Wisdom's Conduct

It’s hard to believe we are now past the half-way point in our study! It’s been an eye-opening (not always enjoyable but always profitable) journey for me! What has your journey been like so far? I’d love to hear about what God is teaching you through this book!

Here’s today’s verse:

Scripture:

Who is wise and understanding among you? He should show his works by good conduct with wisdom’s gentleness.
James 3:13


Observation:

Definitions according to the NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon:

• wise: forming the best plans and using the best means for their execution
• understanding: intelligent, experienced, one having the knowledge of an expert
• show: give evidence or proof of a thing; to show by words or teach
• works/deeds: that which any one is occupied; any thing accomplished by hand, art, industry or mind
• good: suitable, commendable, admirable; affecting the mind agreeably, comforting and confirming
• conduct/behavior: manner of life, deportment
• wisdom: broad and full of intelligence; skill in the management of affairs; devout and proper prudence in inter[change] with men not disciples of Christ, skill and discretion in imparting Christian truth
• gentleness: mildness of disposition; gentleness of spirit; meekness

What do we know about the woman who is wise and understanding?

1. She shows her wisdom, intelligence, and experience in what she says and does
2. Her life reflects that she lives what she teaches
3. She interacts well both with sisters in Christ and those who have not yet chosen to become His
4. Her conduct is admirable
5. She offers comfort and encouragement
6. She is gentle in her approach

Application:

I need to be evaluating my actions and attitudes to ensure they match up with what I say I believe to be true.


Prayer:

Renew a right spirit in me today!

Unnatural Speech

Scripture:

Out of the same mouth come blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things should not be this way.

Does a spring pour out sweet and bitter water from the same opening?

Can a fig tree produce olives, my brothers, or a grapevine [produce] figs? Neither can a saltwater spring yield fresh water.
James 3:10-12


Observation:

James says the same mouth should not speak blessing and cursing. Why? Because what comes out of the mouth reflects what is in the heart (see Luke 6:45). In verse 9, James refers to people who are speaking positively about God, and talking as if they are living life in a way pleasing to Him, but they are also speaking offensively, in anger, or with annoyance, toward and/or about God’s creation (specifically other humans). James is using the object lessons of the fig tree and the grapevine to show that it is unnatural for the Christian to speak in such a way.


Application:

I must be sure my heart is in line with God’s heart.

I must be sure my speech is honoring to God.

I must be sure I am not speaking about others in a way dishonoring to God


Prayer:

Here is my heart, Lord. I give it to You. Make it in line with Yours, I pray!

Not As It Should Be

Scripture:

For every creature - animal or bird, reptile or fish - is tamed and has been tamed by man,

but no man can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison.

With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse men who are made in God’s likeness.
James 3:7-9



Observation:

Every person, at one time or another, speaks “vain, idle, angry, and sinful words” (John Gill’s Exposition of the Bible). Because we are human, none of us can ALWAYS curb and restrain (i.e. tame) our tongue.

The Greek for “evil” can also mean “not as it should be” and the Greek word for poison can refer to speaking angry insults and/or making false or inflammatory statements that are hurtful to others.

Whoa. How many of us during an argument with a loved one have found ourselves saying things that were exaggerated (inflammatory) and as a result ended up hurting the person to whom we spoke? James calls this deadly poison.

Death and life are in the power of the tongue

Proverbs 18:21a

Application:

In regards to both the words I speak and the words I think about uttering, “the tongue” is a barometer of the true state of my heart. In order to more consistently speak “life” into others, my heart needs to be more in line with the will of God.


Prayer:

I know I’ve prayed this Scripture here before, but it is OH SO APPLICABLE to today’s lesson:

Search me, O God, and know my heart: try me and know my thoughts: And see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

Psalm 139:23-24 KJV

My Speech Reflects My Heart

Scripture:

So too, though the tongue is a small part [of the body], it boasts great things. Consider how large a forest a small fire ignites.

And the tongue is a fire. The tongue, a world of unrighteousness, is placed among the parts of our [bodies]; it pollutes the whole body, sets the course of life on fire, and is set on fire by hell.
James 3:5-6


Observation:

The tongue is a small part of the body, but much like the rudder of a ship or a bit in a horses mouth the tongue can have great influence over the direction of our lives. Also, much like the rudder or bit, the tongue does not have a will of its own, but instead reflects the desires and choices of the one using it.

