Daily Devotions

Hanging by the thread

2009-05-15T11:35:00.002+03:00

The most admired marriages do not exist just by chance; they flourish as a result of hard work to love and cherishing one another. On the other hand, the marriages that don’t last, experience fears of brutal violence, abuse, marital unfaithfulness and lack of respect between spouses.

Unfaithfulness is one of the major causes of broken marriages. It’s not a one time event but a continues craving that starts with a thought, then an action, which grows to a habit and eventually makes a character. The inner character of a person is more important than what is seen from the outside because what is inside will always manifest on the outside.

The story of Judah in Gen 38:1-26 tells how he compromised his integrity and fear for God by taking his son’s wife Tamar and sleeping with her. Though he was known to be a man who is godly and worth of respect, he could not overcome the lust of the fresh which led him to sin against God. There is no one who plans to fall into sin but hanging by the things that one knows for sure they will lead him/her to sin.

The early stages of marriage is always romantic, full of love and enjoyment, however this is not guaranteed to last a lifetime. During his preaching, Dr. Paul Wangai says “Romantic love doesn’t last; it lasts between 6months to 2 years”. ‘When this reality strikes, the emotions and principles must merge for marriage to be successful”.

Marriage is a covenant and an institution that must be cherished and respected. It’s a God idea and no one should joke around with it. Spouses must learn to respect one another avoiding arguments that ignite conflict. They must respect each other’s sexuality and commitment to fulfilling each other’s needs.

One must avoid tension building things such as imitations and abuses that are not godly and which can end up breaking marriage. We must live a life that is worthy of godly character in order to bring healing and joy into our marriages.

Thought for today:

Colossians 3:2

Set your minds and keep them set on what is above (the higher things), not on the things that are on the earth.-

The focus of our lives is very important.-

Our desire and longings must be for greater things.-

We pursue what our hearts long for.-

This calls for a decision - what will your focus be?

No Sin Goes unpunished

2009-05-08T13:15:00.005+03:00

Following David’s sin was a cover up that led to the assassination of Uriah. God was not happy with David and he sent Nathan to rebuke David for his Sin. '"The LORD is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation." numbers 14:18.

David’s sin affected his own generation even though they had nothing to do with it. God will not let any sin go unpunished despite his attributes of love and slow to anger. When Nathan met David, he said to him,

"This is what the LORD says: 'Out of your own household I am going to bring calamity upon you. Before your very eyes I will take your wives and give them to one who is close to you, and he will lie with your wives in broad daylight. You did it in secret, but I will do this thing in broad daylight before all Israel.' Then David said to Nathan, "I have sinned against the LORD." Nathan replied, "The LORD has taken away your sin. You are not going to die. But because by doing this you have made the enemies of the LORD show utter contempt, the son born to you will die." After Nathan had gone home, the LORD struck the child that Uriah's wife had borne to David, and he became ill. 16 David pleaded with God for the child. He fasted and went into his house and spent the nights lying on the ground. The elders of his household stood beside him to get him up from the ground, but he refused, and he would not eat any food with them. On the seventh day the child died. 2 Sam 11-18.

Though David accepted his sin and repented before the Lord, the repercussion of his sin still remained. His own child is the one who had to pay the penalty of his sin. The same continued to his generation with Amnon David’s son raping his sister Tamar. As a result, Absalom struck dead his brother Amnon. 2 Sam 13:1-32.

Lamentation 5:7 Our fathers sinned and are no more, and we bear their punishment.

David’s story reveals to us that it’s the children who suffer whenever there is misunderstanding between parents, issues of divorce and unfaithfulness within marriage. Those who sin in darkness God will expose them in broad day light.

“If I sinned, you would be watching me and would not let my offense go unpunished. Job 10:14

Don’t Cross the Bridge it’s not worth it.

2009-05-05T11:26:00.003+03:00

Our current sermon series concerns marriages and issues that are affecting our marriages today "Ya pretty little thing". We would like to share with you some of the highlights from the sermon series and we hope this will change your life as well as your families: The story in 2 Sam 11:1-26 resemble so many situations that have broken the codes of many families not only here in Kenya but all around the world. King David was anointed by God and was set apart for His work. These however didn’t make him superior or an exception from the temptations and the sinful desires that other people go through. He remained a Man like any other.

In the spring, at the time when kings go off to war, David sent Joab out with the king's men and the whole Israelite army. They destroyed the Ammonites and besieged Rabbah. But David remained in Jerusalem. One evening David got up from his bed and walked around on the roof of the palace. From the roof he saw a woman bathing. The woman was very beautiful, and David sent someone to find out about her. The man said, "Isn't this Bathsheba, the daughter of Eliam and the wife of Uriah the Hittite?" Then David sent messengers to get her. She came to him, and he slept with her. (She had purified herself from her uncleanness.) Then she went back home.The woman conceived and sent word to David, saying, "I am pregnant."

V1-6 This passage describes David’s sexual sin with another woman who was already married. There are so many people; men and women who have fallen in the same trap of falling into sin outside their marriage. Research shows that most of the people obsessed with lust and pornography are the married men and women. The reason why so many people fall into sexual sin is because of crossing bridges intentionally. The following reasons contributed to David’s mess:

1. David was at the wrong place at the wrong time when he saw Uriah’s wife from the roof of his palace one evening instead of being at the battle field with the army. You want to work late hours to meet someone of the opposite sex.

2. David recognized that the Woman was beautiful.v2 What we allow our eyes to see can register images in our minds that can trigger us towards sinful actions.

3. David sent someone to find details about her. Looking for avenues to interact and gathering details about someone, calling them for interviews, giving people special assignments at odd hours, all these with motives to gain personal agendas

4. David sent a messenger to get her with intention of going to bed with her. David created a pre-determined encounter.

5. David sinned with her. As a result God judged him for what he did. As powerful man he took advantage of a weak woman.

6. David attempts to cover up his sin v7-26.

Uriah’s wife was driven by the passions of the King but the King himself was driven by his own lustful passion with him. The devil is determined to destroy our families. He is the enemy of the Children of the light and we must resist him at all cost.

Thought For today

Psalm 84:10

"Better is one day in Your courts than a thousand elsewhere; I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of the wicked"

There is nothing as important as God's presence.
One moment in His presence can change our lives.
Sometimes we settle for so many other things.
With God's presence in our lives we can face anything.

PRAYER: Lord, more than anything else I long to enjoy more of Your presence in my life. Help me not to be distracted by other things.

