Love Covers Over a Multitude of Sins

This is the last post for James. Check in next week to see what is next.

Read James 5:19-20
Title in NIV: Turning a sinner from the error of his way.

"If one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring him back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of his way will save him from death and cover over a multitude of sins."

My first thought when I read this scripture was: Why don't we (Christians) do this more often. Or maybe I should say: why don't I do this more often. I know my reason: I don't want to offend anyone, I don't want them to think I am pushing my faith on them (they will just think I am a 'goody-goody'), and I really don't like confrontation.

When we do not deal with a situation, be it someone who hurt you or something you saw that was a sin, James 3:14 says we could begin to "harbor bitter envy and selfish ambition in your hearts....[it] is earthly, unspiritual, of the devil. For where you find envy and selfish ambition, there you find disorder..."


Matthew 18:15 says, " If your brother sins against you, go and show him his fault, just between the two of you. If he listens to you, you have won your brother over. But if he will not listen, take one or two along.....If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church...."

Paul's goal in his ministry was to "somehow arouse [his] own people to envy [the gospel] and save some of them." Maybe that is why I write devos all the time. I want to arouse people's spirits, cause them to think more deeply about others and change those things in themselves that cause them to not keep in step with the Spirit.

1 Peter 4:8 says, "Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins."

Blessings and see you here next week!

Be Undivided

One more week of James. Tune in to see what book I am led to study next.

Read James 5:13-20
Title in NIV: Healing Power of Prayer

There is always more than one way to assess a situation.  A worldly view/attitude or a spiritual view/attitude.  In these verses, The worldly attitudetude/view he makes me question God. The spiritual attitude/view makes a lot of sense to me.

Worldly view: When I assess these verses  with a worldly view, I become confused and question God. My worldly view says, "I prayed and asked prayers from the church. The person I prayed for did not get well and died. The others I prayed for got divorced anyway. They were not healed with prayer like the verse says he would be. God is a lier."  A worldly view and attitude of the scriptures gets us in trouble sometimes. The bible tells us to live spiritually more and more each day.  A hymn says to "have less of me and more of Him", then says "have none of me and all of Him".

 It is impossible to live totally with a spiritual mindset because we are in the world.  We are like dolphins. They cannot totally live outside the water, but they cannot live totally in the water without coming  up for air either. They need both. We need both also. We live in the world and cannot get away from it (until death), but we can see glimpses of the spiritual world all around if we take the time live FOR the spiritual.  It is hard to be spiritual and think spiritual all the time. That is just the way it is since we have a worldly body, but that should be our goal: none of this world in me and all of the Spirit in me.

Spiritual view: I like the wording of verse 15 in the KJV. "The prayer of faith shall save the sick." The Greek definition (someone told me) is 1) to make well, heal or 2) preserve one who is in danger of perishing.  There is a worldly definition and a spiritual definition. Looking at the spiritual definition, if we pray, we help save the sick (people without Jesus as their Savior) from perishing. The KJV catches the spiritual view more clearly to me than the NIV which catches the worldly view.

Daily, I encourage you to look for glimpses of the spirit realm in your life. A baby being born, a whisper from God, a call from a friend, family,  kids playing well together, someone coming to Christ, a baptism. Whatever it is, it is a blessing being sent down from heaven to show us what is to come. I can't wait to see it, undivided.

Further study: John 15:19; 1 Cor 3:18-20; 2 Cor 10:3; 1John 2:15

Bless This Mess

Read James 5:10-12
Title in NIV: Patience until the Lord returns.
(Story used by permission)

Many, many months ago, I counseled a friend to stay in a troubled marriage. My thoughts came from vs. 11 "As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered...and have seen what the Lord finally brought about." I am happy to report that they are allowing God to stitch their marriage back together. They are persevering and seeing the blessings! They can see blessings from the mess. Satan did not destroy this family.

If she would have given up, her family would have been broken, divorce would have been a legacy handed down, and forgiveness would have never happened. I am proud of them both.

