Tag: James

Posted in Bible study, Devotion, Firm Foundation, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Know These Truths, LGG Study, Quiet Time

Salvation: God’s Gift of Grace

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based on the LGG Study, Firm Foundation, w4d3

Scripture and Observation of the Journey
Read: Ephesians 2:4-10;Titus 2:11/SOAP: Ephesians.2:8-9 and Titus 2:11

Warning: What you are about to read may be very familiar- please use caution when you are reading. Do not allow your mind to only ‘hear’ “blah, blah, blah, …” Ask God to give you a clear mind and heart to hear it as though for the first time – and with fresh and clear understanding and appreciation.

But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, 5 that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) 6 For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. 7 So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus.God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. 9 Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it.

Ephesians 2:8-9

 For the grace of God has been revealed, bringing salvation to all people.

Titus 2:11

Friends, according to Scripture, we were once dead because of our disobedience and our many sins. We used to live in sin just like the rest of the world, obeying the devil—the commander of the powers in the unseen world. He is the spirit at work in the hearts of those who refuse to obey God. All of us used to live that way, following the passionate desires and inclinations of our sinful nature. By our very nature, we were subject to God’s anger, just like everyone else. But God (I love the “but God” statements of the Bible) is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much that even though we were dead because of our sins, he called us out from the grave of sin and shame and placed us in Christ Jesus and put His Spirit in us. He rescued us from the death we deserved and gave us His gift of salvation, rich and free!

Application: Living out the Journey

Salvation is not by works of the past, nor the present, nor the future. It is simply and yet profoundly a gift of God’s marvelous grace. His is a grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt, a grace that was poured out on Calvary’s mountain where Jesus was crucified and His blood was spilt. His is a grace that changed everything – setting prisoners free from chains of sin and death – replacing them with life and peace and hope in the promise of forgiveness and eternity with Him! This marvelous grace of our loving Lord opened salvation’s door not just to the Jew but to Gentiles and all who would call on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ1.

Marvelous grace of our loving Lord
Grace that exceeds our sin and our guilt
Yonder on Calvary’s mount outpoured
There where the blood of the Lamb was spilt

Marvelous Grace

Friends, Grace is a gift, the greatest and most powerfully loving gift we will ever receive. It is a gift to cherish and a gift to share. It is a free gift that can never be lost or taken away, and it is a gift that keeps on giving. Not only are we made right with God (saved/justified) by grace, but we are sanctified (made more like Christ) by grace, and one day, by God’s grace, we will appear with Christ in glory.2

To grow in grace is to mature as a Christian. We are saved by grace through faith (Ephesians 2:8–9), and we mature and are sanctified by grace alone. We know that grace is a blessing that we don’t deserve. It is God’s grace that justifies us, sanctifies us, and eventually glorifies us in heaven. The sanctification process, becoming more like Christ, is synonymous with growing in grace.

gotquestions.org

Peter wrote that we should grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ,3 which does not mean that we gain more grace from God but instead that we mature as Christians. Simply put, this means “training ourselves in godliness, which Paul told Timothy is much better than physical training – because it promises benefits in this life and in the life to come4.

So, how can we train for godliness and grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord, Jesus Christ?

It should be noted: “To grow in grace does not mean gaining more grace from God. God’s grace never increases; it is infinite, it cannot be more, and according to the nature of God, it could never be less.”

gotquestions.org.

We grow in grace by a number of Spiritual disciplines, including:

  • Meditating on and Reading God’s Word – letting it “dwell in us richly” (Colossians 3:16)
    • to grow in grace is to grow in our understanding of what Jesus did and to grow in our appreciation of the grace we have been given.
    • The more we learn about Jesus, the more we will appreciate all He has done and the more we appreciate His love and sacrifice for us, the more we will perceive the never-ending grace of God.
  • Being devoted to prayer (Colossians 4:2) and keeping alert in it… knowing that our enemy, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour (1 Peter 5:7-8)
  • Walking/keeping in step with the Spirit (Galatians 5:19-26).
  • Abiding in/spending time with Christ (John 15:4-8).