April 30. A Rescue from Death’s Mouth 5:19-20

2009-04-30T11:07:00.003+03:00

In our previous reflections, James has expressed to us about a God who is personal and good; he gives good gifts and gives them generously (1:5, 17). A God who is absolute; his word is true and his judgments are supreme (1:18; 4:12). The effects of prayer, the value of speech, wisdom and other elements that help us to grow deeper in the Lord.

Having walked with Apostle James for the last couple of weeks, we now come to the very last two verses of the book and also to the end of our journey with Apostle James.

V19 My brothers, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, v20 remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins.

It’s possible to know absolute truth in regard to God’s plan for us and yet wonder from that truth. When we think about athletics, Christian faith is like a marathon and not a relay. It’s a long journey with many obstacles, challenges as well as victories. James is aware that for someone to conquer this journey and win the race, one has to comply with what the master our Lord Jesus Christ desires of us.

The unique thing with this marathon is that you need others and they need you in order to win the race without competing. James now tells us to think about others who are walking through the same journey with us.

There are those who will feel weary along the way and may attempt to wander or drift from the truth. We who are steadfast should bring them back. It always seems difficult to speak to a friend, brother or sister who is going on the wrong direction but the truth is that; in this journey, no one is an exemption and therefore we should all be our brother’s keeper.

“Snatch others from the fire and save them; to others show mercy, mixed with fear—hating even the clothing stained by corrupted flesh” (Jude 13).

When we turn others from drifting away from the faith, we are literaturaly saving them from the mouth of death. James's conviction is that sin represents a life-threatening danger, not just a harmless blemish on our otherwise good character. Sin is not to be tolerated complacently; it destroys us. James may have in mind physical death from the illness associated with sin in 5:15. We must therefore note that genuine faith includes repentance for sin and a life of obedience to Christ as Lord.

The Effects of a Fervent Prayer 5:13-18

2009-04-29T15:04:00.001+03:00

Prayer is one of the most powerful tools that God has chosen to change the lives of people. It’s the way we talk to Him and Him to us. The way prayer works cannot be explained by human mind because it’s entirely supernatural in the sense that God listens and responds to the petitions and the cries of His people when they call to Him. The bible records many instances where God urged his people to seek him with all their hearts and with all their minds and they will find Him.

Some one may ask why God watch people go through challenges without doing anything until they call to Him. My response to these will be, prayer is not just a way of speaking to God but also a discipline where God trains people how to put their trust in Him.

James emphasizes this fact by saying that the prayer offered by faith is powerful and effective. Faith here shows trust and total dependence. “Without faith it impossible to please God” Heb 11:6a. God is pleased by those who do anything with total trust and dependence on him.

James mentions how prayer works out miraculous in the natural world and makes impact in people’s lives. There are things He suggests that engages the prayer of faith; e.g. asking elders of the Church to pray for you and to anoint you with oil. Elders in today’s set up can refer to those who are leaders and mature Christians among us. The prayer of faith is effective and powerful to make the sick well; though he/she has sinned, the Lord will forgive him. Another aspect added in v 16b is the ‘prayer of a righteous man’. This means is not just a prayer offered by faith but by a righteous man.

Prayers that are hindered by the sins of the people and the best way to approach God’s throne is by first cleansing ourselves before making our requests made known to Him. In teaching his disciple to pray, Jesus responded to their request and taught them how to approach God’s throne through prayer.

‘Teach us” should be the prayer of every Christian heart’ said DL moody. “Each Christian should ask himself the question, "Can I pray this prayer?" This prayer has been called by a good many "the Lord's prayer," but it wasn't; it was the disciples' prayer. The disciples had been with Jesus, and He was praying. And when He finished, they said to Him, "Teach us, Lord, how to pray." They didn't ask him to teach them how to preach; man knows how to do that; but they wanted to know how to pray. They'd all soon know how to preach if they only knew how to pray” moody.

Among those who affected their world through prayer is Elijah. James tells us that he was a man like us. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced it’s its crops. V17-18. Elijah was upright before the Lord and had total trust upon the Lord that when he prays, the Lord will hear him.

In conclusion, God is interested in our hearts when praying and not the many words we can mention before. He is always willing to respond to our requests when we have no other way to depend on apart from Him.

Thought for today:
Psalm 62:2

He only is my Rock! I shall not be moved.- God is the rock on which you can stand.- This speaks of Permanence, Stability and Divine Protection.- God wants to be all of this for you.- BUT He must be your ONLY rock!- THEN you can be secure no matter what storms may come.

PRAYER: Lord, I declare that you are my ONLY rock. As I trust you I can stand secure. In Jesus Name. AMEN

Let Your Yes Be Yes

2009-04-28T00:52:00.010+03:00

James 5: 12

"Above all, my brothers, do not swear, not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. Let your yes be yes and your no, no or you will be condemned."

Swearing with an oath common practice in the Old Testament. James firmly tells Christians not to swear. We frequently use phrases or words of exclamation that often indicate that we do not take the holiness (apartness from us) of God seriously. We use them to get around using the literal name of God when we swear. Such include: "Gosh" "Golly" "G’darn" "Gad," "Jeez" "Gee" etc. These have their origin in or mimic the name of God or Jesus. Even "mild" oaths like "Good Grief" and "Goodness Gracious" are indirectly related to the name of God. "Goodness knows" presumably means "God knows." The use of this kind of language dishonors God. One of the Ten Commandments is, "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain, for the Lord will not hold him guiltless who takes His name in vain" Deut 5:11.

I want to believe that James is talking about more than merely swearing using the name of God and its derogative derivatives. It is about needing to prove your word. Swearing to prove the truthfulness of our claims is actually an indication of an undisciplined or uncontrolled tongue. You are likely to find someone who needs to swear to prove they are honest also committing other sins of speech, such as gossiping, lying, malice, filthy language or unkind words. Or they might just be like my friend who says that she puts her foot in her mouth and then has to go home quickly to brush. That is, she speaks without thinking about what she is saying first and therefore ends up saying things that hurt others or puts people off. These are the ways that Paul told new Christians to put to death along with other sins of the body in Colossians 3: 1-11.

James is in fact following Jesus teaching in Matthew 5: 33-37. Both these scriptures references are condemning the flippant use of the name of the Lord or a sacred object to guarantee the truth of what is being said. We are to live with enough purity of heart such that our word as Christians is our bond. Our integrity guarantees his truthfulness. We should be of such holy character that others would never expect us to lie.