The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks. (Luke 6:45 ESV)

Much like a careless spark can start a forest fire, a careless word spoken can wreak havoc and cause great devastation to those around it.

It is not possible (in this life) to know the full extent of the impact of the words we speak, both negative and positive effects can be experienced by the hearer.

John Gill says “a bridled and sanctified tongue, that is influenced by the grace of God, and directed by the Spirit of God, as it speaks great and good things ... has great power, weight, and influence: the tongue of the just is as choice silver, and the lips of the righteous feed many.”


Application:

I need to be aware that what I say WILL have an impact on those who hear it. It is crucial that my words reflect the will of my Father. I need to be aware of the words that I speak, both for those who hear, and as a barometer for where my heart is. I need to be conscious to speak only those things that encourage and build up those around me!

No rotten talk should come from your mouth, but only what is good for the building up of someone in need, in order to give grace to those who hear. (Ephesians 4:29 HCSB)

Prayer:

Lord, may my heart line up with Your will! Refine my heart, I pray!

Guides

Scripture:

Now when we put bits into the mouths of horses to make them obey us, we also guide the whole animal.

And consider ships: though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.
James 3:3-4


Observation:

Consider the immensity of the horse compared to the bit.

Now consider the size of the ship compared to the rudder.

These two, comparatively small, objects are used to reflect the will of the rider or pilot.

When the bit is pulled on by the reins, the horse turns in the direction indicated. And if the bit is pulled on too hard, the horse stops and goes no further. Not because of the desire of the bit, but because of the will (and subsequent actions) of the rider.

When the rudder is turned, the ship is guided into the direction desired by the pilot. If the rudder is turned the wrong way, the entire ship goes down the wrong path. Not because of the rudder’s decision, but because of the decision of the person controlling the rudder.

James uses these similes to introduce the concept of the impact the words we speak can have on circumstances around us. We will look more at this throughout this week.


Application:

The rider and the pilot each make the decisions about the direction of the horse and the ship, and guide the bit and rudder accordingly. But if either the bit or rudder is misused, the desired outcome is not achieved.

The choices I make each day, consciously or subconsciously, are reflected in the words I use. I want the words I use each day to reflect that I am making choices honoring to my Lord. My desire is that my will lines up with His each moment of every day....


Prayer:

Father God, line my will up with Yours, and guide my tongue accordingly!

A Sign of Maturity

Scripture:

Not many should become teachers, my brothers, knowing that we will receive a stricter judgment;

for we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is a mature man who is able to control his whole body.
James 3:1-2


Observation:

A paraphrase might read like this:

Don’t aim to be one who teaches others concerning the things of God, for teachers are more accountable when they do wrong, and everyone makes mistakes. Anyone who doesn’t make mistakes in her speech is perfect, mature, complete, a consummate example of integrity, who is able to hold in check (restrain) her whole body.


Application:

1) I am responsible to do what God is calling me to do, not aim for something I consider to be “more” important. I need to trust completely His plan for His Kingdom and my life.

2) Everyone makes mistakes in their spiritual journeys.

3) A sign of maturity is not making mistakes in what we say. Being able to always control one’s tongue is indicative of a mature (complete) self-control.


Prayer:

Father, I give my tongue to You today. May everything I say be gracious, loving, and designed to build up those around me! Help me, I pray. Thank You!

Believe and Do

Scripture:

And in the same way, wasn’t Rahab the prostitute also justified by works when she received the messengers and sent them out by a different route?

For just as the body without the spirit is dead, so also faith without works is dead.
James 2:25-26


Observation:

Another account of works resulting from faith: Rahab believed the spies were sent from God and that they would be her only hope of salvation when her city (Jericho) was destroyed. If she had simply believed they could help her without acting on that belief, she would have died with all the other people in Jericho.

All of this section of Scripture leads to this phrase: “faith without works is dead.” A living faith results in works. Works don’t save us. Faith in Jesus saves us. But true faith is acted out in our lives.


Application:

Our good works do not save us. Rather, our good works are the natural fruit of a living faith in Jesus Christ. My response to this must NOT be to simply get busier, but my response MUST be (and is) a commitment to follow the prompting of the Holy Spirit in serving others with the gifts and skills He has given me.

Action is an integral part of true faith. Believing goes hand in hand with doing.


