Welcome to Week 4 of the Fall 2023 Teaching Series!
This week’s additions include:
Reading His Word: Study of James – Chapter 4
Ministries: Introduction to Spiritual Warfare: Prince, Derek and The Jesus Club: Incredible True Stories of How God Is Moving in Our High Schools: Barcelona, Brian, Vujicic.
James – Chapter 4
Please begin by taking time to click on the link and read or listen to James 4 NIV (biblehub.com).
The Book of James, chapter 4, contains many messages for us to build on. The first is regarding the struggle between following the ways of the Spirit and indulging in the ways of the flesh.
“Where do wars and fights come from among you? Do they not come from your desires for pleasure that war in your members?”
James 4:1 NKJV
We have basic human needs for food, clothing and shelter. But, instead of depending on the Lord for these items, we can easily slip into believing we have attained them through our own efforts, instead of God’s blessing. This at times leads to the desire for “more.”
“Or do you think that the Scripture says in vain, “The Spirit who dwells in us yearns jealously”?”
James 4:5 NKJV
It is a process for each of us to:
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.”
James 4:8
The Spirit knows our heart and will help us discipline our heart, to stay focused on the Lord and His ways, instead of earthly gain. As we learned in chapter 3, our words come from the desires of our hearts.
God provides a solution:
“Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.”
James 4:10
God’s desire is to lift up His children, but that will only happen when we are dedicated to following His ways.
Think about a child coming to you after they have made a mistake. A confessing, humble heart is open for understanding and change. The stage is set for mercy. Scripture tells us:
“There is one Lawgiver, who is able to save and to destroy. Who are you to judge another?”
James 4:12 NKJV
We need to remember we are all that guilty child at times. Everything is a balance. We do need to call sinful behaviors sin. But if Holy Spirit is not calling us to speak to someone about their sin and giving the words to speak, we should be cautious we are not crossing over into our own finger pointing stance of judgment. God will ultimately judge each of our actions, being merciful of hardships we have each faced that may have led us to sin.
Finally, we need to lift each day up for God to accomplish His desires through us. He knows the responsibilities that align to what He has blessed us with, including: growing families, managing work, and donating time to share His love. Being continuously open to His leading through Holy Spirit, we should follow not only when it is time to start something, but when it is time to stop. Or focus should never become an obsession that elevates itself above God in our lives.
Thus, this chapter closes with sound guidance:
“Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.”
James 4:15 NKJV
God promises in scripture He will take care of all our needs, not all our wants, but our needs.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the continuous wisdom found in reading Your Word. I pray you be with me, as I better discern my needs from my wants. My one true desire is to stay aligned to Your will and Your plan for my life. Be with me daily as I work to share Your love to those in my life.
Thank you, Father God. In Jesus Christ’s name I pray.
Amen.
Ministries
Spiritual Warfare: Prince, Derek has several different publication dates, the earliest being 1987. The 2013 version includes the tagline, “Headquarters–The Heavenlies; The Battlefield–Our Minds, All Bible-believing Christians are involved in this battle whether they believe it or not!” The wonderful aspect of this text is that it opens our eyes to the true battle that is being waged, giving us a different perspective of our own position here on earth. When circumstances get out of hand, we can stop, take time and recognize God is greater than any issue here on earth. He is the Almighty and is all powerful in His ability to address situations His children face. There are many scriptures referencing warfare in the Heavenlies. This work gives insight to what we are living through today. By, seeking God’s wisdom regarding the Heavenlies and learning how to do battle for ourselves, those we love and everyone on earth, we will be better be able to serve, bringing God’s kingdom to earth.
The Jesus Club: Incredible True Stories of How God Is Moving in Our High Schools: Barcelona, Brian, Vujicic was a hard book to put down!! The inspiration received from reading the miraculous outcomes resulting from a single choice of one person to purely serve was overwhelming! God calls us to take action for Him, but He also has provided Sabath for us to rest. This encouraging work is a wonderful way to rest and bask in the love God has for each of us!
May God be with you this week as you grow in His kingdom!
To God be the Glory!
Amen.
Published: 10/31/23