Proof that we have faith, that we love Jesus, is that we are obedient to his teaching.
Mirror, Mirror…
What do you see in the mirror? What mirror are you looking in?
Courageous Perseverance
Sunday Pastor KPaul talked about James 1:1-4, about letting perseverance finish its work in our lives. (If you missed it, check it out here: Faith Works Sermons.) So while I was knitting today I have been pondering some things. The word perseverance (or steadfastness as some translations have it) implies that there are obstacles or difficulties… Continue reading Courageous Perseverance
Who is James?
The book of James is a letter. Since it is a letter, it is helpful to know who the author is and who the recipients are and, if possible, why the letter was written. Let’s start with the author. “James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,” is how the author is… Continue reading Who is James?
Community and Communion
I am working towards my master’s in theology. Today was the last meeting of the pastoral care and ministry class. It was different than the other classes that I have had in this program. The professor called it a lab course. I want to call it a “building community” course. We had a couple of… Continue reading Community and Communion
No.
I said no today.
Sibling Rivalry
My sister and I were great at sibling rivalry when we were kids. We fought over everything. We had the standard, "She's touching me!" or "She's on my side!" in the back seat of the car frequently. We fought over the passenger seat when we got older. We fought over toys and the bathroom and… Continue reading Sibling Rivalry
Displaying Wisdom from Heaven
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. But if you harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast about it or deny the truth. Such “wisdom” does not come down from heaven but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where you… Continue reading Displaying Wisdom from Heaven
Sparks or Spurs
Is your tongue a spark or a spur?
Dead or Alive
Photo by rawpixel.com on Pexels.com One of the things that James says about faith without works is that it is dead. Dead. I think I miss the strength of that image for a couple of reasons. One reason is that the passage is familiar, so I don't stop and think about the images he is… Continue reading Dead or Alive
Simple Reminders
My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.James 2:1 NIV Speak and act as those who are going to be judged by the law that gives freedom, because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment. James 2:12-13 NIV Where have you… Continue reading Simple Reminders
