The darkness of the heavens could not match the sin-dark hearts
Of angry crowds of wicked men who played their wicked parts
To bring a perfect, guiltless Man to violently be killed
The cruelest way man could conceive, reserved for vilest guilt.
So filled with hate, so blind with rage, they could not understand
That in the sequence of events moved more than human hands
As the same sovereign power worked as moved the soldiers’ dice,
Unknowingly they crucified a willing Sacrifice.
His face could not be recognized; His beard the crowds had plucked.
Deep in the skin around His head a crown of thorns was stuck.
A placard nailed above His head declared Him as their King
Yet though they had rejected Him, for them He took Death’s sting.
Obedient though suffering excruciating pain,
He for the joy of saving them endured and scorned the shame.
His friends, the few who dared to come, stood helpless there and grieved
As He whose word gave breath to man spent all His strength to breathe.
None other knew the meaning as the midday sky turned black
That on His Son, Who bore their sin, the Father turned His back.
Unknown through all eternity, that God could God forsake,
But God the Son had lost the bond that sin alone could break.
A Man of Sorrows, He was called, acquainted well with grief.
The crowds who railed and mocked His pain considered Him a thief
Not like the thieves who hung by Him, who died for crimes they’d done,
But He, who they thought just a man, had made Himself God’s Son.
As Moses lifted up the snake, so He was lifted high
Though they knew not sin’s fatal bite and that they too would die
Had He not come to die for them and their sin’s wage receive
To offer them eternal life—to all who would believe.
As God’s full wrath was satisfied, the rocks prepared to break,
The temple veil to tear in two, and earth itself to quake.
Then knowing that He had done all the Father’s justice asked
He cried out that the debt was paid, then bowed and breathed His last.
His followers knew not their hope—their grief left hope no room.
In final service, so they thought, they laid Him in a tomb.
But in three days the stone would move, the graveclothes be uncurled,
And He would rise in victory, the Savior of the world.
Krista Besselman
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Responses to the God of the Prophets:
God requires obedience to His revealed will.
Duet.18:19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
God takes sin seriously and will judge sinners. Purify yourself in light of God's judgment.
Nahum1:3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
God's judgment of sinners is righteous. Faithfully witness in light of this coming judgment.
Nahum3:7 And it shall come to pass, that all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who will bemoan her? whence shall I seek comforters for thee?
Although we do not always understand God's ways, we should still trust in Him. Trust God even when His ways don't make sense to you.
Hab.2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
God is in control, even during difficult times, so we should rejoice in Him at all times.
Hab.3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Fear and respect the God who will judge the world in the end times.
Zep.1:7 Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.
Seek to know and do the will of God who expects and enables us to do His will.
Zeph.2:4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts:
Find hope in the God who is our source of hope for now and in the future.
Zech.1:3 Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.
Serve our God who provides encouragement and empowerment for service.
Zech. 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Live genuinely before the Lord seeing that obedience to God is more important than ritual.
Zech. 7:9 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: 10 And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.
God wants us to live with eternity's values in view.
Zech. 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
God expects us to honor Him with our best.
Malachi 1:6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?
God desires that we reflect and glorify Him in our relationships and use of money.
Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
Duet.18:19 And it shall come to pass, that whosoever will not hearken unto my words which he shall speak in my name, I will require it of him.
God takes sin seriously and will judge sinners. Purify yourself in light of God's judgment.
Nahum1:3 The LORD is slow to anger, and great in power, and will not at all acquit the wicked: the LORD hath his way in the whirlwind and in the storm, and the clouds are the dust of his feet.
God's judgment of sinners is righteous. Faithfully witness in light of this coming judgment.
Nahum3:7 And it shall come to pass, that all they that look upon thee shall flee from thee, and say, Nineveh is laid waste: who will bemoan her? whence shall I seek comforters for thee?
Although we do not always understand God's ways, we should still trust in Him. Trust God even when His ways don't make sense to you.
Hab.2:4 Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just shall live by his faith.
God is in control, even during difficult times, so we should rejoice in Him at all times.
Hab.3:18 Yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will joy in the God of my salvation.
Fear and respect the God who will judge the world in the end times.
Zep.1:7 Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests.
Seek to know and do the will of God who expects and enables us to do His will.
Zeph.2:4 Yet now be strong, O Zerubbabel, saith the LORD; and be strong, O Joshua, son of Josedech, the high priest; and be strong, all ye people of the land, saith the LORD, and work: for I am with you, saith the LORD of hosts:
Find hope in the God who is our source of hope for now and in the future.
