Category: James - Jethro TOOLS

Walk in Wisdom

5/12/2024

Ephesians 5:15-21
The terms wise guy and wise man are different. A wise guy refers to a person who makes sarcastic responses. However, on the other hand, a wise man is different. In the second term, wisdom is used to describe the person that does wise things. So what is wisdom? How is true wisdom different from someone using a witty comeback? In order to effectively answer that question we must clarify the difference between knowledge, understanding and wisdom. First, knowledge is knowing what is right. This is knowing in your head what is the right response. Second, understanding is discerning what is right. This is understanding the right response to the situation. Third, wisdom is practicing what is right. Wisdom takes the knowing plus the understanding and turns it into doing what is right. As Paul continues his letter to the Ephesian church he address the practice of wisdom as it relates to the life of the believer. Paul challenges his audience to walk in wisdom (15-16). So how do we live a life that is noted for wisdom? Paul provides four pointers designed to help the believers in Ephesus and us today. First, wisdom is learned from God (17). Knowing God and His will for our life is the beginning of wisdom. Next, Paul points out that wisdom in the life of the believer is the result of God’s Spirit having control of the believer (18). What fills us is what controls. Is the Spirit of God in control of your life? Third, wisdom is spoken to others, but it comes from an attitude of joy that displays the spiritual foundation of our words (19-20). Finally, wisdom is lived relationally as we honor God by submitting to others (21). God will transform us by His power as we seek His ways and His wisdom. James 1:5 says that if we lack wisdom we should ask God for wisdom.

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Plan of Hope

2/28/2024

Ruth 3
We make all kinds of plans, don’t we? Our days, months, and years have plans. We orchestrate what we want to do and then we determine that we need to do it. We plan our week, our work and even our worship… and that becomes a problem. We live in a world that rewards achievement and wants to know the next great task to accomplish. This has become a problem that has infected the church. One might ask how? To put it simply, we desire plans and programs of a spiritual nature rather than a transformational relationship with our savior, Jesus Christ. We want to be doing something spiritual rather than being someone who is changed by Jesus. In Ruth 3 we see that kind of transformation take place in Naomi. Previously, when things became difficult she went looking for her own solutions through her own plan. Simply put, she went to another country looking for food (Ruth 1). Through the following dark times God faithfully restored Naomi back to the land so she could follow His plan. As we pick the story up in chapter 3, Naomi has a plan (1-5), she gets Ruth involved (6-13), and God brings His blessing (14-15). Now, Naomi is left with a choice. Will she push for her own solution or will she wait and trust God to work through Boaz (16-18)? James 4:13-17 challenges our practice of making plans apart from the Lord’s will. This time around, Naomi, decides to wait (18). It is through the discipline of waiting that we learn dependence on God. This is not a normal human reaction, because in the Garden of Eden Adam and Eve decided to orchestrate their life with their own plan rather than keep it personal and organic walking and talking with God (Genesis 3). Today, we face the same temptation to schedule our agenda without God. I hope that we learn the lesson from Naomi and wait for God to enact His plan.

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Priority of Prayer

10/16/2022

James 5:13-20
Have you ever had someone stop and pray for you? It is amazing how that moment in time can change your perspective regarding the difficult life situation at hand. This week I had someone stop and pray for me, and it encouraged me to pause and trust God yet again for the difficulties I was facing. On the other hand, over the course of this week, I have had the chance to pray with and for others involved in various situations. I realized that I was incapable of bringing a solution to the situation, but by faith I trusted God to work His solution. In these verses, James wants his audience to pray to God about their personal situations (13). However, we as people often do everything else and talk to everyone else but God. James challenges his audience to call others to pray over them when they have been spiritually weakened and have lost faith in God (14-16). He wants his audience to see that faith in God in impossible situations is possible. James illustrates this by giving the example of Elijah as one who prayed and saw God respond (17-18). As James closes the book, he provides an encouragement and challenge to rescue and restore those who have wandered from their faith in Christ (19-20). Today we can still display the reality of our faith by praying in the good and bad times. We can encourage the faith of others who have become weak by praying for them and we can share the burden of restoring the faith of others. Our faith is strengthened when we pray because we practice our belief in God by calling out to Him regarding the situation. May God help us see the value and necessity of a mature faith that prays. Who are you praying for and who is praying for you?