Prayer:

Father, I commit to following You even when it’s hard. I will serve You and others to the best of my ability. Forgive me for the times when my actions have not reflected my faith and trust in You. Lord Jesus Christ, live Your life through me!

Faith and Works

Scripture:

So the Scripture was fulfilled that says, Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him for righteousness, and he was called God’s friend.

You see that a man is justified by works and not by faith alone.
James 2:23-24


Observation:

Abraham placed confidence in God. Abraham trusted God to do what He said He was going to do. In this particular instance, Abraham trusted that God would fulfill His promise to Abraham that he would have as many descendants as there were stars in the sky and sand on the shore through Isaac, the very child God had told Abraham to sacrifice.... This would have caused many to falter in the faith, but not Abraham. So the only logical conclusion I’ve come up with is that Abraham believed God would either provide another lamb for the sacrifice or that God would raise Isaac from the dead. WHAT AMAZING FAITH!

Because Abraham believed God and acted in a way consistent with his belief, he was considered righteous and he was called God’s friend. The word “friend” does not only refer to a familiar association (which is overwhelming enough, that the same God whose footstool is the earth and who measures the universe with the span of His hand allowed Abraham familiarity with him). The word “friend” can also refer to the best man at a wedding. SERIOUSLY. Can you imagine having a relationship with God that was so close that YOU would be His pick for best man?


Application:

So, all of this means what? Our righteousness comes not only from believing God is the creator and ruler of all things and the provider of salvation through Christ (although that belief is vital). We must believe this TO OUR CORE and action must flow out of that belief. If we say we believe it but we don’t do it, we don’t really believe it.


Prayer:

May my life reflect my belief in You, and may my faith in You grow deeper with each passing day!

The Marker of Useless Faith

Scripture:

Foolish man! Are you willing to learn that faith without works is useless?

Wasn’t Abraham our father justified by works when he offered Isaac his son on the altar?

You see that faith was active together with his works, and by works, faith was perfected.
James 2:20-22


Observation:

We can SAY we believe, but if we don’t “walk the talk” (so to speak), then our so-called “faith” is useless.

That’s a sobering statement.

Useless. The New Oxford American Dictionary defines useless as “not fulfilling or not expected to achieve the intended purpose or desired outcome.

God desires our faith to be acted on in our daily lives.

God loves us so much He acted by sending the perfect sacrifice to once and for all pay for our sins.

The only logical response to that is to love Him and others enough to spur us to action, also.


Application:

“Useless faith” is marked by apathy (specifically, lack of action). Faith and action go hand in hand. I must act on the promptings of the Holy Spirit. In order to hear HIs prompting, I must confess and repent of any known sin, and spend time every day throughout the day listening to Him. AND I MUST OBEY when He prompts me. Delayed obedience is disobedience. Disobedience is sin. And sin keeps God’s children from fellowship with Him. Without fellowship, I cannot sense the prompting of His Spirit


Prayer:

“Search me, O God, and know my heart. Try me and know my anxious thoughts; and see if there be any hurtful way in me, and lead me in the everlasting way.” Amen.

(Psalm 139:23-24 NASB)

Our Actions Reflect Our Beliefs

Scripture:

But someone will say, “You have faith, and I have works.” Show me your faith without works, and I will show you faith from my works.

You believe that God is one; you do well. The demons also believe - and they shudder.
James 2:18-19


Observation:

As human beings, action naturally flows out of our belief system. We sit on a chair because we believe it is strong enough to hold us up. We flip the light switch because we believe the light will turn on. We turn the key in the ignition because we believe the car will start. With this in mind, it can reasonably be assumed that our actions in life reflect our true, deep down beliefs about our faith.

The brothers to whom James writes believe that God is one. But do they really understand what that means? (Do we?) The demons also believe that God is one, and they are “struck with extreme fear*” (they shudder).


Application:

When I truly UNDERSTAND Who God is, I then know that I should be extremely afraid to be in His presence. It is ONLY because Jesus became sin on my behalf that I can have a relationship with Him. That He desires close fellowship with even me is SO VERY HUMBLING.

That being said, here are some random thoughts:

• If I truly BELIEVE God is merciful to me, I will show mercy to others.
• When I truly KNOW God’s love is a gift to me that I don’t deserve, I can then freely share that love with others.
• If I want to make changes in my behavior, that has to start by changing what I believe about that behavior.

