James 5 - 8.25.21
Scripture
James 5:7
Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains.
Observation
James continues to write this for those scattered all around the world. Here, he discusses the virtue of patience during tough times, and he likens it to a farmer yielding crops.
Understanding
The grass isn’t always greener.
A lesson that I have been coming to terms with lately in my own life is that the grass isn’t always greener on the other side. In terms of my work locations, I became obsessed with this idea of moving to a different store because where I was was becoming somewhat unstable. I moved and grew vastly unhappy and had to drive out of my way to go to a job that I didn’t even like anymore. But here’s what I’ve learned: if I tended to my own grass, I wouldn’t be distracted by the dirt patches that other people say is “greener grass.” Patience is sticking it out despite a little difficulty. Because waiting is not wasting!
A while ago Katie posted this on her Instagram and I think it adds quite nicely: “The grass is greener where you water it and even more where you mow it. Moral of the story story: if you take care of your own grass you won’t be concerned with the color of someone else’s.” Okay now let me tie this all together. Patiently waiting means that you tend to your own “grass” (or God-given purpose whatever that may be) and not looking to infringe on someone else’s. Waiting means tending to your lawn by watering it, mowing it, and feeding it not just waiting around hoping your grass will turn green. Valuable crops are yielded not in one instance but through waiting and tending.
Life Application
Waiting is not wasting!
Think of a way that you can tend to your grass. Have you grown disconnected to your source? Plug back in by doing some PB&J. Keep watering, keep mowing, keep tending you’ll see results.
-Allison Khan
James 4-8.24.21
Scripture
James 4:7 NLT
“So humble yourselves before God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”
Observation-What does it say?
James originally wrote this book of the Bible for the “twelve tribes” of Jewish believers scattered abroad. In this particular passage he is giving advice on how they can draw closer to God.
Understanding-What does it mean?
Want a closer relationship with God? Draw close to God, and He will draw close to you.-James 4:8
James tells us we can have a closer relationship with God by acting on these 2 things.
Humbling yourself
Resisting the devil
Being humble requires us to submit to God. We need to understand that we are nothing without Him, and that we need Him-(Jesus), in our lives to be our Savior. We need to let go of our way of doing things and do things God’s way. Resisting the devil requires us being humble and understanding that we cannot do it under our own strength, but only through God’s strength. The devil knows our weaknesses and will do everything he can to tug on them, to bring you down. His main purpose is to create that wedge of our sinfulness to separate us from having that personal and intimate relationship with God. Don’t let him do it! Be humble and resist!
Life Application
Jesus is the perfect example.
Jesus showed us how to have that closer relationship (father-son/child) with God. As powerful as Jesus was, he still went to God in prayer. He often would seek a quiet place to go and reside to, to get “re-energized” to continue his daily ministry. Jesus was also tempted by the devil when he went into the wilderness without food for 40 days. Jesus was able to resist the devil’s temptations. Jesus knew the Word of God, and used the Word to combat everything the devil threw his way. Jesus is the perfect example of how we should live our lives, and have that closer relationship with God. By remaining humble, seeking God constantly in prayer, and reading His word, God will give me all that I need to combat the evil one. And by doing these things, I know I will be pleasing God and I will have an even closer relationship to my father in Heaven. 😊
-Moses Gaddi
James 3-8.23.21
Scripture
James 3:13
Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom.
Observation - What does it say?
In his continuing instruction to believers everywhere, the brother of Jesus and now pastor of the church in Jerusalem, James, wants his audience to understand the marks of true wisdom. He makes a distinction between wisdom that is earthly, unspiritual and has demonic origin and the true wisdom that is from heaven.
Understanding - What does it mean?
True wisdom is displayed through a good life, good deeds and humility. Many people are said to be wise and understanding because of their eloquent speech, good arguments, and ability to win verbal debates. But according to scripture, none of those things are included as characteristics of the wise.
The wisdom that comes from heaven is displayed through a good life! From good deeds done with a humble heart. Consider Jesus, our wise and humble King. His wisdom, which had its origins in heaven, was displayed through a good life (which sounds like an understatement), filled with good deeds that required him to lay down his rights as God and humble himself before others.
One of my favorite quotes is, "One good deed is worth more than a thousand brilliant theories." - Unknown
Wisdom isn't merely cerebral, it has everything to do with action and a humble heart.
Life Application
Honestly evaluate my wisdom.
Am I living a life centered around being good to God and others?
Am I living a life of good deeds? And are my good deeds done with selfish motives or in humility?
Ask God for wisdom! James 1:5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.
God, fill us with wisdom and understanding. May our lives be increasingly marked by good deeds and great humility. Help us take our eyes off of ourselves and to take genuine concern in the welfare of others. We need you. We recognize we have so much room to grow and learn. Bless us with your wisdom. Amen.
- Pastor Levi Thompson