What we speak is an indication of what is in our depths “out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks. The good man brings the good things stored up in him, and the evil man bring out the evil stored up in him” Matthew, 12: 34, 35. “A wise man’s heart guides his mouth and his lips promote instruction” Prov. 16: 23. Therefore, “above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” Prov. 4:23.

God’s standards for our speech as for our purity of body are very high. No matter what the world says or does, he does not lower the bar--not with matters of morality and not with matters of speech. God expects us to be pure in every way. And by prayer, by discipline and by dependence on the Holy Spirit it is possible to uphold those standards. Don't settle for less. Go for God's best in every area of your lifestyle. That includes your tongue.

Patience in Suffering

2009-04-27T12:58:00.008+03:00

James 5:7-11

Today's passage closely follows the previous passage of rich people that oppress the poor. Believers are suffering at the hands of the wicked rich. James encourages to focus their hope in the imminent return of the Lord. They are not to retaliate or try to get vengeance for themselves. When the Lord comes back, he will make all things right.

Remember when we studied Jonah? We said that the prerogative to avenge, to make things right belongs to God, never to us. And he would rather have mercy than destroy if people repent. That is why James gives stern warnings to the rich in earlier verses, perchance they will change their ways and use their wealth in the right way. Yet it is true that those who persistently do evil pile up their sins to the sky, and God will punish them, just like he destroyed Sodom and Gomorrah and other ancient cities that sinned persistently in spite of recieving severe warnings from the prophets of the Lord..

James urges patience in suffering, just the same way a farmer patiently waits for rain so that he can plant. The coming of the Lord and the punishment of the wicked is as certain as the spring or autum rains that signal the arrival of a new season. The rains may delay, but they will certainly come for the sutaince of life. Christians may not know when the Lord will come back, but he will come, like a thief in the night when he is least expected. Peter urges "The end of all things is near; therefore be clearminded so that you can pray" 1Pet4:7

In the verses that follow their texts, both Peter James give Christians a set of values to help them in the face suffering. These are the values that have sustained Christians throughout the centuries when they have been tested for their faith:

They are to stand firm: in the face of suffering it is easy to compromise values so that suffering can stop. We are to be faithful to the convictions of our faith no matter what. Peter says

Do not grumble: It is easy to complain in the face of suffering. Complaining creates bitterness and spreads ill feelings or negative energy among others. People that are complainign cannot be patient in suffering.

Look to the examples of others that have suffered patiently in the past and endured. This will bring encouragement. Listen to the example of others that endured in suffering—like Job.

No matter what you as a christian go through, do not loose sight of the coming of the Lord and the fact that this will bring a new season of life without any tears and pain.

When Wealth Becomes Bitter

2009-04-23T10:01:00.004+03:00

James 5: 1-6

Some months ago we took a drive with some friends to Lake Bogoria out in the Rift Valley. The lake is famous for its natural hot water geysers that spurt from underground. A favorite pastime for the visitors is to boil eggs in the geysers. But that’s just about all you can do on this lake. Two other things strike you about the lake: there a disturbing calmness on the surface of the water. It is not stillness of Psalm 23. It is a deadness that is not consistent with a water body. There is no activity on the water, no movement, no ripples that suggest to you there is life. There are flamingos that inhabit the shore; they live on some form of bacteria, but that’s about the two forms on life you find on this lake.

But with flamingos inhabiting its shores, Bogoria is not nearly as dead as what they say of the Dead Sea in Israel which is the receptor of the water from the great River Jordan, but has no obvious outlet. There no form of life in that highly saline lake. Scientists say that Lake Bogoria was once a fresh water lake. Its waters used to flow out on Lake Baringo. But now there is no overflow. With time it might just become another dead sea with no form of life in it.

The tragedy of Lake Bogoria and the Dead Sea is the tragedy of rich people as James warns. James is not condemning wealth; he is against the preoccupation of accumulating wealth at the expense of others in need (including your workers) and to the abandonment of all virtue. Resources that are stolen, withheld from others that need them or are just not shared corrupt the owner. The outcome of hoarding is growing greed—the desire to accumulate more and more without ever getting satisfied. Hoarding and greed come from the mistaken belief that there is not enough for all of us, and we have to grab as much as we can and keep it for ourselves. James offers admonishment against this attitude in the strongest terms possible “your wealth will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire”.

James is blunt about why people hoard wealth—so that they can secure their own future, live in wealth in luxury and self-indulgence. But that, he says is fattening themselves up for the day of slaughter (vs 5). When people have so much, they have no use for God and for others. Look at some of the richest people around us who have turned accumulation of wealth into their vocation, even politicians who have inherited a lot of wealth. Their lives and those of their families are marred by all kinds of miseries resulting from indulgence.

This passage reminds of the source of true blessing as God would have it “If you spend yourself on behalf of the hungry, and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will shine in the darkness, and your night will become like noonday. The Lord will guide you always, he will satisfy your needs in a sun-scorched land and will strengthen your frame. You will be like a well watered garden, like a spring whose water never fails…you will be called repairer of broken walls…”Isaiah 58: 12

Well, the choice is your—to become a spring whose water never fails or to crystallize into a dull and dreary Dead Sea that can support no life.

Day 13-The danger of living tomorrow 4:13-17

2009-04-22T02:41:00.001+03:00

We are leaving in times where first speed lifestyle is the order of the day. Modernization and the current technology have left nothing to chances but that anyone who wants to catch up with the first world must plan ahead and must see ahead. In looking at the subject of the future James can be mistaken to say, it is not right to think or plan things ahead. No. It’s always good to project for the goals and the dreams that we have.

With all these in mind, there is a great temptation to take things for granted and view things just as normal or as usual. Saying things will still happen like they did yesterday. That we shall do this and that like we did yesterday. It sounds good because by doing these we are positive about what is to come.

On the other hand, James is giving us caution in Ja 4:13-14a, “Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, and carry on business and make money ’,‘ why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.”

His caution is not a condemnation to those who plan ahead because of course without planning there can be no results. A farmer who doesn’t prepare for planting can’t see the harvest in his/her mind. He must project everything ahead of time and after planting he can now wait with expectation for the good results. The scriptures records people who planned about what they wanted to do. E.g. Paul, “Because I was confident of this, I planned to visit you first so that you might benefit twice. I planned to visit you on my way to Macedonia, and then to have you send me on my way to Judea”. 2 Cor1:15-16.

In verses 14b James says, “What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes”. This means everything we are and do is in the hands of God. He knows all that will happen tomorrow while we do not know a thing about tomorrow. We must not therefore, put our trust in our plans or in the things we are planning for. We must always put our trust in the Lord.