The more we learn about Jesus, the more we will appreciate all He has done, and the more we appreciate His love and sacrifice for us, the more we will perceive the never-ending grace of God.

gotquestions.org

Prayer of Response to the Journey

Father, thank You for Your grace, the gift of Your Son who brought salvation to all people. By Your grace, Christ justifies us and sanctifies us – and He will one day return, and by His grace we will share in His glory! Help us to grow daily in the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ and to live out the blessings of Your grace -by showing love, grace, and mercy to all. Help us to do and to say what pleases You – obeying You – not as though we need to win or keep our salvation but simply to please You. For – hallelujah! Our salvation is a gift that can never be earned, lost, or taken away! Oh, how sweet is the reality of this amazing grace! – Amen!

Response of Worship to the Journey
The More We Know

For More Insight on the Journey, read today’s LGG Blog

If you don’t know Jesus or want to know more about Him, I invite you to read Know These Truths, a message of answers and hope –

https://atomic-temporary-62140760.wpcomstaging.com/2023/03/14/know-these-truths/
Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, LGG Study, Quiet Time, The Armor of God

Know the Enemy

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based on the Love God Greatly Study, The Armor of God / w1d2
Scripture: Ephesians 6:12 / SOAP 6:12

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world rulers of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.

Ephesians 6:12

Just as it is crucial for us to be prepared for the battles that are lurking around us, it is equally important to know who our enemy is and who he is not. Why? Because if we do not know him we will more easily fall prey to his lies and deceptions when he comes for us. Likewise, if we do not understand who he ‘is not’, ie “flesh and blood,” or as Bibleref.com explains, our enemies are “not people or objects. Instead, they are “part of the demonic armies”, or as Paul defines them: “rulers… powers… world rulers of darkness… and spiritual forces of evil.” They are dangerous and can only be overcome when we are standing ready in the strength and the power of our God.

Stay alert! Watch out for your great enemy, the devil. He prowls around like a roaring lion, looking for someone to devour. 1 Peter 5:8

It isn’t enough to know what God has said, Eve knew what He said and she even repeated it to the serpent [the enemy] but she still succumbed and submitted to the enemy’s lie and to the desire of the flesh and eye that the lie had stirred within her. Make no mistake regardless of the form our enemy takes, his goal is to lead us away from God – which ultimately leads us to sin.

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.

James 4:17

Sin, “our true opponent.”1 has a name. Eve knew him as the serpent in Genesis chapter three. Here, in Ephesians chapter six, Paul refers to him as the devil – but he has a host of other names and demons that work to do his bidding. They have one purpose in mind and that is to steal, kill, and destroy all those who faithfully follow after God. Our only hope of survival is standing firm in the strength and power of God and implementing the full resources of His armor. This may, at times, seem impossible but consider the encouragement of Peter, who said, “By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life. We have received all of this by coming to know him, the one who called us to himself by means of his marvelous glory and excellence. And because of his glory and excellence, [God] has given us great and promises. These are the promises that enable you to share his divine nature and escape the world’s corruption caused by human desires” (2 Peter 1:3-4). Like Adam and Eve, we try to explain away our sin or cast blame onto the ‘enemy’, but the truth is – we, like them, are without excuse for our sinful choices. So, may we heed the wisdom and encouragement of Paul’s words – to prepare ourselves and know our enemy so that we might stand firm and begin to suit up in the weeks ahead as we learn to implement the “full armor of God.”

By his divine power, God has given us everything we need for living a godly life.

2 Peter 1:3a

1Bibleref.com

More on Ephesians 6:12

Posted in Bible study, From the Insideout, Journey Through The Word, Prayer Starters, Quiet Time

Live Out Loud

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Today’s Verse: James 2:17

So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.

I was saved at a young age and I have witnessed God strengthening my faith through the years. Actually, He continues to strengthen it day by day, trial by trial, miracle by miracle, and unending mercy, love, and grace. I can look back now and see how God pursued me when I wasn’t pursuing Him. In His goodness He convicted me when my life’s actions did not align with my profession of faith.

Today’s verse is a reminder to stay in God’s Word and live like Jesus every day – so that our faith will continually be strengthened and always accompanied by actions that speak louder than words.

What does active faith look like?

It looks like Jesus – which includes things like …

  • loving others like He loved us
  • forgiving others who wrong us
  • showing kindness to friends, neighbors, strangers, and even enemies
  • helping a ‘neighbor’ in need
  • loving even your enemy
  • loving God with all of your heart, soul, mind, and strength
  • sharing with others in need
  • Sharing the Gospel message
  • and so much more, not the least of which is
    • laying down your life for your friend and
    • dying to self – daily

Wake the neighbors, get the word out
So come on crank up the music, climb a mountain and shout
This is life we’ve been given, made to be lived out loud

Steven Curtis Chapman – Live Out Loud

May we let the evidence of God and His goodness flow from our lives and words everyday – all day!