God uses His Word to show us how our beliefs are in error. It is IMPERATIVE that my beliefs line up with Scripture. This can only happen if I’m spending time reading, meditating on, and applying His Word to my life.


Prayer:

Thank You for Your Word. Continue to speak to me through It. Use It to make me more like You!




*from The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon

The Fruit of Faith

Scripture:

What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith, but does not have works? Can his faith save him?

If a brother or sister is without clothes and lacks daily food,

and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, keep warm, and eat well,” but you don’t give them what the body needs, what good is it?

In the same way faith, if it doesn’t have works, is dead by itself.
James 2:14-17


Observation:

1) Our salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. We cannot earn it through our works.

2) Good works are a natural fruit of true faith. As Jesus says in Matthew 7 “you will know them by their fruits.”

3) Meeting the physical needs of others is an example of “good fruit.”


Application:

I must do what I can to meet the needs of others. It’s very easy to say “I will pray for you.” (Don’t misunderstand, prayer is VITAL!) It’s also very easy to a) forget to pray or b) not listen to the prompting of the Holy Spirit when He is spurring us to ACTION.

KNOW it. DO it.


Prayer:

Lord, open my eyes to see the needs of those around me. Show me how I can meet those needs and thus show others Your love. Thank You for the ways You have met my needs, and the people You’ve placed around me to be Your hands and feet. I love You!

True Freedom

I apologize for the late posting!



Scripture:

Speak and act as those who will be judged by the law of freedom.

For judgment is without mercy to the one who hasn’t shown mercy. Mercy triumphs over judgment.
James 2:12-13


Observation:

Interestingly, these verses give us both an imperative and an explanation. James has already called himself a bond-servant, and bond-servants are supposed to obey the commands without expecting an explanation. So why is James giving an explanation?

There is SO MUCH to unpack in these short verses. But since I’m already late with this post, I’m going to focus on just a few things. :)

1) We are to talk and behave as people who are free, and TRUE freedom is living as Christ wants us to, not as we please.

2) We are to show kindness (and helpfulness) to others, just as Christ showed mercy to us (by NOT giving us the judgment we deserved).

3) Christ’s mercy is the perfect example to us of what extending kindness (mercy) instead of condemnation (judgment) looks like.


Application:

True freedom includes loving others the way Jesus loves me. And that love involves action. So this week, I’m going to look for three specific ways to show love to people I encounter. Will you join me? If you do this, will you email me about the way God worked in one of those situations? I would love to hear about how Jesus worked through you!


Prayer:

Lord open my eyes to see the needs around me, and show me how to use the resources you’ve given me to show them Your love for them!

How do I REALLY love my neighbor?????

Scripture:

If you really carry out the royal law prescribed in Scripture, You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well.

But if you show favoritism, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.

For whoever keeps the entire law, yet fails in one point, is guilty of [breaking it] all.

For He who said, Do not commit adultery, also said, Do not murder. So if you do not commit adultery, but you do murder, you are a lawbreaker.

James 2:8-11


Observation:

Here is an “aha” moment...Why has James spent so much time talking about favoritism and partiality? He’s been leading up to this moment! He writes ”you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Since this is a commandment, and partiality violates this commandment, partiality is sin. And someone who sins in any part of the law is a lawbreaker....guilty of violating the whole law. There are no degrees of bad. It is not possible to sin a little. And failure to “love your neighbor as yourself” is sin. So it is important to do it. And it’s important to know what loving your neighbor LOOKS like!

The greek word for “love” used here is agapao. When referring to persons, agapao means “to welcome, to entertain, to be fond of, to love dearly.” REALLY? How many of us are “fond of” or “dearly love” everyone we meet? (Remember Jesus’s description of a “neighbor” in the parable of the good Samaritan in Luke 10?)



Application:

We can see that loving our neighbor is not optional. So, what are some concrete ways I can show love my neighbor?

1. Extend hospitality (“welcome” and “entertain”) by having people into my home
2. Look for the positives (strengths) of each person I encounter
3. Recognize that truly loving my neighbor in my own strength is impossible
4. Ask Jesus to fill me with HIS love for others

What are some concrete ways YOU can show love to your neighbor?


Prayer:

Father, help me to Love others like You love them! Forgive me for the times I have failed to do so. Fill me with Your love so completely that it overflows onto those around me!