James encourages that, “Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that’. As it is, you boast and brag. All such boasting is evil”.

In acts 18:21, Paul promised, “I will come back if its God’s will”. And also in 1Cor4:19, “but I will come to you very soon, if the Lord is willing”.

When we trust the Lord for our future, we’ll not need to fear even about the present because the Lord will take care of everything. Our boasting therefore should be in the Lord. We should not boast about our success or else we will be taking the praise that belongs to the Lord. If we praise our success and work we sin. In verse 17 James says that when we fail to do the good we ought to do and do not do, we commit sin.

Day 12- Petitioning to the true Judge 4:11-12

2009-04-21T05:38:00.001+03:00

For the last couple of days we have been studying about self control when conversing with others, quarrels that arise among us and yesterday we looked at how God deals with pride and his promise to the broken hearted.

Today we are going to look at slander; what is slander? Slander is speaking about someone from his back. It is exposing the weaknesses and the faults of your brother/sister or a friend to another person. Someone may say, because everyone has weaknesses, then slander can be positive but the truth is, whether what you say behind your brother is true or false, that is slander and it is sin before the Lord.

A good example in the Old Testament is Exodus 12:1-16 when Miriam and Aaron spoke against their brother Moses. His weakness of marrying a Cushite woman and they discussed among each other, “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?” Hasn’t he also spoken through us? And the Lord heard them and was angry with the two and struck Miriam with leprosy. Aaron pleaded with Moses to intercede for her and when he did, the Lord commanded that Miriam be confined outside the camp for seven days and she will be well.

He who speaks against or judges another speaks against the law and judges it. “When you judge the law you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it”. v 11b. We judge the law (God’s word) by disobeying what it says we should do. Judging the law can also mean making ourselves greater than the law. When we judge others we are not only taking the law in our hands but also assuming the position of the judge. It is very easy to interpret scripture in away that fits the circumstance that we are in, in order to blame others or to hold them accountable for our own responsibilities.

Who then should we petition when wronged? James tells us that, “there is only one lawgiver and judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you, who are you to judge”. God is our judge and we must petition or our concerns before Him because He is just and merciful. We must approach His throne of grace with confidence so that we may find mercy to help us in our time of need and not to take his place to judge others. It’s a greater sin when someone attempts to be in the place of God who is the Judge. He also says, “Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath for it is written: ‘it is mine to avenge, I will repay”. Rom 12:19.

He is sovereign and he says in His word that He shares His glory with no other. We are His creation and we must revere Him and acknowledge that He is all in all and that we cannot do without Him. We should not therefore, dare to judge our brothers because God knows them better than we do and He does whatever He pleases. He saved Paul when he was on his way to Damascus to persecute the Church. He would have preferred to do away with Paul by destroying him but instead he held him captive to be a prisoner of the Lord Jesus Christ and of the good news. Paul’s passion was to judge but God revealed Himself to him as the true judge and that marked a turning point in Paul’s life.

Day 11- The Secrets of God’s uplifting 4:5-10

2009-04-20T05:14:00.004+03:00

Welcome to these weeks study with Apostle James. Our prayer is that these reflections from God’s word will minister to you and help you in your day to day walk with the Lord.

We begin today by asking ourselves, what is the secret of being uplifted by the Lord. In verses 5 James says, “Or do you think scripture says without reason that the spirit he caused to live in us envies intensely? But he gives us more grace. That is why scripture says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble”. In an earlier study with James we said that it is a dangerous thing when God gets to place where He can oppose your plan or your idea.

Ezekiel the prophet was commanded by the Lord to speak against the City of Jerusalem that became proud and started practicing detestable things before Him. Ezekiel spoke to them and said, “O city that brings on herself doom by shedding blood in her midst and defiles herself by making idols you have made. You have brought days to a close, and the end of your years has come. Therefore, I will make you an object of scorn to the nations and a laughing stock to all the countries. Those near you and those far away will mock you, O infamous city, and full of turmoil”. “Will your courage endure or your hands be strong in the day I deal with you? Ezek 22:3-5, 14.

The bible is and has been very categorical that God is never pleased when his people becomes proud and turns away from Him to things that are detestable before Him. His judgment is hash on them. God has always been faithful to us his children but on the other hand, His people remains unfaithful and ungrateful of the things He has done. We always long to follow our own ways such us self ambition, money, power and these have become idols in our midst.

The most amazing thing is that, no matter how far we stray, the Lord always continues to call us back in His grace and mercy. And no matter how great our sin looks, God’s grace is greater than our sins and all he wants from us is to humble ourselves and ask for forgiveness. To the humble He gives grace because He looks at the heart and not the outside. This means God does not give his grace to all.

He will oppose the proud but give grace to the humble and broken; those who recognize their hopelessness and that without God they are completely nothing. To them God will never turn away His face but will stretch His hand to help and lift them. This is the secret of God’s uplifting. Note, to have a broken spirit and a contrite heart according to psalm 50:17 is not automatic, but is as a result of what James suggest in 4:7, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil and he will free from you”.

Broken people will always see the need in their heart and cry to God for mercy but proud people will focus on other people’s failure and what they can gain out of them. The proud will claim to be served by others but the broken person longs and enjoys serving others. The broken will sense the limitation within them and recognize that they can’t make it in life without the savior but the proud have a personal drive that longs for power positions and pleasure which eventually leads them to destruction. Prov 16:18, “Pride goes before destruction a haughty spirit before a fall”.

God’s desire according to James 4:8, is that His people will come near to Him and He will draw near to them. "humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up".v10

Day 10- Unquenchable quest 4:1-17

2009-04-17T05:02:00.002+03:00

When you listen to the news and read newspaper, what are five big things that in your opinion are always highlighted? I may be wrong but the truth is over 70% of the news, has been quarrels and conflicts among friends and family members, it has been the political wrangling that always seek personal gains and not positive impact in the society.

That’s why James is asking us the question, “what causes fights and quarrels among you? Don’t they come from your desires that battle within you?” Ja 4:1

Quarrels and conflicts come from desires that may not be necessarily wrong but desires that have evil and selfish intents and therefore with wrong reasons. Someone may desire promotion, a new car or to start a business. These are all good ideas and goals but the reason behind it may not be right.

James says that “you want something but don’t get it. You kill and covet, but you cannot have what you want. You quarrel and fight. You do not have, because you do not ask God” Ja 4:3. I have never met someone who has had enough of everything he/she wants. As a result, the world is full of greed to get more and more without considering the means. The rule has been ‘I must get this thing the easiest way and in the shortest time possible’. This is unquenchable quest that is destroying our society slowly by slowly.