Zech.1:3 Therefore say thou unto them, Thus saith the LORD of hosts; Turn ye unto me, saith the LORD of hosts, and I will turn unto you, saith the LORD of hosts.
Serve our God who provides encouragement and empowerment for service.
Zech. 4:6 Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the LORD unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the LORD of hosts.
Live genuinely before the Lord seeing that obedience to God is more important than ritual.
Zech. 7:9 Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Execute true judgment, and shew mercy and compassions every man to his brother: 10 And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart.
God wants us to live with eternity's values in view.
Zech. 14:9 And the LORD shall be king over all the earth: in that day shall there be one LORD, and his name one.
God expects us to honor Him with our best.
Malachi 1:6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?
God desires that we reflect and glorify Him in our relationships and use of money.
Malachi 3:16 Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
Saturday, March 12, 2011
Prayer of Response to God's Faithful Intervention:
Holy God, grant us courageous obedience in following your Word as holy men of God carried along by Your Holy Spirit.
Let us be faithful to our faithful God, knowing we are eternally Yours in righteousness, judgment, loving-kindness, mercies, and faithfulness; knowing You through Your Word, having received eternal life through Jesus. Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: as we render to You the praise of our lips.
Let us identify and turn from sins in our lives, seeing them as You do with Your Pure eyes and Loving heart, for Your ways are right and we want to walk in them. Lord unto You will we cry as we humbly respond to the teachings of Your Son. Our hearts are broken and we are contrite as we turn to You , and remember that You are gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, turn from the terrible spankings we deserve.
We do not want to be those who sell the righteous for our own gain or pant lustfully after the things of this world, neither do we want to cause others to stumble.
Help us, before leaving our prayer time each morning to ask, " What sayeth my Lord unto His servant?", clean out our ears that I may listen to what our Lord commands. Command us what you will and give us what you command.
We respect and trust You our Judge, understanding from Your Word that when we stumble, You will not let us fall upon the earth. Help us to recognize pride and to turn from it, seeking to know and do Your good and acceptable will.
When our souls faint within us, let us remember You, and let our prayer come unto You. Let us respond to our failures by submitting to You, our Lord and our God. Turn us from the desires of reward, or hire, or money, leaning upon You with confidence from Your Word that You permanently indwell us and that no evil can ever come upon and destroy us.
Help us to rejoice in the forgiveness of our sins, the future You have promised with Your Son, our Savior. Make us truly be in practice what we already are in Christ, dealing justly in our way of life, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God. Therefore will we look unto the Lord; we will wait for the God of our salvation: our God will hear us, because He retains not His anger forever and delights in mercy.
Let us be faithful to our faithful God, knowing we are eternally Yours in righteousness, judgment, loving-kindness, mercies, and faithfulness; knowing You through Your Word, having received eternal life through Jesus. Take away all iniquity, and receive us graciously: as we render to You the praise of our lips.
Let us identify and turn from sins in our lives, seeing them as You do with Your Pure eyes and Loving heart, for Your ways are right and we want to walk in them. Lord unto You will we cry as we humbly respond to the teachings of Your Son. Our hearts are broken and we are contrite as we turn to You , and remember that You are gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, turn from the terrible spankings we deserve.
We do not want to be those who sell the righteous for our own gain or pant lustfully after the things of this world, neither do we want to cause others to stumble.
Help us, before leaving our prayer time each morning to ask, " What sayeth my Lord unto His servant?", clean out our ears that I may listen to what our Lord commands. Command us what you will and give us what you command.
We respect and trust You our Judge, understanding from Your Word that when we stumble, You will not let us fall upon the earth. Help us to recognize pride and to turn from it, seeking to know and do Your good and acceptable will.
When our souls faint within us, let us remember You, and let our prayer come unto You. Let us respond to our failures by submitting to You, our Lord and our God. Turn us from the desires of reward, or hire, or money, leaning upon You with confidence from Your Word that You permanently indwell us and that no evil can ever come upon and destroy us.
Help us to rejoice in the forgiveness of our sins, the future You have promised with Your Son, our Savior. Make us truly be in practice what we already are in Christ, dealing justly in our way of life, loving mercy, and walking humbly with our God. Therefore will we look unto the Lord; we will wait for the God of our salvation: our God will hear us, because He retains not His anger forever and delights in mercy.
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Responding to God's Faithful Intervention:
God sent the prophets to proclaim His Word Courageously, so follow the prophets’ courageous obedience.
Jer.1:8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
Be faithful to our faithful God, for when the heart breaks, a close relationship demands faithfulness from both parties.
Hosea 2:19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. 20 I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.
