or had occurred in the early Church. When those who were “rich and impressive” came into their midst they were given preferential treatment compared to the poor. This was reflected in giving special honor or recognition.

“…if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet”….” (James 2:3 ESV)

So, this was treating the rich with special honor, while putting down the poor. James points out that these they were treating as special were the very same ones who were oppressing them.

“Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, and the ones who drag you into court?  Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?” (James 2:6-7 ESV)

What we can observe is that in God’s eyes all humanity is to be honored and respected. God is not impressed by outward appearances, He is focused on actions and faith. These the Church was honoring, were actually  by their actions “enemies” of the faith.

We observe that God’s values are not the same as human values. “…has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love him? But you have dishonored the poor man.” (James 2:5-6 ESV)

James points out that some believers were dishonoring those that Lord said were worthy of true honor because they did not trust in their position, status or wealth, but in the Lord.

Then James is very direct about the ramifications of showing partiality by putting down the poor. He calls it….sin. Not only that, he refers to it as transgressing the entire law. It was a violation of the command to “love your neighbor as yourself.”

Then were are to remember the importance of treating others as God has treated us. “For judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:13 ESV) As we have received mercy from the Lord, so we are to show mercy to others.

James challenges us to a new standard, a higher standard in our view of others and how we treat them. We are quick to judge and slow to show mercy. The Lord is full of mercy and slow to anger. We are impressed by that which is outward, the Lord is impressed by that which is inward. We determine wealth by bank accounts, the Lord determines “true riches” based on the heart.

Prayer for today…. Lord help us to see as You see, to value others as You value them. Give us discernment and understanding that we may show mercy as we have been shown mercy. 

Today was a day of campaigning as mail ballots are being delivered to homes. Election day is two weeks from Tuesday.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in his doing.”  James 1:25 ESV

When I read the contrast between a “hearer who forgets and a doer who acts” I’m reminded of how often my sermons filled with such wisdom and insight were quickly forgotten…..by me!

James begins this discourse with the well-known words, “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.” (James 1:22 ESV) That is one of those verse I memorized in Vacation Bible School. But once again, I memorized the verse but neglected the lesson. We love to hear, to be moved by a powerful message that communicates Biblical truth. It is important to understand that some message may be for an application in a moment of time. They are intended to call us to action, a commitment, to gain understanding about the greatness of our God an what He does for us and how to follow Him faithfully. Other messages ofen present more of a life change challenge.

While our application of truth is self-monitoring, it is important to realize that “being moved, but not changed” happens to our own detriment. Do we hear a “great message on gossip” and continue to gossip? Do we hear at “great message on forgiveness” and continue to hold on to past hurts?

James reminds us that when we do so we deceive ourselves. The impact is as momentary as looking at our reflection in a mirror and then walking away. We believe that how we look in that moment of time is how we look throughout our day.

This calls for persistent examination of truth and how we apply it to our lives. We need to train ourselves to listen with the intent of being changed, not just moved. This is why small groups that meet to discuss a current weekend message are important. Interacting with what we have heard in community is a good way to cement the concepts in our minds and hearts.

Putting God’s Word into practice can be a challenge. Old habits don’t die an easy death; experiencing true repentance is not just a single act. That is why James challenges us to “look[s] into the perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere[s]” The blessing doesn’t always come in a moment, but it will come in time.

We are “blessed in our doing.” Not in our “knowing” or our “thinking” or our “planning.” All of those may be precursors to doing, but if they don’t result in the doing, in the change of behavior, the blessing of the truth is not received.

Prayer for today…. Lord remind us of the truth that we know, that we so easily neglect to put into practice in our lives. We see in Your Word that our practice of the Word is the key to blessing, stability and peace. Let us not be guilty of continuing seeking that which You have already provided for us if we follow Your Word.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”  James 1:2-4 ESV

In these well-known verses the English Standard Version uses the word, “steadfastness” instead of patience. As I read the Old Testament and journey of God’s people to the promise land I see how the value of being steadfast is important to our lives.

The Children of Israel faced various kinds of trials, but did not remain steadfast. They panicked, rebelled and took matters into their own hands. We face the same temptation today when things “don’t go as expected” or when the trials and hardships come our way.

We can feel abandoned and confused and give in to our emotions or the circumstances of the moment. The “fruit” of steadfastness is not readily seen. It is borne out over time. But when it is a part of our life, when we “keep on keeping on” it bring us to a place of maturity, not achieved in any other way.

James talks about the reward of steadfastness, “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12 ESV) The blessing of steadfastness is something that we can experience in this life and in eternity.