Check out today's inspiration for this post @ 'Our Daily Verse'
Posted in Bible study, Choosing God Instead of the World, LGG Study
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WEEK 4, DAY 4 OF CHOOSING GOD INSTEAD OF THE WORLD, A LOVE GOD GREATLY STUDY

Scripture Reading: Genesis 39; James 1:2-18 (SOAP – James 1:12-13, 17)

The Crown of LIFE
God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. 13 And remember, when you are being tempted, do not say, “God is tempting me.” God is never tempted to do wrong, and he never tempts anyone else. 17 Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.  NLT
Observation:
The Genesis Saga: Joseph’s Story

After being sold by his brothers (chapter 37) Joseph was taken down to Egypt. Away from his father and all the “comforts of home” he now belonged to Potiphar, one of Pharaoh’s officicals and the captain of the guard. Scripture makes it quite clear though that the LORD was with Joseph, so much so that Potiphar could see that the LORD made everything he was doing successful, so he appointed Joseph over all that he owned, and the LORD blessed it all.

the Lord began to bless Potiphar’s household for Joseph’s sake. All his household affairs ran smoothly, and his crops and livestock flourished. 6 So Potiphar gave Joseph complete administrative responsibility over everything he owned.

Genesis 39:5-6 NLT

Potiphar was not wrong to trust Joseph as he did. However, it does seem that he was wrong to trust his wife. I’m sure you’ve heard the story – she continually propositioned Joseph and while he faithfully turned her down, in the end he was forced to run away from her bold advances – unfortunately not before she grabbed his outer garment. She used this as a weapon against Joseph making Potiphar believe that Joseph had taken advantage of her. Potiphar, of course, was furious and threw Joseph in prison. Even there, the LORD was with Joseph, showing him kindness and granting him favor in the sight of the prison warden – so that he was put in charge of all the prisoner’s care.

If we watch and listen – even in the hardest times, we will see and hear God with us and around us.

Me-from the inside-out
TODAY’S FOCUS VERSE

James writes that the one who “endures testing”, or testing and temptation as the NLT translates it, is blessed. While most translations explain this blessing as happening because “he has stood the test”, I love the way the NET phrases James’ words of explanation: “because he has proven to be genuine in his faith.” Regardless of which translation you read, the result is the same – the one who endures receives the “crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.” While there are differences of opinions among commentators as to whether the crown of life is equal to eternal life, I fall on the side of those that say they are different – in that, all believers are promised eternal life based on their faith in Christ, while the crown of life seems to be a distinct reward for loving God and enduring the testings of this life.

Other note worthy observations in these three verses would be ….
  • God cannot be tempted and does not tempt anyone.
  • Every good and perfect gift is from God.
  • God does not change.
APPLICATION: HOW THEN SHOULD WE LIVE?

Today’s application is, like most applications of God’s Word, challenging. I mean, let’s face it, enduring the trials and temptations of this life is rarely easy and can at times seem impossible. I have found a helpful key to this challenge is to remember Paul’s words to the Corinthians about temptations. He told them that when they are tempted God would show them the way out so that they could endure. We can and must TRUST GOD to show us that way of escape, actively looking for the escape in each struggle. We must purpose in our hearts and minds to endure, meaning we choose to press on to prove ourselves genuine and obtain the ‘crown of life’. We must guard against the mental and spiritual battle of questioning God’s motives in our troubles and trust that they are to strengthen our faith and produce endurance, (James 2:2-4, 13). We must also guard against trusting God less because of our trials and instead rely on Him even more. To paraphrase one commentator, if we don’t see Him as trustworthy we will move away from Him when trials come.

A Little Extra Insight from james

In light of today’s portion of the Genesis saga, I think we would be remiss to not make note of why we are tempted. Like Esau, Judah, Tamar, and so many others we have seen throughout our cast of characters, we are tempted when we are lured and entice by our own desires. Once the desire is born, it gives birth to sin and grows – and gives birth to death. James’ final warning here is a notable application for us – “Do not be led astray” or in other words – “choose God (life) instead of the world (death).

The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure.