 If you have a huge mountain in your life that looks hopeless, take heart and persevere. The blessings on the other side are bigger than the mountain. Trust that God can heal and turn all the mess into beauty. If you give up, like so many do, you will never see what God has promised. Then you will, possibly, get mad at God when it was really you that gave up....not God. 

Also, think about what God is trying to do in your life through the mess. Is He trying to rid you of prejudice or pride or fear or unforgiviness? Is He helping you learn to submit to Him and His ways (not your selfish  will)? I believe God allows the messes in our life until we learn what he wants us to learn. If you have a continual mess, examine what God is trying to teach you. Your mess might go away if you surrender to God's plan for your life!

The Judge Is At The Door Listening

Read James 5:7-9
Title in NIV: Patience until the Lord returns

Verse 9 says, "The Judge is standing at the door!" I don't know about you, but if I knew my husband, my mom or dad, my preacher or my best friend was standing outside my door listening, I would be nicer, more humble, more patient and forgiving. I would be anticipating their visit by sweeping the floors and getting rid of the clutter. I would be preparing for them. How much more should I be doing that for the Savior at my door waiting?

When my kids know I am at their door listening, they act differently. They are nicer to one another and get along so well. They share, they don't grumble, they watch their words.

We should have that 'at the door' mentality all the time. We should be watchful, preparing, patient and full of good character. We so easily forget the Judge is always at the door listening weather we remember He is there or not....He is.

We should make good characteristics part of our heart and soul. They should be the first thing we show people not the 'after-thought'. Don't get stuck in the 'should have's'. Be the person Christ wants you to be all the time and to everyone.

Give It All...How Hard Is That?

Read James 4:17-5:6
Title in NIV: Rebuke for wealthy oppressors.

I think vs. 4:17 should start chapter 5. It fits so much better. Who made up these 'headings' anyway?

Vs 4:17-5:3 is a little scary to me. I consider myself rich. I have family, friends, a home, a bed, food, pictures on my walls, table clothes, 3 sets of flatware, cars, 3 freezers and money in the bank.  I am so blessed/rich and according to this verse, I will be judged according to what I am doing with my wealth. Am I a hoarder or a provider? Am I soothing miseries by sharing what I have? Am I helping others or dismissing them? Am I failing with what God has given me or victorious with what God has given me?  Am I always comfortable or stretching myself beyond my comfort zone?

I know I could be doing more with my wealth. I'm sure God will tell no one, "You did too much in my name. You gave too much away. You sacrificed too much. You did more than I required. You praised me too much." That is a sobering thought.

Read vs. 5-6.  I feel like I am living in luxury. My challenge is to be in the world, but not of the world. I have to constantly examine myself.  I have to make sure I do not over indulge in anything (moderation). I have to take care of my body (His temple). I have to consider others and make sure I do not murder the innocent by not sharing the Word with them. I cringe to think how many people I could have shared Life and chose to shrink. I shutter to think why I did not hold out the Word of Life to people.

Thank the Lord for grace and mercy and forgiveness!! I know I need it because I do not give ALL of myself for His name.

God in Every Aspect

Read James 4:13-16
Title in NIV: Boasting about tomorrow is evil.

Wow! Am I ever guilty of this! I take life for granted and assume I will live to be old and gray, have a 50th wedding anniversary and see my grandkids.  I make my lists and plan each day and plan supper assuming I will get home that evening to cook it.

I need to put God in my day, in my plans, and give Him control of my lists. I need to watch for opportunities He gives me every moment.

My priority should NOT be God, Family, Home, Church, Writing, Relationships.  My priority should be God & Family, God & Home, God & Church, God & Relationships, God & Writing, God & Driving, God & Dinner, God & Laundry. God should be in every aspect of my life-- yours too.

That is hard to accomplish and easy to forget God when life is busy and stressful.  I strive for a better relationship with God. I want and need Him completly in my life.

Blessings!!

Earthly Wisdom Vs. Heavenly Wisdom

(Go to my blog page and find updates and 'follow me')   in-stepwithspirit.blogspot.com

Read James 3:13-18
Title in NIV: Earthly wisdom verses heavenly wisdom.