Finally we see our attitude promotes steadfastness. James said, “Count it all joy….” I don’t believe that means we should feel “gitty” but instead experience a deep settled peace that the Lord is still in control and He will prove Himself faithful.

Peter wrote and said, “do not be surprised at the fiery ordeal that has come on you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.” (1 Peter 4:12)

John wrote, “Do not be surprised, my brothers and sisters, if the world hates you.” (1 John 3:13 NIV)

It is interesting that all three of the original twelve apostles who wrote letters that have been included in the New Testament refer to trials that test our faith. These men had experienced trials and they were writing to believers who were experiencing these challenging times and their words speak to us today.

Prayer for today… Lord thank You that as we place our hope in You, You give us the strength to be faithful to You and steadfast in times of trial. Help us not to grow weary but to persevere finding victory and receiving  the reward of our faith. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “He chose David his servant and took him from the sheepfolds…With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.” Psalm 78:70,72 ESV

I recall many years ago when I as at a pastor’s conference in the Philippines we chose this verse as a theme for the conference. I do hope some day to return to this part of the world. With my study of scriptures over the past several years, I believe I have more to share now than ever before.

This verse strikes at the heart and balance of leadership. Often discussions will take place whether leadership is an “art or skill”? Are leaders naturally gifted to lead or can leadership be learned? What often is over looked is the skill of leading is only one aspect of the job. A good leader also needs the right “heart.”

David, who is revered as the “great King of Israel,” was known as a “man after God’s own heart.” Yes, he had his woeful failures, but it is our response to failures, not our perfection that determines character in the final analysis. I would submit that an effective leader needs both the heart to lead and the skill to lead.

You can certainly learn leadership skills. I have found the challenge is not understanding the concepts, but the ability to apply them in an effective manner. If you don’t have the right attitude that can be a great challenge. The motives we possess, how we respond to adversity, how we treat and value others, the investment we make in others is as much a matter of the heart as the head.

I’ve known  and observed some effective leaders who don’t exhibit that much “heart.” But generally, their demeanor and disposition comes to define the organization and progress can be made at the sacrifice of morale and high turnover.

David became a leader as one from humble beginnings. He was the youngest in his family and did not even merit being included among his brothers as a “candidate” for King to be presented before Samuel the prophet. It is of interest then that the metaphor used in David’s approach to leadership is that of a “shepherd.” If you the leader doesn’t care about those he leads, the followers won’t care about the leader.

But effective leadership is making progress and moving an organization or nation forward to strength, security and vitality. That does call for a “skillful hand.” Knowing what to do, how to do it and when can summarize the challenge in simple terms.

As we examine the migration of the Children of Israel from slavery in Egypt to the promise land, we can observe God’s leadership in terms of the “heart and the hand.” I believe the same is reflected in Moses the leader of God’s people. Moses was found often interceding for a sinful, rebellious people, but also giving the need instruction, direction and accountability.

One thing we can observe is that when the Lord is in the midst of a life and His wisdom and strength is sought,  God will provide the leader all that is needed in the task the leader is called to accomplish.

Prayer for today…. Lord, once again we find powerful words tucked into scripture. Concepts that speak to us and challenge us in our work for You and our work in accomplishing tasks through others. Allow us to trust You to provide for us all that we need in the duties and responsibilities that You set before us.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Their heart was not steadfast toward him; they were not faithful to his covenant. Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them….” Psalm 78:36,37 ESV

When I read these verses I think of Paul’s words to Timothy, “…if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.” (2 Timothy 2:13 NIV)

This psalm is entitled, “Tell the Next Generation.” We read these words, “He established a testimony in Jacob and appointed a law in Israel, which he commanded our fathers to teach to their children, that the next generation might know them, the children yet unborn, and arise and tell them to their children, so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God..” (Psalm 78:5-7 ESV)

The Lord always had future generations in mind when He spoke to His people. The Law of God and the importance of loving God was not just a point in time matter for one generation. The Lord’s desire was for future generations to know Him and receive His blessing.

When the psalmist recounts the failures of past generations, it is not to shame, but as much to warn. It is not to highlight their weakness, but to demonstrate the Lord’s strength and faithfulness.

These verses above as much as any reveal that salvation is not by works or merit, but by the mercy and grace of God. Even when God’s people failed miserably, the Lord provided a way to forgiveness, He atoned for their sin.

Paul wrote to the Romans and said, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8 NIV)

It is not the Lord’s desire to “condemn anyone to hell.” The Lord has demonstrated His restraint, steadfast love, long-suffering with the guilty, all in order to bring us to a point of experiencing life in Him. The Lord has provided a “great” salvation, no wonder we are faced with the question, “…how shall we escape if we ignore so great a salvation?” (Hebrews 2:3 NIV)

The lessons from generations past instruct us still. The Lord does provide a way “out” but it must be seized. We must be those who commit to a heart that is steadfast and live according to the New Covenant that has so gracious been provided by Christ’s death on the cross.