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Priority of Patience

10/9/2022

James 5:7-12
Fall time is here and the garden is just about done producing. Over the course of the summer seeds have been planted and we watched them sprout. With the proper sunlight, fertilizer and water the plants have grown and produced a harvest that we could only dream about just a few months ago. Gardners and farmers: work the ground in preparation for harvest, weed the ground for a pure harvest, and patiently wait for the harvest. All crops take a certain amount of time, water, and sunlight to grow. We just need the patience to wait for them to grow. In this passage James first provides a simple spiritual challenge or exhortation. This challenge is then followed by two examples of how others displayed a patient faith. James then adds two specific ways to practice or exercise patience and thus display their faith in God. The general challenge or encouragement is to live a life of patience (7). This is followed by the example of patience in waiting as seen in the farmer (7-8), and the prophets plus Job and their patience in pain (10-11). James also provides the practical ways to exercise the practice of patience by not grumbling (9) and being reliable in the promises that are made (12). We may struggle at times with a lack of patience, but have we thought about how it reflects our faith in Christ? When we live patiently under trials we will patiently long for the day of Christ’s return. When we speak with patience it reflects our faith in God even in times of frustration. When we live a life of patient faith we are an active witness of God’s transforming power that enables us to endure. This week, may we be patient people who display the greatness of our God.

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Sharing of Resources

10/2/2022

James 5:1-6
Do you know where the monetary coin the penny came from? Originally, the root word itself was used across various European countries to describe a financial coin. Later a powerful Anglo Saxon king named Offa, created the first English penny, around 765-775, that was actually made out of silver. As the years progressed, and pennies were spent in various transactions, the usage of the word eventually spread into literature. In 1522, Sir Thomas More wrote a book titled Four Last Things. In this book ,he is the first one to actually record the famous phrase; “A penny for your thoughts.” The meaning behind this is that one person in a conversation has fallen silent and thoughtful. The other person then gently asks for them to reengage in the conversation by stating, “A penny for your thoughts.” That gentle persuasive tone is not what we see James using as he opens chapter five. Instead James gives a strong warning about the misdirected worldly priorities of possessions and wealth. James calls out to the wealthy in his audience and reminds them that riches have brought misery, which is the result of trusting their wealth and not placing their faith in God (1). James says that their priorities (2-3) and their practice (4) are out of order. They are seeking to save and serve themselves by hoarding what God has given them. The result is that they have missed the purpose of wealth by being Godly stewards (5-6). Instead of sharing the blessings of God with others, they have squandered God’s blessings on themselves. As a result, they are unable to see their coming destruction. For us today a life of faith lives believing that God owns everything, that God provides everything that I own, and that God has called me to manage, not hoard, what He has given. A penny for your thoughts?

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Submission of Life

9/25/2022

James 4:11-17
The cool morning air caused me to grab a jacket on the way out the door. During my normal morning trail walk with the dog I met one of the regular walkers who smiled and said, “I did not recognize you, but I recognized your dog.” We shared a good laugh and then continued on our separate ways. As I walked away I began to think about what had just been said. As a believer in Jesus Christ, God wants my life to be so in tune with Him and submissively under His control that others see Him first. My conversation reminded me to be submissive to God in all areas of my life so others will see Jesus first before they see me. In the closing part of James chapter four, we are reminded to submit our life to God in two areas that we struggle with even today. The first area is our speech and specifically judging others (11-12). When we judge we demand that others conform to our imperfect standard rather than God’s. In doing so we elevate our selves to be more important than others. However, a life of faith willingly submits to God’s view that we are all sinners in need of God’s perfect correction through His perfect grace. Secondly, James addresses the worldly issue of self sufficiency that seeks to be in control of life (13-16). James helps us see that a life of faith will humbly submit to God who knows all and His perfect plans. Living by what God has made clear is a life submitted to Him and His authority (17). James reminds us that a submissive life lives by faith by trusting God’s authority in what is right in the present and His plans for our future. When others look at us who do they see? Do they see Jesus first?

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Submission of Desires

9/18/2022

James 4:1-10
In a number of combat or wrestling type sports there is a universal term and signal for submission called a “tap out.” This submission is the result of one opponent being placed in a position that chokes them or strains an arm or leg joint. The one under the control of their opponent taps the other person or the floor several times with their hand before further injury is sustained. This tap signals to the referee that they have given up and are submitting the victory to their opponent. As we move into James 4 the emphasis is now on submission to God and not our worldly selfish ways. Our worldly way of thinking tells us to insist on our own way. However, that form of thinking and operation is selfish and lacks faith in God. James opens this chapter by asking his audience about the source of their conflicts (1). He points out that conflict is the result of worldly personal and selfish desires (2-3). Worldliness is a love for the power, possessions, and positions of this world over and above a love for God. James says that a love for the things of the world and a love for God can’t exist together. In saying this he challenges the spiritual unfaithfulness of his audience (4). Thankfully, he does not leave his readers without hope. In verses 7-10 James gives the solution to this conflict. He notes that the selfish condition of worldliness finds its cure only in the grace offered through Jesus Christ and humbly submitting to His authority. Today, our situation is not all that different. It is easy to allow the self-centered attitudes of our world to influence our thoughts and action. We need faith to let God be the authority in our life and the humility to submit. That is what you call a spiritual tap out.