Heavenly Wisdom                  Earthly Wisdom
pure                                          harbor bitter envy
peace-loving                           selfish ambition
considerate                              unspiritual
submissive                               of the devil
full of fruit                                disorder
impartial                                    evil practices
sincere
humble
good deeds

Heavenly wisdom is the understanding of spiritual things. Earthly wisdom is the understanding of carnal, evil things. Our task and goal is to persevere in the knowledge of spiritual things more and more as we mature and leave the earthly wisdom.

Read James 4:1-12
Title in NIV: Friendship with the world is hatred toward God.

My title for this thought could be: Judgment Vs. Concern.  Lately, for me, I have been struggling with these two words. As I mature in the characteristics of heavenly wisdom (list above), I see myself and the world increasingly filthier and more opposed to God every day. I see many earthly things that are opposed to God and selfishness running rampant. Friendship with the world seems normal because....we live in the world. But, we are called to put more 'stock' in the spiritual aspect of life. Deeds are the only way to test which life we are more 'wrapped-up' in.

Romans discusses what a depraved people we are and that we are only saved by the blood of Jesus Christ. We should be a slave to righteousness and do those deeds contrary to God no more. Here is my dilemma: I see so many deeds and I do so many deeds that are contrary to my Spirit. My spirit groans when I put things before God and I don't take care of what God has blessed me with.  I have to be very careful when I look at the deeds of others and judge their heart. I am concerned about the selfish deeds I do and see everyday. They weigh me down.

My challenge: judgment leads to death but concern leads to a changed life. I can do nothing about others selfish deed's except  pray for them.  I can change my selfish deeds.  I can only allow Jesus access to my heart and change myself.
I need many changes.

Evaluate yourself to see if you are more heavenly minded or earthly minded.

Heart & Words Goes Together Like PB & J

Read James 3:1-12
Title in NIV: Importance of controlling the tongue.

Our tongues are so small yet the most deadly part of our bodies. My kids took karate from the future Grand Master of American Karate. My husband takes karate from the current Grand Master (there is only one at a time in the world). With all their strength and abilities they can not be as quick and deadly as the tongue.

The tongue can murder...someones character or reputation.
The tongue can steal... someones confidence.
The tongue can gossip.
The tongue can spew venom.
The tongue can tear down.
The tongue can constantly be negative.
The tongue can lie.
The tongue can curse.
The tongue can spark a war.
The tongue can destroy friendships.
The tongue can show your unrighteous judgement of others.

The tongue can also sooth hurts, praise the Father, encourage, build up, and heal wounds.

My biggest concern is where the root of all your words come from:    the heart.   Luke 6:45 says, "Out of the overflow of his heart his mouth speaks." God knows the heart , so even if you do not speak, your heart gives you away to the Father. But, I believe, not speaking is a start to knowing how much the tongue can hurt and not speaking can show maturity.

We will never be able to control the tongue because our hearts will never be fully the Lord's. We will always be human (on this earth) and we can't get away from that part of our being. Our spiritual nature and worldly nature war with each other constantly.  Like a saucer needs a cup, like an envelop needs a stamp, like PB&J; spiritual and worldly cannot be separated... for now.

Lord, thank you for your grace and mercy. My heart is filthy and my words reflect that more than they should.  I pray my heart is filled more and more with you as I read and study your Word daily. I want your Word to be in my heart so the overflow will be loving. Help me be in the world but not of the world. I have to live here, but I don't have to be content with my growth. Help me desire to continually mature.  Put your arm around my shoulder and your hand on my mouth.

Got Deeds? What Motivates Your Deeds?

It may be late, but here it is!!!
Read James 2:14-26
Title in NIV: Real faith shows itself by deeds.

Real and true faith leads to action motivated by love, acceptance and forgiveness. When you strive to have a real relationship with God and love your neighbor as yourself, He will place deeds on your heart as opportunities. You can choose to act on the opportunities or deny the Spirits' nudge. The deeds will benefit your fellowman and edify you, too.  This action through faith is the only true and real faith because it is done with motives of, like I stated before, love acceptance and forgiveness.

