Humble Hearts, God Glorifying Deeds

“Who is wise and understanding among you? Let them show it by their good life, by deeds done in the humility that comes from wisdom. (James 3:13)

The Bible tells me that a wise and understanding person serves humbly and leads a life that is good (righteous). I thought it was really a wake up call for me as I reflected on how I would take pride in the areas which I could serve well and sometimes really boasted about it.

I think a God glorifying deed is something which we put our hearts in doing and yet expect nothing in return except that God will be known as a result of what we do.

Let's strive to give Him glory.

Amen.

The Tongue that Glorifies

“[5] Likewise, the tongue is a small part of the body, but it makes great boasts. Consider what a great forest is set on fire by a small spark. [6] The tongue also is a fire, a world of evil among the parts of the body. It corrupts the whole body, sets the whole course of one’s life on fire, and is itself set on fire by hell.” (James 3:5-6)

I reflected on the times I allow my tongue to cause hurt to the people I love during times when I was critical. I also thought of the times when I was hurt by words that were insensitive or hurtful. Indeed, the tongue has been one of the main reasons that start conflicts or to end them.

God made it clear that we should not allow our tongue to become like the forest fire, instead, the tongue should be used to build one another up and worship God.

I think we would not be able to totally be perfect in controlling our tongue, but we could always work towards thinking before we speak, and consider how our words could help others know God.

To God to be all the glory, Amen...

Faith to Deeds

“[14] What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds? Can such faith save them? [15] Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. [16] If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? [17] In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:14-17)

The other day, I was reminded of the different faith that we have. “Functional Faith, Relational Faith and Spiritual Faith.” Faith enables us to take actions to do whatever God commands us, and trust that He will be with us.

I know I can take my faith in God higher by being more evangelistic and living the life which He wants me to live, that is to love Him with everything I have and to give mg best for His glory.

In practical terms, I think it would help to confess my sins to my close brothers as well as to read His Word everyday. Let us be earnest in wanting to be close with God and in every opportunity, let Him be known to the people we come across.

Amen...

Hold the Judgment, it belongs to God

“Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, [13] because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.” (James 2:12-13)

“Fear God!” This scripture simply puts it. That is the first thought that comes to my mind. How then do we conduct ourselves? By living a life that is filled with mercy and grace. God is gracious to us and He showed us mercy by having His Son, our Lord Jesus to die for our sins.

May we never forget that salvation is given to us because God is merciful and loving towards us. The judgment will come ultimately, but I don't want to be judged as one who holds prejudice against others.

Let us renew our hearts daily, so that we may not lose that merciful heart towards others.

Amen.

Unbiased Love

“[8] If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, “Love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing right. [9] But if you show favoritism, you sin and are convicted by the law as lawbreakers.” (James 2:8-9)

Favoritism is a sin that impairs our sense of fairness in dealing with people. Sometimes I determined who “deserves” to be saved based on their outward appearance and form a certain judgment towards them. God wants all of the people to be saved, but it is not doing the Kingdom any good if I become judgmental and refuse to share the gospel to everyone.

By showing favoritism, we are not keeping the Commandment and we are not giving glory to God. I think I can do better in loving people and putting away my judgmental thoughts towards certain people, just as God has given all of us an opportunity to know Him.

Amen.

Showing No Favoritism

“[1] My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism. [2] Suppose a man comes into your meeting wearing a gold ring and fine clothes, and a poor man in filthy old clothes also comes in. [3] If you show special attention to the man wearing fine clothes and say, “Here’s a good seat for you,” but say to the poor man, “You stand there” or “Sit on the floor by my feet,” [4] have you not discriminated among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?” (James 2:1-4)

In what ways of my life do I show favoritism? Although I do not do the exact things that were described in the Bible, but I do display bias actions towards people whom I feel closer and are more lovable.

Although some may argue that it is just “Human Nature” to do so, but the Bible warns us about such actions of favoritism. We ought to check our hearts when we give more attention to one person over the other. God wants everyone to be saved and it is His desire for all to know Him.