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Control of the Heart

9/11/2022

James 3:13-18
Years ago I remember reading Famous Monkey Last Words by Paul White. This book is part of a children’s series where the author uses animal characters to teach a spiritual truth. The main characters are a wise giraffe, a friendly but strong hippo, and a mischievous monkey named Toto. Through out the various stories Toto is the one who places himself in difficult circumstances all because he has not acted wisely. In Famous Monkey Last Words, the curious Toto wanted to see a zebra. The giraffe, as his teacher, had told him to never stand behind a zebra. However, Toto did not listen and walked right up behind the zebra and smacked it with some thorns. Well, you can imagine what happened! The zebra kicked, and the little monkey Toto went flying. He had been taught and reminded, but he did not apply the knowledge to his life. In the final verses of James 3, the author records a thought provoking question by asking, “Who is wise?” (13). James says that wisdom is proven by living out what you know to be true with humility. True wisdom does not act in self centered ways (14) which point to an ungodly alliance with Satan (15) and leads to a life of disorder (16). The alternative for disorder is living by God’s wisdom (17). The rule of God and His wisdom in our lives is displayed through the purity of an upright life that seeks God’s peace (18). James wants his audience to see that the internal issues of the heart directly impact our speech and life. God’s wisdom will change our speech and life as we allow God to change our heart and thoughts. There are many things that may cause us to lack peace. When we ask God for wisdom, (see James 1:5), and submit by faith, believing that His ways are best, He will give peace.

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Control of Speech

9/4/2022

James 3:1-12
Have you ever said something you wish you could take back? One of the great social problems of our technological age is that anyone can make a comment online and be completely anonymous. It is all so convenient to hide behind a computer or smart phone screen and spill vile hate filled words toward some other person or even a local business. It is statistically proven that we are a very lonely people who long for connection, but we are failing at the basic element of relationships… communication. We all want good relations with the people around us. None of us really likes having an enemy. Yet in our twisted human minds we sometimes think that if we speak evil of someone that somehow it will make us even with them and change the situation. However, speaking evil pushes us farther apart while speaking good will draw us together. With evil words there is a wall of hurt and insult between people. With the good there is a bridge of trust and truth that is built. In chapter three, we see James begin to address the issue of speech as it relates to our faith. He notes that our speech may be such a small part of our overall being, yet it is very powerful in directing the course of our lives or others (1-4). James becomes even more pointed with his words as he addresses the common problems of our speech that are present even today (5-12). He sees that our speech is easily filled with the pride of self promotion. It can become the source of destruction, and easily be corrupted with impurities that do not honor God. The problem is that we are numb and perhaps unaware because our faith has been separated from what we say. So, who are you talking to and what are you saying? Is your speech clearly reflecting your faith in Christ?

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How Faith Behaves in Serving

8/28/2022

James 2:14-26
There is an old, often repeated, story that is told about fishermen. The fishermen in this certain town would gather together regularly and talk about fishing. They would pray for days when they could go fishing. Then they would tell each other about all the great tools that they had for fishing. Some would even write books on fish and fishing, and those who wrote the books would often hold large conferences and talk about how to fish. One day a young man decided to go out to the river and fish. He only had a simple pole and line with a simple hook and bait. After a number of attempts he finally landed a fish. As he brought the fish home everyone was asking him how he caught the fish. His reply was simple and to the point. He said, “I just got tired of talking about fishing and decided to give it a try.” In the closing verses of James 2 we see James, the author, illustrate what the activity of real faith looks like. He begins by asking a question about someone who claims to have faith but does not back it up with action (14). He then follows that key question with four examples of faith in action. First, faith displays its reality by serving the needs of others (15-17). Next, James points out that faith serves God because even the demons believe but do not submit and serve Him (18-19). Third, through the example of Abraham we see that faith serves God by not questioning His direction or provision (20-24). Finally, the life of Rahab reminds us that faith in God is displayed by serving others who follow God regardless of the potential personal cost (25-26). Remember a dry line never catches fish. People like fish are only attracted to the lure of our faith that is displayed right in front of them.