God judges sin but shows mercy to the repentant , so identify and turn from the sin in your life.
Hosea 14:9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
Humbly respond to God’s discipline, turning to God in times of chastening.
Joel 1:19 O LORD, to thee will I cry: for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field.
During the dark days of gloom, let God’s Character attributes motivate you to repent.
Joel 2:13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
God expects believers to care for others because He is caring so show compassion to the needy.
Amos 2:6 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes; 7 That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek:...
God expects believers to listen to Him for direction in life, so take time to listen to the Lord.
Amos 3:8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?
God is a just, powerful and compassionate judge, so fear and trust God, your Judge.
Amos 9:9 For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.
Pride and envy are evil and should not be part of a believer's life so recognize and turn away from pride.
Obadiah 4 Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.
You cannot run from God, He expects His people to be available, so seek to know and do God’s will.
Jonah 2:7 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.
God graciously uses believers even after they fail Him, so respond to failure by submitting to God.
Jonah 3:1 And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying, 2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. 3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD.
Woe! God detests covetousness and materialism so should you!
Micah 3:11 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.
After the Tribulation, Jesus Christ will return to establish a worldwide Kingdom so rejoice in the forgiveness of sins and future blessings.
Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Jer.1:8 Be not afraid of their faces: for I am with thee to deliver thee, saith the LORD.
Be faithful to our faithful God, for when the heart breaks, a close relationship demands faithfulness from both parties.
Hosea 2:19 And I will betroth thee unto me for ever; yea, I will betroth thee unto me in righteousness, and in judgment, and in lovingkindness, and in mercies. 20 I will even betroth thee unto me in faithfulness: and thou shalt know the LORD.
God judges sin but shows mercy to the repentant , so identify and turn from the sin in your life.
Hosea 14:9 Who is wise, and he shall understand these things? prudent, and he shall know them? for the ways of the LORD are right, and the just shall walk in them: but the transgressors shall fall therein.
Humbly respond to God’s discipline, turning to God in times of chastening.
Joel 1:19 O LORD, to thee will I cry: for the fire hath devoured the pastures of the wilderness, and the flame hath burned all the trees of the field.
During the dark days of gloom, let God’s Character attributes motivate you to repent.
Joel 2:13 And rend your heart, and not your garments, and turn unto the LORD your God: for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and of great kindness, and repenteth him of the evil.
God expects believers to care for others because He is caring so show compassion to the needy.
Amos 2:6 Thus saith the LORD; For three transgressions of Israel, and for four, I will not turn away the punishment thereof; because they sold the righteous for silver, and the poor for a pair of shoes; 7 That pant after the dust of the earth on the head of the poor, and turn aside the way of the meek:...
God expects believers to listen to Him for direction in life, so take time to listen to the Lord.
Amos 3:8 The lion hath roared, who will not fear? the Lord GOD hath spoken, who can but prophesy?
God is a just, powerful and compassionate judge, so fear and trust God, your Judge.
Amos 9:9 For, lo, I will command, and I will sift the house of Israel among all nations, like as corn is sifted in a sieve, yet shall not the least grain fall upon the earth.
Pride and envy are evil and should not be part of a believer's life so recognize and turn away from pride.
Obadiah 4 Though thou exalt thyself as the eagle, and though thou set thy nest among the stars, thence will I bring thee down, saith the LORD.
You cannot run from God, He expects His people to be available, so seek to know and do God’s will.
Jonah 2:7 When my soul fainted within me I remembered the LORD: and my prayer came in unto thee, into thine holy temple.
God graciously uses believers even after they fail Him, so respond to failure by submitting to God.
Jonah 3:1 And the word of the LORD came unto Jonah the second time, saying, 2 Arise, go unto Nineveh, that great city, and preach unto it the preaching that I bid thee. 3 So Jonah arose, and went unto Nineveh, according to the word of the LORD.
Woe! God detests covetousness and materialism so should you!
Micah 3:11 The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.
After the Tribulation, Jesus Christ will return to establish a worldwide Kingdom so rejoice in the forgiveness of sins and future blessings.
Micah 6:8 He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Survival Guide for Hostile Territory!
Make a new start after spiritual failure.
Mathew 4:18And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men
Remember God’s care in trials.
1Pet.1:7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus
Christ: Walk closer to the Lord by holy living.
1Pet.1:15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Fear God and show love to believers.
1Pet.1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
Declare God’s praises by word and by deed.
1Peter2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Submit to authority.
!Pet.2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 18Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
Follow Christ’s example of submission.
1Peter 2:21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Do your part to build a strong marriage.
1Peter 3:1Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 7Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Build lasting relationships.