Abraham's faith and his actions were working together and his faith was made perfect/complete in what he did (vs. 22). A person is justified by what he does with his faith.  Kinda like the men with talents.  The men were judged by what they did with their talent not justified because they had a talent.

When you give your life to Jesus, you will begin to WANT/DESIRE to do good deeds. It will almost become a natural thought. Deciding to act on the desire is the hard part because time, fear, money, rejection, family get in the way.

Some deeds are motivated by fear.
Some deeds are motivated by 'what can this get me?...righteousness.'
Some deeds are motivated by keeping up with the Jones'.
Some deeds are motivated by following the rules.
Some deeds are motivated by tradition.
Some deeds are motivated by a holiday approaching.
Some deeds are motivated by selfishness.

Yes, people may be helped by these deeds, but only those deeds back by love, acceptance,  and forgiveness count to the Father. Deeds for the wrong reasons are like filthy rags (Is. 64:6) because our motives are wrong.

Challenge: Don't just look at the deeds you DO, look at the deeds you DONT DO and search out the motive.

Ready, Set, ACTION!

Read James 1:19-27

Title in NIV: Believers must obey God’s Word, not just listen to it.

Theme: Maturity



Maturity has been the theme for James so far and it continues in vs. 19-27. A mature Christian is quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry. I think this is saying it is much better to hush than it is to talk.  When we speak we tend to gossip, stretch the truth and tell people what they want to hear (for lots of reasons: approval, acceptance…). Vs. 26 says if we cannot control our tongue our religion is worthless.



Also, mature Christians are not supposed to allow anger to overtake them. I have little ones and what makes me the angriest is their lack of obedience after I have told them them 100 time. I get so frustrated telling them over and over and do something and picking up after them when they are capable of doing it themselves.  I have to constantly keep my anger in check. (I wonder how God feels when I constantly disobey Him over and over.) Keeping vs. 20 close to me has helped. Put scripture on your mirror to help remind you to change your behavior.



We should be ridding our self of all filth and evil in our lives and accept the word planted in us. We have the Word planted in us!! We should be taking steps to make that Word sprout. That Word should be growing and making fruit, too. Vs. 22 says that the fruit on our tree does no good unless you share it so someone else can benefit.



Vs. 23 describes people (Christians, too) who listen to the Word but never act. Maturity is action, immaturity is sitting stagnant.



Vs. 27 says, “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.” How can you do that sitting down?? Let’s get up and act on love! And, be aware how the world is polluting you and take action to stop it.

Do You Stick?

Read James 1:12-18
Title in NIV: Temptations are not from God.
Theme: Mature Christian



This passage compares and contrasts mature Christians  and immature Christians.  A mature Christian is blessed when they are temped by Satan as he hurls his darts because they persevere: they ‘stick’. They always move forward and trust God during pain. They understand this world is temporary and that another place is waiting if they stand firm and pass the tests given. They ‘stick’. 1 Peter 1:7 says, “though for a little while you may have to suffer grief in all kinds of trials…so that your faith….may be proved genuine…".  So trials are a test to show if they will persevere or shrink back. Mature Christians ‘stick”.



When a mature Christian is tempted, they realize it is for some reason. One- to prove their faith genuine. Two- to strengthen them. Three- to help rid themselves of dross in their life. Dross is the impurity that floats to the top (like cream in fresh milk) of metal when it is melted. All the impurity is scraped off the top to make the metal pure. God puts us in firey situations to make the dross float so he can scrape it off. A problem arises when we mix the dross back into our life before God has a chance to scrape it off.



The mature Christian understands God does not tempt anyone. The mature Christian does not allow evil desires to drag them away OR when they are drug away- because all of us sin- they claw, fight, repent, pray back to righteousness and do not stay in that sin. They ‘stick’ to their beliefs. They do not allow it to rule their life; they try to do better. There are some things I try to do better at every day. I will be drug away if I stop trying and give up. A mature Christian does not change like the shifting shadows to suit his own desires. He ‘sticks’.



