Today was a busy day with campaign activities and meetings. My last of the day was with Bob Walker of Walker Manufacturing (thanks for Mary O’Dell for arranging this meetings). This is a family business that makes commercial lawnmowers of the highest quality. This company has not only been in our area of decades but is founded on strong Christian values.

VERSE FOR TODAY…..  ^“You desire and do not have, so you murder. You covet and cannot obtain, so you fight and quarrel. You do not have, because you do not ask. You ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions. You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God?”  James 4:2-4 ESV

There is a struggle that is taking place at all times in the human heart. It is one between following human, carnal desires or living life by God’s power and standards. Paul refers to it as the battle between the “flesh” and the “Spirit” (the Holy Spirit).

James has just told his readers that the wisdom of the world is “earthly, unspiritual and demonic.” As he continues, he addresses the root of strife and discord. Since righteousness produces peace, discord is from acting like the world. It is the natural consequence of our desires being stymied.

As a result, James says the extreme actions that come from wrong desires and despising self, leads to despising others, and is expressed in murder. Coveting and failure to achieve leads to quarreling. There is a lack of humility that requires asking of God and others and so there is a lack of what is needed in life. When one does ask, there is a failure to receive because it is motivated by selfish ambition and self-centered living.

James is bold in accusing believers of creating “spiritual adultery” with the world. They belong to Christ but they want to act like, be accepted by and have what the “world” says is a priority for their life. The sounds more like modern times, than the first century. Perhaps it shows that the hearts of humanity have not changed over the course of time.

What is the proper response? “But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.”  Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.  Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you.” (James 4:6-8 ESV)

Even in the depths of our own selves the grace of God is deeper. God’s grace is sufficient to cover our shortcomings failures and self-centered lives. But God’s grace does not enable us to stay where we are, it empowers to be where we need to be.

Pride is trusting in self. Humility is trusting in the Lord. When we “draw near to God, He draws near to us.” Like the prodigal we may be “walking” back to God humbled by our failures, but we will find the Lord running toward us.

The power to live above the degrading life begins with submission to God. Then we have the strength to resist the “devil” and have the assurance that being in a position of trust and humility the devil will flee.

James summarizes by saying the way up, is down. “Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will exalt you.” (James 4:10 ESV)

When we live and act by the world’s ways, it will lead to all types of heartache. But the Lord desires us to live above and beyond all this world has to offer, by yielding our life to Him and His ways.

Prayer for today… Lord help us to see that our human desires and how we seek to attain them only leads to a downward path of destruction and hopelessness. Help us to submit to You, to live in Your grace that is able to build us up and make us strong.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY…. “But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.” James 3:17 ESV

As James writes about “wisdom” it is in reference to the actions one takes and the impact of those actions. Wisdom is related to the application of knowledge. What do you do with what you know?

On one hand James says the actions of some are motivated by “selfish ambition” and jealousy. These reflect a “wisdom” so called, that is of the world. It is “false” wisdom because it tears down and does not build up. It has a focus on self and not others.

This wisdom is not the “wisdom from above.” James says, “This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic.” (James 3:15 ESV)

In contrast there is a wisdom “from above.” These are actions and attitudes that are characterized by different qualities. Notice each of the aspects,  “first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere.”

All of these describe actions that the opposite of a self-centered, jealous, strife-filled life and interactions with others.

James says the wisdom from above is “meek.” It is important to remember that “meek” is not “weak.” Moses was referred to as the “meekest man on earth” but he as anything but a weak leader. Meekness is reflect more in what a person does not do, that what they do, do. The meek person is not self-centered, focused on advancing a personal agenda.

Heavenly wisdom, bring peace. We see the opposite described in these words, “For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.” (James 3:16 ESV)

Finally we see the wisdom from above produces a life of righteousness. “And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.” (James 3:18 ESV) I find the connection between righteousness and peace of interest. I am reminded of the Old Testament person Melchizedek. Melchizedek was known as the King of Salem. The writer of Hebrews shares this insight, “First, the name Melchizedek means “king of righteousness”; then also, “king of Salem” means “king of peace.” (Hebrews 7:2 NIV)

Righteousness enables us to be those who work for and produce peace; and in turn James says when we “sow” peace, we reap righteousness.

Will our actions bring discord or peace? When actions are based in the wisdom from above, the fruit of it will be evident to all. And when it reflects that which is earthly, sensual and devilish, that will be evident as well. May our works demonstrate the “meekness of wisdom.”

Prayer for today…. Lord use us to bring harmony out of discord and not to be sowers of discord. Enable us to be those whose actions will reflect the wisdom from above that brings peace and produces righteousness.

BIBLE VERSE FOR TODAY… “For we all stumble in many ways. And if anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a perfect man, able also to bridle his whole body.” James 3:2 ESV

Solomon put it well when he said, “When there are many words, sin is unavoidable, but the one who controls his lips is wise.” (Proverbs 10:19 HCSB)

There is an occupational hazard for those of us whose work is words. What we say can be wrong, it can be taken wrong, we can be too quick to quip. I believe I have experienced all of that an more. James begins by point to teachers, those who world is made up of words. But that brings us to the first observation.

Words matter. Teaching the wrong thing can as damaging as the physicians misdiagnosis or the mechanics error. Whether it is in an “official” capacity or in common conversation the words we speak, the words we use do have an impact.

Words guide. James says, “Look at the ships also: though they are so large and are driven by strong winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.” (James 3:4 ESV)

Have you heard someone hesitate to speak and say, “I don’t want to go there.” That is an indication that the words they wanted to speak would take a conversation or a relationship in a certain direction. That’s why Solomon said, “…he one who controls his lips is wise.” It is easy to speak, hard to “hold the tongue.” Earlier James said, “Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak…” (James 1:19 NIV)

Words can harm. “How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! And the tongue is a fire, a world of unrighteousness.” (James 3:5 ESV) Sometimes it just takes a few words to launch an argument and create conflict. Often the words that are spoken in haste or anger can have lingering affects. How often, are there those who have the hurtful words of the past echoing in their minds and hearts.

Words contradict. “With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.” (James 3:9 ESV) With out tongues we speak love and hate. We speak praise to God and condemnation of others for whom Christ died and God loves.

The consistency challenge is certainly seen in our words. Perhaps that is why heaven is filled with just praise to the Lord. Our focus and interaction is the Lord and life in His presence. As a result, the gossip, carping criticism and sarcasm that is so prevalent in human relationships will be missing.

Our prayer needs to echo that of David’s, “May these words of my mouth and this meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.” (Psalm 19:14 NIV)

Prayer for today…. Lord help us to be mindful of the words we speak. Grant us a heart that reflects your nature, so our words will be, “always full of grace, seasoned with salt.” (Colossians 4:6)

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.