Welcome back to the Fall 2023 Teaching Series!
This week’s additions include:
Reading His Word: Study of James – Chapter 3
Prayer: Expansion on the Armor of God Prayer added last week
Ministries: Introduction to Satan Is Alive and Well on Planet Earth: Lindsey, Hal, Carlson, Carole C., and How to Live Like a King’s Kid: The Miracle Way of Living That Has Changed Millions of Lives!: Harold Hill, Irene Harrell, David Du Piessis
James – Chapter 3
Please begin by taking time to click on the link and read or listen to James 3 NIV (biblehub.com).
The Book of James continues to hold ourselves accountable. In chapter 3, scripture brings in a higher level of accountability:
“My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment.”
James 3:1 NKJV
This is one of the scriptures that kept the Acts of the Way Ministry from moving forward at times. To say it is challenging to ensure all writings and teachings for this site are of God is an understatement! As a teacher, when we get something wrong, it causes others to sin. This is something we each need to remember as we see increase in our personal ministries for Christ. As God gives us more, we are held to higher levels of accountability in His kingdom.
Shifting back to individual accountability, another way we lead others to or away from Christ is with our words. Scripture acknowledges the level of effort it takes for each of us to control our tongues.
Indeed, we put bits in horses’ mouths that they may obey us, and we turn their whole body. Look also at ships: although they are so large and are driven by fierce winds, they are turned by a very small rudder wherever the pilot desires. Even so the tongue is a little member and boasts great things.
James 3:3-5 NKJV
The tongue controls the entire body! This is true on an individual level, as well as a corporate level with the entire body of Christ. When we grow to gain greater control of our tongues, following God’s Word and not our own, we gain greater control of our bodies.
We also see how the tongue can ruin:
“And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity. The tongue is so set among our members that it defiles the whole body, and sets on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire by hell.”
James 3:6 NKJV
Our words have the power to destroy and that destruction is from hell. Our words are also double-minded:
“With it we bless our God and Father, and with it we curse men, who have been made in the similitude of God.”
James 3:9 NKJV
“In the multitude of words sin is not lacking, But he who restrains his lips is wise.”
Proverbs 10:19
We each desire to operate with God’s wisdom. We do that by controlling our words. If our words are praising God, they need to also be merciful to others. Our words are not to glorify ourselves. Remember:
For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, will to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and without hypocrisy.”
James 3:16-17
Christ seeks peace for His kingdom. To be part of that kingdom, we too need to seek peace and it begins with our words. Take sometime this week to truly ponder the impact of your words on others. Are you being an example of a loving, cared for by a merciful, and forgiving God whose desire is for all to come to Him?
Remember, we all need God’s mercy. So, let’s continue to seek, grow and hold ourselves more accountable together!
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for Your growing wisdom, as we read your Word and study the Book of James. This week, I decree to be a servant in Your kingdom who sows the fruit of righteousness in peace. Work through me to show others Your love, mercy and desire for all to members of Your great kingdom. Let those I interact with be changed by Your presence of love, demolition any walls around their hearts preventing them from coming to Christ’s salvation.
Thank you, Lord for Your great mercy. In Jesus Christ’s name I pray.
Amen.
Prayers
This week we expand on the prayer below added to the site last week:
“Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints – and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak.”Ephesians 6:10-20 NKJV
God has given each of us spiritual armor. As Christ taught the disciples throughout the gospels, we are to do battle against evil. Each piece of armor noted in this scripture identifies an area of opportunity for our walk with the Lord:
Belt to be truthful in all our interactions
Breastplate of Righteousness staying aligned to God’s ways, as documented in the Bible.
Gospel Shoes bringing the salvation of Christ to the World
Helmet of Salvation understanding what salvation means in our own lives and being covered and protected by the blood of Christ
Shield of Faith gaining strength as we act in faith, as led, knowing God is the ultimate Creator of our universe and has almighty power over all.
Sword of Holy Spirit power, through gifts, decreeing God’s Word here on earth and the power of God’s Angels Armies to carry out scripture decreed on earth.
Each of these elements shows us an area we can delve deeply into, to learn more about God and His ways. As you pray this week, consider one God is calling you to for His wisdom to be shared.
Ministries
Satan Is Alive and Well on Planet Earth: Lindsey, Hal, Carlson, Carole C was published in 1972 and it was one of the first texts that began opening my eyes to the evil that exists in our world. If we believe God calls us to fight evil, we need to understand the evil we are fighting against. And that begins with acknowledgement evil is real and active in our world. More specifically, it is active in the United States and has been for some time. Educate yourself on the world we live in, to better learn how to bring God’s kingdom to earth!
How to Live Like a King’s Kid: The Miracle Way of Living That Has Changed Millions of Lives!: Harold Hill, Irene Harrell, David Du Piessis was a joy to read!! Harold as a successful business man by all worldly accounts, but hit rock bottom. That is where he, like so many others, met Christ. With a pure desire to know God, he sought a scriptural view on everything in his life. There are many entertaining and powerful moments highlighted in this book and if you are looking for something light, yet powerful to reach, this one is highly recommended!!
May God be with you this week in all your endeavors!
To God be the Glory!
Amen.
Published: 10/20/23