Glorifying Jesus In Word, Thought, AND Deed

Scripture:

Listen, my dear brothers: Didn’t God choose the poor in this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom that He has promised to those who love Him?

Yet you dishonored that poor man. Don’t the rich oppress you and drag you into the courts?

Don’t they blaspheme the noble name that you bear?
James 2:5-7


Observation:

We are to honor those whom God has honored, and not to treat them with contempt (“dishonored” can mean treated with contempt in word, thought, or deed). Often the poor are the ones whom God chooses to make His own, while the rich are often those who are oppressing the Christians to whom James writes.

Now, I am in no way saying we should be categorizing the rich as blasphemers and the poor as holy, and I don’t believe James is saying this either. I believe James is saying we cannot make assumptions about how God sees people based on their perceived social or financial statuses.


Application:

It’s not about how much money or how many material possessions a person has. It’s about his/her personal relationship with Jesus, and his/her individual striving to honor Jesus in all that s/he does.

Am I striving to honor Jesus in all I say, think, and do? Do I consistently aim to glorify Him with my life, in word, thought, and deed?


Prayer:

In all aspects of my life, Lord, be glorified today!

Judged by First Impressions

Scripture:

For suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring, dressed in fine clothes, and a poor man dressed in dirty clothes also comes in.

If you look with favor on the man wearing the fine clothes so that you say, “Sit here in a good place,” and yet you say to the poor man, “Stand over there,” or, “Sit here on the floor by my footstool,”

haven’t you discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?
James 2:2-4


Observation:

This line of thought, continuing from verse one of this chapter, says we are not to show favoritism to those who are (or appear to be) well-off. In showing favoritism, we have set ourselves up as “judges with evil thoughts.” (The NASB says “judges with evil motives.”) Fine clothing does not prove the merit of the inside of the person. Nor does poor clothing. It is important not to make assumptions based on how someone looks or dresses. It’s also important to treat others with respect and kindness regardless of his/her “station” in life....


Application:

Why does James give this topic so much “air time” (so to speak)? Our society today judges people by first impressions on a regular basis. It seems as though this is not a new societal phenomenon - it’s been occurring for millenia.

This phenomenon, however, can stop with us. We can choose today to change. Show kindness. Demonstrate respect. Give empathy. Extend grace. Offer second chances.


Prayer:

Father, this is so much easier said than done. Soften my heart to see when I fall into this societal trap. Forgive me for passing judgment! Give me Your heart for others, I pray!

Grace

Scripture:

My brothers, hold your faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ without showing favoritism.
James 2:1



Observation:

“Hold your faith” by clinging to your confidence in Christ. Keep believing in Him. Keep trusting Him. Hold on with all your might.

AND

Do this without judging other people based on their outward appearance. Don’t show “partiality” (KJV word) - don’t pass judgment with respect to how a person looks, how much money s/he has, or his/her reputation.


“Man does not see what the LORD sees, for man sees what is visible, but the LORD sees the heart.” (I Sam. 16:7b)

“There is no Jew or Greek, slave or free, male or female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus. And if you are Christ’s, then you are Abraham’s seed, heirs according to the promise.” (Galatians 3:28-29)



Application:

How often have I made assumptions based on what I could see (about a person or about a situation) and then been proven wrong? How often have others made assumptions about me based on what they see or have heard about me?

With the grace God has extended even unto me, how could I even consider passing judgment on (i.e. withholding grace from) others?



Prayer:

Lord, give us eyes to see, ears to hear, a heart to understand, and feet and hands to live out Your truth!

Three Elements of True Worship

Scripture:

If anyone thinks he is religious, without controlling his tongue but deceiving his heart, his religion is useless.

Pure and undefiled religion before our God and Father is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself unstained by the world.
James 1:26-27


Observation:

What is “religion?” According to The NAS New Testament Greek Lexicon, “religious” means “fearing or worshiping God.” (Whoa - that wasn’t the definition I was expecting. Did you expect that?)

If we consider ourselves someone who fears or worships God, but we don’t control our tongue, our “religion” (worship) is worthless.

Worthless. That’s a strong word. That clearly shows us that God requires that we control (read: restrain) our tongues. This is part of true worship. In addition to restraining our tongues, true worship also includes looking after orphans and widows when they are experiencing troubles. (“Orphans” can also refer to “those bereft of a guide.”) Also, true worship includes keeping ourselves “unstained” by the world. “Unstained” means spotless, but it also means irreproachable.