 Let us be inclusive in our love and fellowship, not allowing anyone to feel left out.

Amen.

Staying Away From Corruptions of the World

“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” (James 1:27)

We can tell others as much as we want about our religion and what our beliefs are. But it is really what we do in and with our lives which show others what being a disciple is all about.

I reflected if I am really concerned for the poor and the needy. Apart from giving poor contributions weekly, there are just so much more that I could do to love the poor and needy.

I am especially drawn to the point about keeping myself from being polluted by the world. So often am I bombarded with worldly images and ideas when surfing the net or even just going about in a normal day of my life.

It is common to be presented with so many worldly things in life, but it is important to acknowledge the spiritual harm that we could get if we entertain the thoughts and sight of the worldly stuffs.

The Bible wants us to keep away from being polluted by the worldly corruptions and stay pure and blameless in God's sight.

So let us stay convicted and faithful, being conscious of the negative things that the world present us, so that we can stay away and be blameless before God.

Amen...

Speak with a Godly Attitude

“Those who consider themselves religious and yet do not keep a tight rein on their tongues deceive themselves, and their religion is worthless.” (James 1:26)

Today's verses in James serve as a reminder for me to watch how I talk and what I talk about with others.

The actions of a disciple should reflect God's glory and draw people closer to Him.

If we do not watch our tongue, our actions and our thoughts, no amount of scriptural knowledge we have could please God.

Let us then walk close with God in all areas of our lives.

Amen.

Remember the Purpose

“[23] Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror [24] and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like.” (James 1:23-24)

For me, it is easy to get fired up about scriptures and teachings that are convicting. But most of the times, I ended up doing little or nothing about my convictions and continue in my old ways.

The Bible describes such a person as one who forgets what he looks like after looking at himself in the mirror and walks away.

When we read the scriptures and listen to the Word, we are reminded that we are disciples that owe God and His people a duty to stay righteous and pure.

I am reminded again to walk in the ways of God, not forgetting the purpose which God has put in our lives.

Amen.

Put Word into Actions

“[21] Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. [22] Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:21-22)

We pick up worldly contaminants as we go about our daily lives. If we don't watch out, we can easily fall in temptations and sins.

The Bible tells us also to rid of all the filth that can contaminate our morals and heart.

We can get a lot of insights by looking into the Bible and meditating on the teachings by Jesus and the Apostles. But on top of the daily meditation of the Word, it is more important to put what we have learned into practice.

The Bible puts it clearly in verse 22, telling us not to be deceived by the knowledge we have of the scriptures, it is useless without us practicing what we have learned.

So let us do our best to practice what we preached and help more people know God through our actions and way of life.

Amen...

Quick To Listen, Slow To Speak

“[19] My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, [20] because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.” (James 1:19-20)

Being quick to listen, slow to speak and anger is something that the world did not teach us to do. Especially in a country where everything speaks about efficiency.

We may argue on the fact that it is the pattern of the world. But hey, the Bible also tells us in the book of Romans not to conform any longer into the patterns of the world.

Let us be discerning in regards to what is right or wrong, and what is really pleasing in the eyes of God.

I am guilty of being quicker to speak than listen at times, especially in my workplace. I think being a disciple means that we need to practice what was taught no matter where we are, so,it does not give me an excuse to behave ungodly in the workplace.

Today's quiet time has brought me the refreshing of my mind, wanting to be right in my attitude towards God and His people.

Let us also be quick to listen, slow to anger and slow to speak, that people may see our patience and love, and see God working in us powerfully.

Amen.

God's Perfect and Unchanging Love

“[16] Don't be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. [17] Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. [18] He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of firstfruits of all He created.” (James 1:16-18)

Often, I consider that I am imperfect and not worthy of God's Kingdom. After all, I continue to sin and let God down in my daily walk with Him.

But when I read this scripture, I realized that this is exactly what Satan want me to believe. It is not true that I am unworthy of God's Kingdom.