James tells us we do not have because we do not ask God reason being, there is a plan B somewhere and therefore the trust to depend on God for our needs is not there. “When you ask, you do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, that you may spend what you get on your pleasures”. Ja 4:3. Some prayer take very long time to be answered and one may complain that ‘God no longer answers his/her prayers. Its not that God can’t answer your prayer but you must look at your motives always when you approach God for something.

The Lord is pleased with those whose priorities second those of others and those that add value to His kingdom. It’s not everything that we desire or do that counts, but all the things that are godly and have eternal significance in doing them. That is why James tells us in v 4 that friendship with the world is hatred towards God. “Anyone who chooses to be a friend of the world becomes an enemy of God” for this reason, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble” v6

Our action plan must be that we turn from the world and its sinful pleasures and willingly submit to God who knows us very well and has a plan for each of us. This will be a reality when “You resist the devil and he will free from you”v8. In the recent past, I have realized that the greatest enemy of our progress is not even the devil but ourselves, the devil always looks for a chance to strike and must be given an opportunity to do so. Yes, God may allow him to, but mostly you have the power to give him re way or not.

Jesus in Mt 4:1-7 encountered the devil in person not his agents and He had the right to give Satan a chance or rebuke him. The best is what he did; first He told the devil “It’s written” the second time, “It’s written” The third time, Jesus denied Satan all the chances of winning him by taking authority over Satan and said, “Away from me, Satan! For its written, “Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only”. Then the devil left him.

The instructions James gives on how we can build a discipline of drawing near to God are very clear, One, we must cleanse ourselves from any sinful behavior, “wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double minded, grieve , mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and He will lift you up.” V8-10.

We purify our hearts by confessing our sins and turning away from them, repenting and coming to Jesus who is able to save us and to keep us till his return.

In conclusion, James in 4:17 says that “Anyone who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins”.

April 16-Who is smarter now! 3:13-18

2009-04-16T07:07:00.000+03:00

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let him show it by good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom”.

In our yesterday’s reflection, James talked to us regarding leading a blameless life through controlled tongue, today James starts by asking the above question and he gives a response to it. That if anyone says he/she is wise and have understanding, then let him/her show proof of it.

The only way someone can say they have love is by giving love, the only way one can say they have faith is by their actions. All these things must be proved by our good life and by deeds done in humility that comes from wisdom.

James explains to us two types of wisdom; one that is from heaven i.e. God’s wisdom and the other one is earthly i.e. worldly wisdom. The worldly wisdom is described in verses 14-16 “but if you harbour bitter envy and selfish ambitions in your hearts, do not boast about or deny the truth. Such wisdom does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual of the devil. For where you have envy and selfish ambitions, there you find disorder and every evil practice”.

The fruit of worldly wisdom is envy and selfish ambitions and this is from the devil. The person with worldly wisdom focuses on what they can gain from others more than what they can give or do to others. James says in v16 that because of worldly wisdom motivated by envy and selfish ambitions then, people will always find strive and fights among themselves. “There will be disorder“. Another fruit of natural or worldly wisdom is pride which is referred in James 4:6 to what God opposes. It’s a terrible thing when God reaches to an extent of opposing someone one’s idea opinion or plan because of pride.

The other wisdom is heavenly wisdom; the wisdom that comes from God which James describes as “pure, peace loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere” v17.

God’s wisdom is full of humility; ready to accept the wrong and ask for forgiveness, always ready to bring solutions to people’s issues and problems. It seeks the good of others more than self. It’s what brings peace in hostile circumstance. The wise will always be slow to speak but quick to listen and the response will be worthwhile. Wise people are always submissive not only to God but to others, respecting their thoughts and desires without trying to control them but to team with them. Wise men are considerate always thinking about the affairs of others through care and concern more than their own. They are merciful always willing to go an extra mile for the sake of others without judgment or revenge. They are sincere and worthy of trust, always speaking the truth in love. Finally, wise men are full of good fruit which is the fruit of the holy spirit described in gal 5:22-23 and which is so essential for our walk with the Lord and for our personal relations with others.

According to James 1:5, this is the kind of wisdom that we should desire to have and which we should ask in prayer and our father in heaven is faithful to give to us.

In conclusion, the peace makers who are wise men and women we’ve described above, will sow righteousness in peace, will raise a harvest of righteousness.

April 15-Ignited Tongue 3:1-12

2009-04-15T05:55:00.001+03:00

People who are in positions of authority such as leaders in the Church, who teach and shepherd God’s flock, can be given high respect to an extent that many will desire to be in such positions. During James times, people presumed to be leaders and teachers as a way of seeking honor and high positions. This was the reason James wrote and said “Not many of you should presume to be teachers, my brothers and sisters because you know that we who teach will be judged more strictly. We all stumble in many ways. If anyone is never at fault in what he says, he is a perfect man, able to keep his whole body in check. Ja 1:1-2

Being a teacher or a leader is a good thing because God has chosen some among us to be in positions of leadership and bestows upon those he chooses high expectations and responsibilities. Therefore, God’s judgment to those in authority is stricter than those who are following them.

The root for all these is everything that comes from someone’s speech through the influence of the tongue. James illustrates this by explaining how a horse can be controlled by a very small bit and an entire huge ship by a very small rudder to wherever the pilot wants it to go, yet no one can be able to tame a small organ of the body, the tongue. Though small, the tongue can result to all sorts of evil and at the same time speak the best of the best.

James gives an example of a forest in verses5b-6 saying, “consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole person, sets the course of his life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell”. Jesus also challenged the tradition of the Pharisees when He said, “what goes Into a man’s mouth does not make him ‘unclean’, but what comes out of his mouth, that is what makes him unclean”. Mt15:11. “For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false testimony, slander. These are what make a man unclean. V19.

The illustration James gives from the bit, rudder and a spark shows how important the tongue is as a member of our body. It’s what the devil will always target to use and is sure to control your life if he gets hold of it. If the devil corrupts your tongue then your whole person is corrupted. Proverbs 10:19, “when words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. The tongue of the righteous is choice silver but the heart of the wicked is of little value”.

James says that it should not be that the same tongue which gives praise to him is the same that curse men who have been created in God’s likeness. We must therefore be very careful on what we say to others. According to Ja 3:8 one can tame the tongue because it’s a restless evil, full of deadly poison..Is there any solution? Yes. The solution is living a life that is surrendered and submitted to God. Our sincere devotions to God is a super catalyst that brings dynamic transformation in our lives; molding us into God’s likeness and making us to be the kind of people He wants us to be.