So, in summary, what are three elements of true worship?

1. Restrain our tongues
2. Look after “orphans” and “widows”
   • This can include physical needs
   • It can also include discipleship (spiritual) needs
3. Keep ourselves away from the worldly things that can:
   • Enslave us, or
   • Cause us to appear to be engaging in sin

Application:

Worship does not occur only in a corporate setting where Christians are singing, praying, and hearing the Word together. Worship is a lifestyle, lived out in the way we talk to others, serve (and love) others, and walk in the path of holiness God has called us to.


Prayer:

Lord, forgive me for times when I have spoken rashly, ignored a need, or otherwise allowed myself to engage in activities not pleasing to you. Teach me, afresh and anew, what true worship entails in my daily living. Make my life a song of praise to You!

The Secret to True Happiness

Scripture:

But the one who looks intently into the perfect law of freedom and perseveres in it, and is not a forgetful hearer but a doer who acts -- this person will be blessed in what he does.
James 1:25

Observation:

Continuing in the theme of yesterday’s passage, (know it [the Word of God] and do it [obey]), the woman who is intentional about learning the will of God, and acting upon it even when it’s difficult (sticking with it even in adversity), will be blessed in what she does. So, if I am persevering in what I know God is asking of me, even when it gets hard, I will be blessed, even when I don’t see how that could be. God’s blessings often come in the most unexpected of ways.


Application:

My job is to be faithful in what He is calling me to and to persevere even when circumstances aren’t conducive to doing so. I must be consistently in His Word, and open to His instruction. I must wait when He is silent, and change direction as He guides me to. I must allow His Word to purify and transform me. This is where true blessing (also translated “happiness”) is found.

So the Secret to True Happiness is to Know it and Do it!


Prayer:

In the words of Dennis Jernigan (Make Me More Free c. 1999):

“Make me more free, free me!
More power over sinning, more power to love!
Make me more free, free me!
Fill me with Your power and love!

With wings like an eagle,
my heart made to fly
over sin over sorrow
to new realms of life
from glory to glory
my gaze fixed so high
that I only see Jesus
the love of my life!”

A Holy Mirror

Scripture:

But be doers of the word and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.

Because if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man looking at his own face in a mirror;

for he looks at himself, goes away, and right away forgets what kind of man he was.

James 1:22-24



Observation:

John Wesley says scripture shows man “the face of his soul.” Basically, scripture reflects back to us what we look like, spiritually speaking. It points out our flaws, ongoing sin, and the unrefined (unholy) parts of our soul. By only “hearing” the Word and then walking away and forgetting about it, we are essentially saying to God that what He has to say to us is unimportant, that we know better than He does, and the areas He says need work? Well, really they don’t.

Do you know what it is to say that we know more than God does (in any area)? It’s the same sin that got Lucifer thrown out of heaven. Pride.

So listening to (or reading) Scripture without allowing it to change us from the inside out is what? Pride.

Humility, on the other hand, says to God “here am I, mold me into who You want me to be.”



Application:

We must know the Word of God, sisters. And do what it says.

Know it.

Do it.



Prayer:

Father, let me be a woman of action, who seeks Your face and Your will, who then sets out to obey!

In THE Word

Scripture:

Therefore, ridding yourselves of all moral filth and evil excess, humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you.

James 1:21


Observation:

First, all things observed here are based on the foundation of salvation being a gift of God, it is not something we can earn. That being said, we can choose to reject it. We can choose to continue to live in the “moral filth and evil excess” He desires to cleanse us of (because of His great love for us). Or we can choose to humbly receive the truth He gives us. God has given us His Word to show us our need for salvation and the means through which salvation can be obtained - faith in Jesus Christ. It takes humility to recognize that we need it and humility to ask Him to give it to us.

Application:

God saves us, and then progressively refines us to be more like Him. He uses the Word He has given us to shine light on areas that need to be cleansed, and to show us the life He desires for us to have. We need to know the Word of God in order for Him to use it in our lives. That means we need to read it, study it, and memorize it on a consistent basis.

Prayer:

Father, please remove “all moral filth and evil excess” from me and illuminate Your Word in my heart today!