Prayer for today….  Lord, thank You that You have out of compassion, have provided an atonement for our sin, so we are not destroyed. Help us to understand all that You have done and do for us, that we may honor You with our lives.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…  “The secret things belong to the Lord our God, but the things that are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.” Deuteronomy 29:29 ESV

We all would like to know more than we do. We would like to have questions answered about the enigmas in life. We would like to have more answers to the question, “Why?”

This verse toward the end of Deuteronomy is an interesting one. Perhaps because the Children of Israel had witnessed firsthand things that no other people were able to witness with their own eyes. They saw the miracles of provisions, as well as the judgments of the Lord against the stubborn and rebellious. But there can always be an unsettled sense of anxiety over what we don’t know more than what we do know.

We must remember that there are some things we just don’t know and won’t know, this side of heaven. There are “secret things” that belong to the Lord. There may be things that we don’t need to know or if we did know we would not understand. It is true that the Lord’s “ways are higher than ours and His thoughts are higher than ours.” The Lord declared through the prophet, “My thoughts are nothing like your thoughts,” says the LORD. “And my ways are far beyond anything you could imagine.” (Isaiah 55:8 NLT)

We need to be a peace with just not knowing everything or having the answer to all of our questions. Our faith is not in our minds it is a function of our hearts and our spirit. Seeing many be believing, but believing is also seeing.

However, there is much that we do know. It is not what you don’t know that creates the biggest issues for your in life, it is what you do know that causes the greatest challenges. Someone once said, “it’s what your learn after you know it all that is the most important.”

With knowledge comes responsibility. Moses told God’s people that what they do know, what has been revealed is “that we may do all the words of this law.” Knowledge is to put into action. Jesus told His disciples, “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:17 NIV) The blessing comes through the application of knowledge.

James writes in his epistle about faith that is demonstrated by works. We are saved by faith, but our faith is evidenced by how live, by what we do.

The Lord is able to reveal to us what we need to know, when we need to know it. We need to be comfortable with being on a “need-to-know” basis with the Lord. Paul wrote to the Corinthians and said, “For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when completeness comes, what is in part disappears.” (1 Corinthians 13:9,10 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord help us to remember that You reveal much to us about Yourself and our lives. While we wrestle with what we don’t understand, help us to be faithful and to respond properly with what we do understand and what you have entrusted to us as Your children. 

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, who alone does wondrous things. Blessed be his glorious name forever; may the whole earth be filled with his glory! Amen and Amen!” Psalm 72:18,19 ESV

At the end of this psalm we find a notation that, “the prayers of David….are ended.” (Psalm 72:20 ESV) So, it is of interest what David’s desire is from himself and for his son Solomon as they reign over God’s people. We consistently see a plea for righteousness and justice, especially justice for the poor.

“May he judge your people with righteousness, and your poor with justice!” (Psalm 72:2 ESV) It is often said that the character of a nation is reflected in how it treats the less and the least. This is something that we see throughout scripture. In Proverbs we read, “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” (Proverbs 19:17 NIV) In this we certainly see the Lord’s view of the dignity of all humanity, regardless of their economic condition. 

Jesus said that poverty will be present at all times and in all circumstances. “You will always have the poor among you…” (Matthew 26:11 NLT) As a result, we face challenges with poverty in our day, as much as any time in history.

As David prays for blessing on the “King” he points to his righteous actions and his compassion and protection. “For he delivers the needy when he calls, the poor and him who has no helper. He has pity on the weak and the needy,
and saves the lives of the needy.” (Psalm 72:12,13 ESV)

Then we see that righteous governance results in recognition and favor among the “nations.”

“May his name endure forever, his fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed in him, all nations call him blessed!” (Psalm 72:17 ESV)

As David ends this psalm, he does so not with a petition for help, but a praise to the Lord for who He is and what He does.

The Lord alone is the One who always does wondrous things. He is to be forever praised. While human reputation may be wide spread, only the Lord is the One whose glory can fill all the earth.

May the God of wisdom, continue to provide to leaders the wisdom needed to be righteous leaders, who administer justice in a way that honors the Lord.

Prayer for today…. Lord, we can only lead and be wise when we recognize that You are the One who grants the strength and the wisdom, to be righteous and just. Continue to teach us how to apply that to our lives in the midst of all the challenges we face in our world today in rightly responding to those in need.