April 14-Facts but no Fruits 2:14-26

2009-04-14T05:52:00.003+03:00

Last week on Friday we enjoyed a wonderful family service in remembrance of the work that our Lord and savior Jesus Christ did for us on the cross. The theme of the day’s homily was about those things that one does that amazes God. One scripture highlighted in the homily was Lk 7:1-10 the story of the centurion. This is one of the few passages in New Testament where the bible records that Jesus was amazed. Listening to the Centurion speak, He was amazed by the man’s great faith. v9 “when Jesus heard this, he was amazed at him, and turning to the crowd following him, he said, ‘I tell you, I have not found such great faith even in Israel”

I don’t know what would be your response if someone asked you, do you think God can be amazed by our actions? The truth is that God is always amazed by those who believe and respond to circumstances in their lives and in the lives of others according to His word.

“What good is it my brothers, if a man claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save him? Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him/her, ‘go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same Way faith in itself if not accompanied by action is dead” James 2:14-17.

Did you know that the only way people outside the household of faith can tell whether someone’s faith is true or not is by their deeds. Your deeds of love, mercy, obedience and kindness speak a lot about your faith among those you interact with. In other words this is the prove of your faith; that whoever you say you are, you truly are. That you don’t speak water and drink wine and for that reason you are an example and a model in the society.

James reminds us that well wishes to the needy and the hungry without a hand of concern and care cannot save someone. Our Christian life is admired by those who see true love being expressed in a practical way to someone who is desperate and in need. When we attempt to tell people that God loves them and our actions confirms it, these people in their situation will desire to know more about the God we believe in.

Hebrew 11 is a record of heroes of faith who pleased God by their faithful actions. One of them is Abraham who took God by His word and laid his son Isaac on the altar as a sacrifice. His act of faith was credited as righteousness. Immediately Abraham believed God and did as he was instructed, the angel of Lord called to him and said, “I swear by myself, declares the Lord, that because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you and make your descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky and as the sand on the sea shore. Your descendants will take possessions of their enemies and through your offspring, all nations on earth will be blessed because you have obeyed me”.Gen22:15-17

Rahab also as a hero of faith is quoted by Apostle James as one who expressed her faith by her action and she too was considered righteous. I am convinced that God is always amazed by acts of faith done by people who are faithful to His word. “As the body without spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead”. Ja 2:26

Day 6-Serving the poor at the high table 2:1-13

2009-04-13T05:44:00.001+03:00

Today we begin our reflection with an admonition from James 2:1 “My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ don’t show favoritism”.

Our God who is full of mercy and compassion demonstrates His extravagant and amazing grace to people of all backgrounds and class, rich or poor, Asian or European, African or American without showing any favoritism. This is not always the same when people are relating with each other in their respective places of work, with families or even in Church. The inclination is mostly towards the outer appearance and not the inside.

When God chose David at his young age as a boy, no one could have recognized him or looked at him as an option of God’s choice until Man’s seven options were over that David had to be called from the fields where he was looking after his fathers sheep. Samuel’s 1^st choice as king was Eliab Jesse’s son and the Lord said to him “do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart”. 1 sam16:7. Irrespective of David’s age or status, he was God’s choice. In realizing that he was the last in Jesse’s sons, Samuel said in 1^st Sam 16:11b, “Send for him; we will not sit down until he arrives”.

Likewise, James tells us that we are not to judge people according to how they look, according to their economic status or consider people poor or rich in regard to what our eyes can see. The eyes can see what people have, where they come from and can easily classify them in different categories. When God looks at His Children He doesn’t see the rich or the poor, He sees the glory and the great riches of His son Jesus Christ who lives in us.

James gives an example of a poor and the rich in v2-4 as an illustration to emphasize this point, “For if someone comes into your assembly wearing a gold ring and fine clothing, and a poor person enters in filthy clothes, do you pay attention to the one who is finely dressed and say, ‘You sit here in a good place, and to the poor person, ‘You stand over there,’ or ‘Sit on the floor’? If so, have you not made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil motives?”

God in many ways chooses the simple things in life to demonstrate the power of His kingdom. V5 He has chosen the poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him.

James also uses the second greatest commandment that says “love your neighbor as yourself”, meaning love for others should not have any limit. It should be to all whether rich or poor because any one who shows favoritism sins and are convicted by the law (God’s word) as law breakers.

In conclusion, James tells us that we must speak and act as those who are going to be judged by God’s word that gives freedom “to those who look on the gospel of Christ as a word of great hope, a promise of liberation from their suffering” (Thomas Hale-applied NT commentary:610)

Day 5 with James-Pay Attention 1:19-27

2009-04-10T06:25:00.001+03:00

As we remember the death of our Lord Jesus Christ today, I would like you to recap on the message of the cross posted first week of April and reflect on the debt that we had that we could not pay yet Jesus paid the debt that He did not owe. Today we also continue with the 18 day journey with Apostle James as we learn basic lessons for our growth in the Lord.

One of the basic lessons that God desires from every Christian is listening. This is because, its by listening that we know God’s voice , differentiate His voice from other voices and also know the direction He wants us to take. By listening we learn from others, building and strengthening relationships of those we interact with. The encouragement James has for all of us today is that, “everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry” v19. For this reason, paying attention is very crucial and essential in our relations with God, spouses, children, family members, friends’ colleagues and others. Anyone who takes much time talking but pays no attention to what someone else has to say misses a lot because he cannot learn from others.

James also encourages us to be slow to speak. In other words, before anyone says something he/she must first of all think about what they are just about to say. One should ask, is what I am about to say true? Is it kind? Is it necessary? If it fits all these questions, then it’s worth saying. If not, one should keep silent.

Another thing James is talking about is being slow to become angry. Ephesians 4:26 says “in your anger do not sin, do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”. This means anger in itself is not sin but the results that are brought about by someone being angry. Sometimes one can get angry of wrong doing for example, when Jesus entered the temple in Jerusalem became so angry with traders doing business in God’s house. In anger He drove them out overturning tables and benches because the house of the Lord was being used for the wrong reasons. We must not be angry for personal reasons; like vengeance or hatred but positive anger should be God’s kind of anger that hates sin and not the sinner.

