Today Reminder (Doers) – 31 July 2018

A reminder for today

But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves. (James 1:22)

Reading the word of God is one of the most important parts of following Jesus. Remember when Jesus was tempted by the enemy He quoted scripture in His defences. Jesus set the example in studying the Word of God and spending a lot of time in prayer. If He made it clear that these two tasks are so vitally important then we should surely do them to. I have written to you before that we should not just read the Bible, we should study it. Understanding and knowing scripture is a powerful tool in our defences against the enemy.

James states here that we must not be hearers of the word but doers of the word. I am sure he saw Jesus do that many times in his life which made him understand the importance of living out the gospel and the word of God.

I am sure you saw the blood moon that we had on Friday and the importance of understanding the signs of the end times. This makes it more important that we read and study the word and live a life that people can see God is in our hearts. 

How do we become doers of the word? It is simple read, apply and live. And off course do it over and over every day. I think my favourite example would be Peter and John as they went to the temple for prayer and the lame man asked them for help. Then Peter said, Silver and gold have I none; but such as I have give I thee: In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth rise up and walk. And he took him by the right hand, and lifted him up: and immediately his feet and ankle bones received strength (Acts 3).

Come with me today as we apply the Word of God in our lives as we move and touch the lives of other.

Have an awesome day dear friend of Jesus. 

Cheers

Today Reminder (James) – 30 July 2018

A reminder for today

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, to the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad, greeting. (James 1:1)

The book of James is one of those that just keeps you thinking as it reminds you that you still have a few things to get into place. The book of James is a General Epistle (Apostolic Letter). James the half-brother of Jesus wrote it approximately 48-49 A.D. It was likely the first New Testament book (letter) to be written. The key personalities of this book are James and Persecuted Christians. James wrote this book to Jewish believers to encourage them to endure and live bold Christian lives. James is a book about practical Christian living that reflects a genuine faith that transforms lives. In many ways, it is similar to the OT book of Proverbs.

In chapter 1, James teaches believers to test their faith and “prove yourselves doers of the word” (1:22). James encourages believers to put their faith into action, and to be servants of Jesus Christ.

Chapters 2-3, James describes the relationship between faith and works. He teaches that a person of faith without works demonstrates useless faith. What good is a person’s faith if they don’t present it to the world? A believer’s good works are evidence of their faith in Jesus Christ. He also teaches that everyone is a sinner and that if one of the 10 Commandments are broken, then that person is guilty of breaking every one of them, “For whosoever shall keep the whole law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all” (2:10).

In Chapters 4-5, James gives wise instruction to believers. He said, “Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you” (4:7). A faithful believer will desire to follow hard after God in service, obedience, and prayer. In the last chapter James stresses the weight and magnitude of prayer for every believer. He uses the word “Prayer” 7 times, signifying its importance. In the final verse of his book James expresses the magnitude of living faith in action saying:

“Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” (5:19-20).

What I love about this book is the deep essence of how we should live our lives as Christians and just the fact that James starts with saying that he is a servant of God and of Jesus Christ. This man grew up with Jesus, so his words are from the experiences he had with our Lord and then divinely inspired by the Holy Spirit. To me it is the respect he shows and the earnest of his words that is so compelling and truthful. 

Come with me as we are reminded that we are servants of the Lord and let us be joyful as we face tribulation because the test of our faith creates patience. Let this patience become perfect so that we may become perfect and that we will not desire anything anymore. 

Have an awesome day dear friend of Jesus. 

Cheers

Today Reminder (Every gift) – 27 July 2018

A reminder for today

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning. (James 1:17)

It is a beautiful day here in South Africa. There were trucks burning on the highway, stores burning after an ATM was blown up and protests in Durban. Today all the gas station attendants go on strike against the fuel price hikes and so on and on. It is a lovely day and I haven’t even mentioned all the crime that is not disclosed by our “democratic/communist” government. I am just a sparkle of light today. Hahahaha!

Sorry, I am at a loss for what is happening here, and I am sure it is all part of some sinister plan by the government to force people into poverty. Now I sound like conspiracy theorist. 

Back to the only thing that matters and that is the Lord our God the creator of heaven and earth. Now, we woke up and we are still alive and that in essence is a gift. James says that every good gift is a gift from above and comes from our Father God. It is something we forget, and I think it is imperative that we realise how fortunate we are. 

God is good, and we should not forget that. People are quick to ask why would God and how could God and why did God? People question God, but they forget the real master of destruction is satan and he is the designer of all your troubles because he does not want you to be happy when you are a Christian. So, yes, the good comes from God but the bad is a cleverly designed distraction so that you could question God and think He gave you the bad.

The enemy’s soul purpose is to take the focus away from him and keep you occupied with lies so that you can forget he is still around and still busy planning your demise. And when we get a blessing we forget that it is actually out of love and grace while we always remember the bad. 

Yes, the bad is not good and it tends to linger longer in the back of your head, but the minute you replace this with the blessings that you will see that God is doing much more than the bad and the promise of eternity is the ultimate prize. Remember that we are merely travellers in this life and the sooner you realise that you actually do not have anything, because you can not take anything with you when you die. Jesus said in Matthew 6: Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

Therefore, work for treasure in heaven and do not mind the material stuff here on earth. 

Have an awesome day dear friend of Jesus. 

Cheers