The scripture wants me not to be deceived, because the gift of the Holy Spirit which God gave me is good and perfect. The blood which Jesus shed to wash away my sins is good and perfect. So being the firstfruits that is being sanctified by His Word, I am worthy in God's eyes to inherit the Kingdom of Heaven.

Let us continue to fight on in the struggle with the world, hold our grounds and wait for the day to celebrate our victory. Our battle has been won 2000 years ago, we only need to stay faithful and persevere.

Amen.

Fighting Temptations

“[13] When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; [14] but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. [15] Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.” (NIV)James 1:13-15

As the scriptures say, God does not tempt us. It is the sinful nature in ourselves that caused us to be tempted.

It is clear that when we go along with our evil temptations to fulfill our desires, we sin against God.

I reflected that there are so many times that I just allow myself to be led by my evil temptations and sin consciously against God.

I think I can continue to do better in confessing my sins to brothers and having them keep me accountable.

Let us also be aware of the power of Satan, that we continue to stand strong against him through the power which comes from God.

Fight on!

Amen...

Persevere and Succeed

“Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.” (James 1:12)

As I was reading this verse, I am reminded that the world that we are living in will post challenges in our lives as we try to live a righteous life.

There is always a struggle for me to live a life that is God pleasing, but at the same time accomplish my job requirements.

So glad to know from Reza's session that I am not the only one who struggles this way.

Just want to encourage you and myself to fight on in the world. The truth is that our battle has been won through the blood of Jesus. But let us hold our grounds until the Lord calls us Home.

Amen...

Humble Ourselves

“[9] Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position. [10] But the rich should take pride in their humiliation---since they will pass away like a wild flower. [11] For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.” (James 1:9-11)

These verses remind me of the attitude I ought to have towards worldly wealth. It is also important for me remember not to put too much emphasis on accumulating things that could pass away.

The Bible says that we hold high positions when we are in humble circumstances. I think this something which many people could not understand. I recall the widow who puts two copper coins in the temple and realized that it is when we have close to nothing, that we can only rely on God for everything.

But I don't want to rely God only in my lowest situation. I think God is there for us whether we are in our highs or lows. I need to focus on God instead of the worldly possessions. As it is written that that these things will pass away like a wild flower.

I'm reminded that God is ultimately the Master, any other things come after Him.

Amen...

Go to God First

“[5] If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. [6] But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. [7] That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. [8] Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do.” (James 1:5-8)

There are so many decisions to be made daily. I go to so many people to seek advise and find solution but often not going to God first.

“After all,” I thought, “God can't give me the answer straight away anyway...”

Such thoughts proofed to be disastrous most of the time. Instead of getting a God advice and making a wise move, I failed terribly and had to face the consequences of my bad decisions and taste the fruits of my folly. Although I held on strong to the conviction that if I should “seek first His Kingdom and His Righteousness”, the sinful nature of me will always rely on my on knowledge and understanding.

Like the verses said, many times I doubted if God could be trusted in my day to day decision. In the end, no wonder I fail to receive His blessings. As a disciple, I should learn to trust the Lord with all my heart and lean not on my own understanding.

Let us not be double minded lest the things we do, whether in our personal life or in Kingdom, goes down the drain and we labor in vain.

Let us put God number 1 today and trust Him wholeheartedly!

Amen!

Persevere in Trials

“[2] Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, [3] because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. [4] Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” (James 1:2-4)

After an inspiring message from Reza, I decided to do my quiet time on the book of James. Indeed, trials and challenges can test my faith in God, His promises and my love for Him. I really have to admit that I am a person with little discipline (Sorry God), I tend to procrastinate and give up on things halfway through at times.

The Bible says that perseverance will near fruits of maturity and completeness. As I reflected on it I realized that it is true that I still lack the maturity which is required of a disciple. I have got to continue to persevere not only in my daily walk with God, but in terms of physical health as well.

So taking trials as a way of God's discipline for us, know that God will discipline those whom He loved. Be joyful in trials, persevere, and we will become a better disciple.

Amen.