V 20 tells us that human anger does not bring about the righteousness that God desires. Human anger can be against people; it can be selfish and does not seek to bring positive solutions. The counsel we have from James in regard to this is that we must ‘ get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent, and humbly accept the word planted in us which can save us’ v21.

In v22, James shows that listening by itself alone is not enough. It must be accompanied by an action. We listen to get information which helps us do something or take action to a particular objective or goal.

Taking a step to do something after knowing the truth is obedience. V22 “do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourself. Do what it says”. No one will or has been saved by listening only but by believing and obeying what the word of God says. James compares God’s word with a mirror in V23-24 that it takes a short while for us to forget the true image we see of ourselves in a mirror. Thomas Hale in his book comments and says looking ourselves in a mirror ‘We see our true face, our true self and that is our sinful nature.’ pg 609.

The word of God like a mirror shows us our sin. When we listen and not do anything about it we are like someone who is gazing in a mirror and soon forgets what he/she looked like. If one notices something on the face or on the body after looking in the mirror, the ideal thing is to go wash the face and remove the dirt. The same way, when God’s word reveals sin in us, the ideal thing is to go before him in repentance and ask him to wash us and forgive us.

The one who never forgets after looking at himself in a mirror is like one who “looks intently into the perfect law (God’s word) that gives freedom, and continues to do this (daily), without forgetting what he has heard but doing it (believing and obeying what it says), he/she will be blessed in what he does” v25 with my additional notes.

In conclusion, James shares with us about the marks of a true, pure and faultless religion that God accepts which is the ability to control one’s tongue, to look after the orphans and widows in their distress and finally to keep oneself from being polluted or conformed by the world. (v26-27). God is pleased when we show mercy and act in love towards those in our communities who are orphaned and the widows. We must always find joy in sharing our resources with those in needs and by partnering with social justice projects that seeks to care for the needy in our communities.

Day 4-The Attitude that gives you altitude 1:2-18

2009-04-09T06:07:00.001+03:00

In our Christian walk we go through trials and temptations of all kinds. These do not come as a result of our own mistakes or sins but they are the troubles and suffering that we go through for the sake of Christ. James tells us to consider it pure joy whenever we face trials of all kinds. It’s good that he didn’t say that trials are themselves a joy but we are to consider them a joy.

It sounds unreasonable to think of what brings you suffering a joy but James gives us the reason why we must; this is because, from trials we receive spiritual blessings something other religions may not fathom. Other religions may endure trials and temptations but only those who are God’s children are able to rejoice in times of trials, why because the testing of our faith develops perseverance.

Someone may ask, why does God allow suffering? God allows trials to come so that our faith can be tested and as a result our walk with the Lord grows stronger and stronger by day.

1pt 1:7 “these have come so that your faith of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire, may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed “.

Perseverance can be used interchangeably with patience one of the fruits of the spirit in Gal 5:22 and this two are essential for our spiritual walk. Jesus when referring to patience and perseverance said, “…the one who stands firm to the end will be saved” Mk 13:13..he/she “will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him” James 1:12.

James introduces another essential aspect of our spiritual growth and that is faith. Anyone who wants something from the Lord must ask in faith because anyone who doubts cannot receive anything from Him. God is pleased when we pray to Him by Faith. Heb 11:6a “And without faith, it is impossible to please God”. James refers to one who doubts as a double minded man and one who is unstable in all he does. He is like a wave of the sea that is tossed here and there by the wind.

Regarding matters of poverty and riches, James recommends in vv9-11 that those who are in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position of being God’s Children. Though he may be in difficulties, through faith his Spiritual position elevates him to a higher position. On the other hand, the one who is rich should take pride in his low position of being a partaker in God’s eternal inheritance and not his earthly possessions which will soon pass away. In other words, it’s only the things with eternal value that lasts forever. Therefore, both the poor and the rich should rejoice over the fact that they know the Lord and that their economic status is but temporal. These are the Attitudes that gives you altitude.

In previous verses we talked much about trials which arises from outside circumstances and now we want to look at temptations which arise from evil desires. V13 says, “When tempted, no one should say, ‘God is tempting me”. The word temptation here means desire to sin or to do something wrong. Therefore, God who is holy, cannot be tempted by evil and cannot put an urge to sin in us. “The outward trials we must endure; the inward temptations we must overcome” Thomas Hale-applied new testament commentary

God allows outside circumstances to test and strengthen our faith but He does not draw people to do evil v16-18. He is the giver of every good gift and the father of heavenly lights meaning He is the creator of all things and out of His will and for His own purpose He created us to be first fruits of all He created and therefore “chose to give us birth through the word of truth” i.e. Eternal life.

Day 3.-Salutation

2009-04-08T05:47:00.001+03:00

James 1:1

James begins his letter by referring to himself as “a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ”. A good thing to note is that every Christian whether in position of leadership or not is a servant. A servant lives in complete submission and remains obedient to His master in everything and at all times.

James like many other New Testament writers takes his place of being a servant and recognizes that His Master is God and Lord Jesus Christ. Rom 1:1, Tit1:1, Peter 2Pt1:1, and Jude 1:1.

The word servant can be translated to ‘bondservant’ referring not to a free individual but to a slave who serves or gives him/herself to another by Choice.

Jesus himself in teaching about servant hood in Jn 13:1-17 washed his disciples feet and clearly told them in v15 “I have set you an example that you should do what I have done for you” and in v17 that they will be blessed in doing what they now know. The application for this passage may not necessarily mean the actual feet washing but those small things that reflect humble service or humility that we do or show to others.

We are living in societies where our actions and our words determine the kind of impact we are going to make in our world and in the lives of people around us. Jesus lived a life that glorified God in all He did. As a servant He was motivated to touch the lives of people from all backgrounds and ethnicity. In Lk 22:24-27, He told the disciples that He is among them as one who serves; these He taught them to show that anyone who is considered great among them should be like the youngest and anyone who rules should do so as one who serves. “ whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave (servant), just as the son of Man did not come to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many” Mt 20:27-28

Likewise, God has called as in His kingdom to serve Him by serving others. Sometimes He calls us to do something that we are not comfortable doing and when we heed the call, we learn to be obedient and submissive to His will.

Day 2.

2009-04-07T06:36:00.000+03:00

Today we want to get started on these 18 day journey by looking at three areas that will be helpful in our reflections.

1^st -Who wrote James?

The author of the book of James identifies himself as James a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Many people ask questions regarding this name because in the New Testament several people share the same name. This makes it difficult to identify the actual person who wrote the book. We will look at a few of them to differentiate from the one believed to have written this book.