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How Faith Behaves Under Influence

7/31/2022

James 2:1-13
In the heat of summer going to an Ice Cream shop is a treat. Behind the glass case is wide selection of cold ice cream just waiting for you. There are choices of candy flavors, chocolate flavors and fruit flavors. If you are like me it is hard to make a choice, but we always seem to go back to the certain flavors that we prefer. What flavor would you choose? We like flavors that not only taste good but also in some way make us feel good. Perhaps a specific flavor brings back a memory of a special time or a special place. We choose what we do because we like it and the benefits it brings. However, do we treat people in much the same way? Of all the types and personalities of people which ones are we attracted to? Typically, we like the ones that like us and that benefit us. That problem, favoritism, is the problem that James addresses as he begins chapter 2. He starts with a command to not allow faith to be incorrectly influenced by favoritism (1). Historically this was a problem in the church as people would show preference to the important and wealthy (2-4). James points out that honor based on wealth is incorrect (5-7). Instead, James says, true love is shown without partiality (8). Our service is not to be based on what someone can give. Instead our service is based on the correct understanding and practice of mercy (12-13). The problem is our world promotes that we deserve more of what we like. We must remember that we are undeserving and that our blessing comes from God. We should always seek to elevate Christ and His mercy, and also seek our blessing from God as we serve unconditionally just as Jesus served us.

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Responding to God's Word

7/24/2022

James 1:19-27
Have you ever put dish soap in your dishwasher or washing machine? You may have run out of regular soap and thought that this other which is called soap will do the same job in cleaning. The difficulty is that regular dish soap is concentrated and needs only a small bit to make a sink full of suds that help clean dishes. Dish soap can become over activated and produce a bunch of useless foam. The correct soap will act appropriately and clean without all the mess. Like using the correct soap we also need to correctly use the word of God in the mess of life’s trials and temptations that we face daily. That is what James is trying to help his audience understand and then put into use. In the final portion of chapter 1 James describes how a stable faith will use the word of God. We must willingly receive the message of God’s word without debate (19-21). He challenges his readers to accept the truth of God’s word and allow it to grow. This leads to a personal response to the truth of the word and application of it (22-25). The measurement of true spiritual growth is found in not only accepting, but personally applying the word of God to life. James moves on by stating that the truth of God’s word in us must be seen through us (26-27). In other words, our claim about being saved by Jesus and being spiritually changed is not to be kept to ourselves. The problem that James is addressing here is still in existence today. We must receive the word, respond to the word, and then reveal the truth of God’s word to others. Our lives are like useless foam when we do not allow faith in God and His word to transform our life and action.

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The Problem of Temptation

7/17/2022

James 1:13-18
Earthquakes can be very dangerous because you never expect them. The ground heaves and shakes all because of the seismic shifts happening deep below the earth’s surface. The various tectonic plates that our world sits on shift and ever so slightly the surface that we live on also moves. However violent the initial earthquake, the aftershocks, or following quakes, may be just as deadly. Weakened or damaged buildings can collapse under the continued movement and stress. Just as in an earthquake weakens buildings so the temptation of sin has a way of weakening our resistance and it ultimately leads to death (15). But God desires to work His positive purpose over temptation in our life. James provides a warning that sin deceives us into seeing it as good (16), but God is the only one who gives what is good (17). God does not change and works His will to bring life to a life that was spiritually lifeless (18). His desire is to transform us so we begin to show the resulting fruit of His work in us with the promise of more to come. The problem for us today, like the scattered audience of James, is that we have a tendency to blame God for the temptation we face. That is a big spiritual earthquake that will lead to other continued problems. God is not the source of temptation and sin (13). In blaming God we inaccurately believe that God is faulty and we are shaken again in our weakened position by the evil of temptation (14). What is influencing your life and decisions right now? Is it God and His power to bring His good result out of your life or the lure of temptation to sin? James is reminding us that temptation should never shake us off the stability that our faith has in God who gives what is good.

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Treasure of Wisdom

4/13/2020

Proverbs 2
“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all men generously and without reproach and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea driven and tossed by the wind” (James 1:5-6). James challenges us to ask God for wisdom and not doubt the knowledge and understanding that God gives in order to act wisely. In Proverbs 2 we see that seeking wisdom takes effort (1-5), but it is God who is the giver of wisdom (6-9). As we practice living a wise godly life we will find stability in all of life. As we listen to God and walk in His wisdom we will find that what He offers is useful in all areas of life. Knowing God is the beginning of wisdom. Let us thank God for the wisdom that He gives and walk in it.