To contrast: An immature Christian retreats, shrinks back from situations/opportunities placed in front of him. They are not blessed in a heavenly or worldly manner. They believe trials are punishments from God and therefore don’t like God and think He is unfair and untrustable. An immature Christian wants to hold on to sin because it is comfortable. They hang on tightly to things that are not beneficial. An immature Christian changes his mind a lot and seems tossed in the wind. Ephesians 4:14 says, “…infants tossed back and forth by the waves and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunningness and craftiness of men in their deceitful scheming.” Romans says, “watch out for those who cause division and put obstacles in your way that are contrary to the teaching you have received. Keep away from them… By their smooth talk and flattery they deceive the mind of naive people” or deceive the mind of immature Christians. Immature Christian will go with the flow and possibly do things they have never done before just to fit in with their surrounding. They compromise their beliefs to suit their desire. Now, remember, these can be Christians that come to church every time the door is open and they can also be doing good deeds, but their whole life does center around sticking to God's desire for their life. They still want what they want when they want it.



Maturity is striving to be more like Christ in all aspects of your life and in every situation. You cannot allow God access to parts of your life and keep him out of others because you know you will have to give something up if you let him in THAT part of your life.



Mature Christians do not run away, they do not change, they do not bend, they ‘stick’ and learn lessons THROUGH the trials. They know God will carry them through and they will be better and stronger on the other side of the trial.



Challenge: list things in your life that are not beneficial…..now start the process of scraping them off your list. (TV, Facebook, Magazines, pride, fear, obsession with shoes, cars, vanity, following others etc.)

What Is Your Spiritual Age?

And the winner is……………..James.


Read James 1:1-11
Title in NIV: Trials bring maturity.
Theme: Maturity

Trials bring maturity. We don’t like to hear that!! How we react to a trial determines our age of maturity. I guess being very old in these years is best!
What is your spiritual age? Your spiritual age is based on your reaction to trials and what you do with the Word held out to you. Maturity is about attitude and motives. The more you are interested in others- not self- the higher your spiritual age. (we want really high numbers, remember!!) The more you think in terms of the spiritual realm, the higher your age. The more you think on how to grow the kingdom, the higher you spiritual age.

One aspect of maturity is perseverance. Persevere until the end. Never, never, never give up. Don’t shrink back. Keep moving forward. How is your age so far?

Wisdom is another aspect of maturity, but not worldly wisdom. Wisdom of the workings of this world are nothing, just ask Solomon. Spiritual wisdom and how heaven works is everything. How is your age so far?

Another aspect is belief. Belief at all time and in all situations is important. Believe especially when things are going wrong. James says one who does not believe at all times is unstable, double minded, a tossed wave, and wishy washy. How is your age so far?

How old are you? Still a babe or a hormonal teen a person facing a mid-life crisis, a lost worker in the kingdom. Are you someone who perseveres, never shrinks back, hungers for the Word and filters every situation through the pages of the Bible? Are you someone who can be joyful in trials and look at a situation and think, “How can I use this to help others?

So, on a scale from 1-100, how old are you? Spend 10 minutes with someone and you can tell you a lot about where they are on the scale. I’m not advocating trying to determine someone else’s spiritual age, we need to work on our own. But, do they say, “Why me?” a lot and only gripe? Are they wrapped up in worldly matters? Do they ooze hope or despair in their conversation? OR Do they say, “I am going to help others with this.”? How about you? After 10 min with you, what would people say?
Vs. 9-11: What struck me was vs. 11, “the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business”. How many invisible rich people do we have walking around because they do not use what they have to help others? I’m not just thinking of money either. Are you rich in time? Help someone. Are you rich in talent? Help someone. Are you rich in encouragement? Help someone. Are you rich in knowing Jesus? Help someone know Jesus. You can be poor by the world standards and still be rich in love and knowledge of Jesus.

All these things listed require action! Maturity is action and action ups your spiritual age!