1 Corinthians 10:13
PRAYER: RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD

Father, when we remember that every good and perfect gift is from You – the enemy flees*! As we name the good gifts we defeat his use of the trial to move us away from You. He seeks to steal, and kill, and destroy – help us to constantly be in the habit of naming the gifts and blessings of Your generous hands. Alert us to the temptations of this world and help us to always choose You! – Your ways – Your power – Your love – and Your strength! To Your Glory and the promised reward of The Crown Of Life! – AMEN and AMEN – In Jesus’ Name!

*2 Chronicles 20:22; Joshua 6:20; Acts 16:25-40

YOUR TURN:
  • How can you prepare today to resist temptation in the future?
WANT MORE?

Be sure and check out today’s LGG Blog Post

You can also dive deeper into James with these helpful commentaries from BibleRef.com

[James 1:12] makes the connection between our love for God and our ability to remain faithful to Him in hard times. Those who truly love God trust Him, and those who truly trust Him continue to obey even when life gets hard. https://www.bibleref.com/James/1/James-1-12.html

[James 1:13] The temptation attached to trials is to trust God less. We might decide He is not strong enough to provide for us, not faithful to meet our needs, not compassionate about our pain and heartbreak. Is God good? Is He loving? Is He powerful? James is talking about how we choose to answer those questions about God on our worst days. If we decide to tell ourselves God is not faithful, we may declare our independence from Him by choosing not to obey. If we decide He is trustworthy, we will move closer to Him looking for more help, more connection.

James makes clear that blaming God for tempting us to reject Him, by allowing trials into our lives, is not a valid response. God never orchestrates the events of our lives with an intent to lure us away from Himself. He always roots for us to move closer. That’s who He is. The purpose of trials is not to drive us away from God, but to draw us closer to Him.

https://www.bibleref.com/James/1/James-1-13.html

In the previous verse, James urged his readers not to be deceived. Emotions and sinful thinking can trick us into turning away from God. It’s important to cling to the truth, which is that every good thing in our lives is a gift from God. In the midst of our trials, we are tempted to change our opinion of the trustworthiness of our God. We start to make lists of all the things we think we are missing in our lives, of all of the things we have lost. If God were good, wouldn’t we have those things?

This attitude leads to even more temptation. We begin to look elsewhere for the good things we think we’re missing. “If God won’t provide them,” we think, “we’ll have to go and get them for ourselves.” We attempt to take control. We struggle to find our own satisfaction.

https://www.bibleref.com/James/1/James-1-17.html

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Every Perfect Gift

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From: The Greatest Gift Given, a Love God Greatly Study
Read: Luke 11:1-13 and SOAP: James 1:17

Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow.

James 1:17

“God is good, and His character does not change when our circumstances change.” Read today’s full LGG Devotional – 

Visit LGG.com for today’s blog post

Reflection Question:

  • What does James 1:17 say about THE GIVER of every good, generous and perfect gift?
  • He is … From _________________ and he never _______________________

Posted in Bible study, LGG Study

Draw Near: Week 5, Wednesday Applying God’s Commands

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Today’s Scripture: Psalm 19:12-13; James 1:19-27 (SOAP: James 1:25)

How can I know all the sins lurking in my heart?
    Cleanse me from these hidden faults.
13 Keep your servant from deliberate sins!
    Don’t let them control me.
Then I will be free of guilt
    and innocent of great sin. Psalm 19:12-13

Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry. 20 Human anger[a] does not produce the righteousness[b] God desires. 21 So get rid of all the filth and evil in your lives, and humbly accept the word God has planted in your hearts, for it has the power to save your souls.22 But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves. 23 For if you listen to the word and don’t obey, it is like glancing at your face in a mirror. 24 You see yourself, walk away, and forget what you look like. 25 But if you look carefully into the perfect law that sets you free, and if you do what it says and don’t forget what you heard, then God will bless you for doing it.26 If you claim to be religious but don’t control your tongue, you are fooling yourself, and your religion is worthless. 27 Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you. James 1:19-27 NLT

The commands of God guide us in living. God’s commands show us that there is a better way to live. God teaches us through His principles what we should be doing in order to glorify Him and in order live a fruitful and faithful life. We need to ask, “how should I be living?”

Read the full blog/lesson at LGG

 As we look to God’s Word for instruction and encouragement, let us also remember the signs of His faithfulness and set up our own pillars of remembrance.

Read the full devotional at LGG