1. James the Son of Zebedee. He was called by Jesus together with his brother John to become His disciples while sitting on a boat preparing their nets for fishing. Mark 1:20, Mt 4:21-22. He was always caught at the center of events together with his brother John and also Simon (peter).E.g. At the transfiguration; Mt 17:1-2,Mark 9:2 and Luke 9:28-29. When Jairus daughter was raised; Mk5:37, Luke 8:51. On the Mt of Olives; Mk13:3 and at the Garden of Gethsemane; Mt 26:37, Mk 14:33. Scholars do not associate him with the writing of the book of James because he may have died way much earlier during the persecution of the early Church; Acts12:2 “He (King Herod) had James, the brother of John put to death with the sword”.

2. James the son of Alphaeus. He was one of the twelve disciples Mt 10:3, Mk3:18, Lk 6:15, Acts 1:13. He also is believed not to have written this book.

3. James the brother of Jesus; Mt 13:55 & Mk 6:3. He is believed to be the author of the book of James following his exemplary work and leadership in the Church of Jerusalem Acts 12:17, 21:18. Paul in Gal 2:9 refers to James peter and John as the pillars of the Church in Jerusalem that time. James was not a believer during Jesus ministry on earth and neither he nor his brothers accepted or recognized Jesus’ authority in His earthly life and ministry; John7:5. He was not one of the twelve apostles but he was later regarded as an apostle in Gal 1:19. In several instances his name was mentioned first then the brothers or the elders showing that he was in the position of leadership.

Why do we have to think about authorship? Ok, in our previous studies especially Philippians, my colleague helped us look at the various ways that we can gain skills to do personal bible devotions. It’s always necessary to use these tools for an in depth knowledge of the particular material or book that we are studying. Some of the questions that you need to ask yourself every time you begin to study a book are;

Who? Why? What? When? And How? By asking who? You are referring to the person who wrote that particular book. Why? Reasons it was written. When? When it was written and lastly How? Is the way you can apply what you are learning in your personal life.

2^nd What was his theme?

James writes to emphasize on the importance of action or practical lifestyle along with faith in our walk with the Lord and in the practice of our Christian faith. Though he wrote to God’s people (Jews) who were scattered all over the world as a result of persecution and tribulation Ja1:1, the message is also for us today.

3^rd What was the purpose?

He wrote to give them and us practical instructions dealing with issues of poverty, riches, trials and temptations, patience, prayer ,faith and works, pride, boasting quarreling and humility. These were to help them stand firm in the faith and live a life that would glorify God even in the midst of challenging times.

I will not highlight the questions when and how; reason being I want you to find out what the book of James was written as part of study exercise. The application of the book is everything we will continue to reflect on as James takes us through this 18 day Journey.

18 Days with Apostle James

2009-04-06T18:00:00.000+03:00

We continue with our daily devotions and reflections in the word of God and it’s our hope that you have been enjoying our previous studies in the last two months. Healthy spiritual living is guaranteed to anyone who commits to read, observe and apply the word of God daily. Your choice to log in to this blog is a great step that will add value not only in your life but also in the life’s of those around your area of influence.

From today, we welcome you for 18 days with Apostle James and we pray that these studies will significantly impact and transform your life. Before we get started tomorrow, i encourage you to take time and read through the first chapter of the book of James.

OUTLINE

WEEK 1.

April 6. Reading through Chapter 1.

April 7. Getting Started

April 8. Salutation 1:1

April 9. The Attitude that gives you altitude 1:2-18

April 10.Pay Attention 1:19-27

WEEK 2.

April 13. Serving the poor at the high table 2:1-13

April 14. Facts but no fruits 2:14-26

April 15. Ignited Tongue 3:1-12

April 16. Who is smarter Now! 3:13-18

April 17. Unquenchable quest 4:1-17

WEEK 3.

April 20. The Secrets of God’s uplifting 4:5-10

April 21. Petitioning to the true Judge 4:11-12

April 22.The danger of living tomorrow 4:13-17

April 23. When Wealth becomes bitter 5:1-6

April 24. Patience v/s Suffering 5:7-11

WEEK 4

April 27. A Yes that means No 5:12

April 28.The effects of a fervent prayer 5:13-18

April 29. A rescue from death’s mouth 5:19-20

The Cross: the way goes on

2009-04-03T10:21:00.006+03:00

In the outskirts of Nairobi at Karen, there is a retreat Center called the Resurrection Garden. It is a refreshing place to spend a day in prayer. They have a literal garden where they have inscribed in a sequence the Bible story from Genesis. It rendered in words on stone, pictures on mosaic paintings and bronze castings. The Easter story, Jesus walk down Via Dolorosa that is the Stations of the Cross, crucifixion, the tomb, resurrection and ascension take a prominent place on those tablets. It is a powerful visual preservation of God's relationship with mankind. Towards the end of the sequence, the designers of this garden have inscribed our Lord’s Prayer in as many languages of the world as possible. Alongside them are also many scriptures of comfort, worship and glory to God.

The story of the cross is not over. A new era began on the day of crucifixion and continues to this day. The resurrection was a step in this new era. The Easter morning validated the work of Good Friday, that of reconciling man to God. And now death and decay has no permanent hold on those who believe. As Paul says, “when the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable and the mortal with the immortal, then this saying will be true: death has been swallowed in victory. Where o Death, is your victory, and where, o grave is your sting? Thanks be to God, he gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ!” (1Cor 15: 54-56).

Death could not hold Christ in the grave. We too have received new life through the Lord Jesus. “There is therefore no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus” (Rom 8:1). The ascension too is not the end of the story of Easter. The Apostles were looking up intently into the sky when an Angel came to them and asked, “Why do you stand here looking into the sky? This same Jesus will come back in the same way you have seen him go into heaven” The apostle’s creed affirms, “he sits at the right hand of God. From there he shall come to judge the living and the dead”.

The end of this present story is what called the Handel’s Messiah, the “Halleluyah Chorus”. That is why I like the interpretation of our Lord’s Prayer into so many languages at the Resurrection Garden. It will be the day when multitudes of humanity that have followed the way of the cross shall all worship God together. “Then I heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousands times ten thousands...in a loud voice they sang “worthy is the lamb who was slain to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise” (Rev 5:11-13). “After this I looked and before me was a great multitude that no one could count from every nation, tribe, people and language standing before the throne…crying out in a loud voice ‘salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne and to the lamb” (Rev 7:9-10).

Question is, will you be there, and will your friends, family, and everyone you know be there?