The more we venture into James the more I love it and love him. He is not going to let us off the hook with excuses or rationalizations when it comes to our actions or our attitudes. He challenges us in almost every verse of every chapter to live out Christian principles, those things we say with our mouth we believe but so often don't live out in our actions.
Yesterday we were challenged in the area of favoritism. Eddie started out with the challenge in the form of a question...how many times do we judge on 1st impressions, what we have heard or observed in a shallow way? We are a people quick to rush to a conclusion and form an opinion and then treat people a certain way based on those opinions.
Eddie pointed out how favoritism is inconsistent with Christian principles, with the grace of God and with the Royal Law. We were challenged to see people through the eyes of Jesus whether they are lost and in need of Jesus or saved and have Jesus living in them. I absolutely loved how Eddie closed the message by pointing out that how we treat people says a lot about our faith. Do we really practice what we say we believe? May God give us eyes to see past the externals and see the heart.
A few sidebars from my morning devotion that goes along with this...
...the world's idea of success and God's are very different.
...we want to identify with impressive-looking people because it makes us feel good about ourselves.
...we mistakenly assume that riches are a sign of God's blessing and approval but God doesn't promise us earthly rewards.
Are we easily impressed by status, wealth or fame? Are we partial to the "haves" while ignoring the "have nots"? Take an inward look at how we view celebrities in our culture and who our "heroes" are and that may give us our answers...OUCH!! Thankful for how God's Word convicts and for the grace and mercy that covers us all.
Monday, May 16, 2011
Friday, May 6, 2011
Chrissie's College Graduation...time flies
Ok, my precious one...not going to be sappy since I know you hate that...HOWEVER...
I couldn't let this huge event pass by without shouting from the rooftops (or computer screen) how incredibly proud of you we are. I know you feel like this day would never come but to us it seems like just yesterday you started in kindergarten. How precious you were then and you've gotten sweeter and sweeter as you've grown. I know there were times you wanted to quit, give up, give in, but you didn't. You persevered and you have finished well sweet one. It's been quite the adventure and I think we all learned a lot along the way. You grew in your relationship with the Lord as we saw how you grew in your faith and learned to depend on Him as you moved away for the first time. You have finished strong as you took on the role of wife and minister's wife while you finished your last year as a student. You have exhausted me just watching you.
So, as your mom...I love you and am so proud to be your mom. You have kept me hopping since you were born. I have had a blast all along the way with you...tearing through a mall, watching you cheer, play basketball (while collecting some fouls along the way), planning a most beautiful wedding and you never once turned into bridezilla. You are one of the finest young women your mom has ever known.
As a fellow pastor's wife...wow that sounds wierd. Your Dad and I still shake our heads as to why in the world you would want that role after growing up in that environment...totally a testimony to the grace of God. I've always said what makes a good pastor's wife is the calling first and foremost but also for a heart that beats passionately for the Lord Jesus Christ and a love for people that is so intense that your desire is to see others love Him and know Him like you do. You have that baby and it will grow as you grow. Keep Him first cause you know you can't do it on your own...it's His work in you and then through you.
As a friend...finally we have reached that age and time...you are the best of friends. You are the girlfriend of all girlfriends. Whether it's chit chat or Jesus talk or "what in the world is going on" kinda talk, it's all good among girlfriends.
Tomorrow, as you don that final cap and gown, celebrate with all you've got. You deserve to laugh, cry, dance, shout, and eat to your heart's content. All the hard work has paid off and will continue to pay off not just by having a degree but pushing through the tough stuff and getting it done. We will be right there celebrating with you. There's been lots of good so far but believe me life only gets better because God is good ALL the time. We love you!! Phil 1:6...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
I couldn't let this huge event pass by without shouting from the rooftops (or computer screen) how incredibly proud of you we are. I know you feel like this day would never come but to us it seems like just yesterday you started in kindergarten. How precious you were then and you've gotten sweeter and sweeter as you've grown. I know there were times you wanted to quit, give up, give in, but you didn't. You persevered and you have finished well sweet one. It's been quite the adventure and I think we all learned a lot along the way. You grew in your relationship with the Lord as we saw how you grew in your faith and learned to depend on Him as you moved away for the first time. You have finished strong as you took on the role of wife and minister's wife while you finished your last year as a student. You have exhausted me just watching you.
So, as your mom...I love you and am so proud to be your mom. You have kept me hopping since you were born. I have had a blast all along the way with you...tearing through a mall, watching you cheer, play basketball (while collecting some fouls along the way), planning a most beautiful wedding and you never once turned into bridezilla. You are one of the finest young women your mom has ever known.
As a fellow pastor's wife...wow that sounds wierd. Your Dad and I still shake our heads as to why in the world you would want that role after growing up in that environment...totally a testimony to the grace of God. I've always said what makes a good pastor's wife is the calling first and foremost but also for a heart that beats passionately for the Lord Jesus Christ and a love for people that is so intense that your desire is to see others love Him and know Him like you do. You have that baby and it will grow as you grow. Keep Him first cause you know you can't do it on your own...it's His work in you and then through you.
As a friend...finally we have reached that age and time...you are the best of friends. You are the girlfriend of all girlfriends. Whether it's chit chat or Jesus talk or "what in the world is going on" kinda talk, it's all good among girlfriends.
Tomorrow, as you don that final cap and gown, celebrate with all you've got. You deserve to laugh, cry, dance, shout, and eat to your heart's content. All the hard work has paid off and will continue to pay off not just by having a degree but pushing through the tough stuff and getting it done. We will be right there celebrating with you. There's been lots of good so far but believe me life only gets better because God is good ALL the time. We love you!! Phil 1:6...being confident of this, that He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.
Monday, May 2, 2011
Monday Morning Perspective
I'll say it again...I love James. I love the boldness. I love the truth of it. I love the practical side of it. I love the heart of James.
My favorite points from yesterday's sermon...
...We mark our bibles but are they marking us?
...We don't need more truth, we need to practice the truth we know.
...Short tempers and sharp tongues lead to problems.
...We get angry when we are attacked but Jesus got angry when God's way was attacked.
...Get rid of spiritual arrogance, be teachable.
...The Word reveals what we are on the inside and that scares people.
A huge challenge to us all...We MUST learn to LIVE OUT what we know!!!
My favorite points from yesterday's sermon...
...We mark our bibles but are they marking us?
...We don't need more truth, we need to practice the truth we know.
...Short tempers and sharp tongues lead to problems.
...We get angry when we are attacked but Jesus got angry when God's way was attacked.
...Get rid of spiritual arrogance, be teachable.
...The Word reveals what we are on the inside and that scares people.
A huge challenge to us all...We MUST learn to LIVE OUT what we know!!!
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