1Peter 3:8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Use trials as opportunities to testify of Christ.
1Peter 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Live in light of eternity.
1Peter 4:7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
Glorify God in times of trial.
1Peter 4:16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Cast all your cares on God.
1Peter 5:6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Mathew 4:18And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. 19And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men
Remember God’s care in trials.
1Pet.1:7That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perisheth, though it be tried with fire, might be found unto praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus
Christ: Walk closer to the Lord by holy living.
1Pet.1:15But as he which hath called you is holy, so be ye holy in all manner of conversation; 16Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy.
Fear God and show love to believers.
1Pet.1:22Seeing ye have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit unto unfeigned love of the brethren, see that ye love one another with a pure heart fervently:
Declare God’s praises by word and by deed.
1Peter2:9But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light:
Submit to authority.
!Pet.2:13 Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord’s sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; 18Servants, be subject to your masters with all fear; not only to the good and gentle, but also to the froward.
Follow Christ’s example of submission.
1Peter 2:21For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
Do your part to build a strong marriage.
1Peter 3:1Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; 7Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered.
Build lasting relationships.
1Peter 3:8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
Use trials as opportunities to testify of Christ.
1Peter 3:15But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:
Live in light of eternity.
1Peter 4:7But the end of all things is at hand: be ye therefore sober, and watch unto prayer.
Glorify God in times of trial.
1Peter 4:16Yet if any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed; but let him glorify God on this behalf.
Cast all your cares on God.
1Peter 5:6Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time: 7Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Hymn for Early Morning Prayer Meeting
Sweetly the holy hymn Breaks on the morning air;
Before the world with smoke is dim We meet to offer prayer.
While flowers are wet with dews, Dew of our souls descend, Ere yet the sun the day renews,
O Lord, thy Spirit send!
Upon the battle field Before the fight begins, We seek, O Lord, thy sheltering shield, To guard us from our sins!
Ere yet our vessel sails Upon the stream today, We plead, Oh Lord, for heavenly gails To Speed us on our way!
On the lone mountain side, Before the morning's light, The Man of Sorrows wept and cried, And rose refreshed with might.
Oh hear us then, for we Are very weak and frail!
We make the Saviour's name our plea, And surely must prevail.
Before the world with smoke is dim We meet to offer prayer.
While flowers are wet with dews, Dew of our souls descend, Ere yet the sun the day renews,
O Lord, thy Spirit send!
Upon the battle field Before the fight begins, We seek, O Lord, thy sheltering shield, To guard us from our sins!
Ere yet our vessel sails Upon the stream today, We plead, Oh Lord, for heavenly gails To Speed us on our way!
On the lone mountain side, Before the morning's light, The Man of Sorrows wept and cried, And rose refreshed with might.
Oh hear us then, for we Are very weak and frail!
We make the Saviour's name our plea, And surely must prevail.
Monday, March 29, 2010
Marks of Genuine Faith
Live with integrity. God expects us to practice what we believe and teach.
Jas.2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Show resilience in trials. God uses trials to mature our faith.
Jas.1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
Resist temptation. God is not responsible for tempting us to sin.
Jas.1:17 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.
Respond to the Scriptures. True faith shows when we respond to God’s Word by doing it.
Jas.1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Treat others without prejudice. Prejudicial treatment of other people breaks God’s commands and betrays His grace.
Jas.2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
Demonstrate your faith by good works. Genuine faith expresses itself in good works.
Jas.2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Use your tongue in God-honoring ways. Real faith will tame our tongues.
Jas.3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
Pursue biblical wisdom and solutions. Wise counsel contributes to peaceful solutions.
Jas.3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Reject worldly thinking. Living a worldly lifestyle and loving God cannot mix.
Jas.4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Devote yourself to God. The fruit of repentance is restoration and joy.
Jas.4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Make plans prayerfully. We should always make plans in light of God’s will.
Jas.4:15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
Exercise love and patience. Loving one another is the command of Christ and the ultimate proof for one’s faith.
Jas.4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
Seek to restore the fallen. Brotherly love recovers a wayward brother from sin.
Jas.5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
Jas.2:14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? can faith save him?
Show resilience in trials. God uses trials to mature our faith.
Jas.1:2 My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; 3 Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience.
Resist temptation. God is not responsible for tempting us to sin.
Jas.1:17 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.
Respond to the Scriptures. True faith shows when we respond to God’s Word by doing it.
Jas.1:22 But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
Treat others without prejudice. Prejudicial treatment of other people breaks God’s commands and betrays His grace.
Jas.2:1 My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons.
Demonstrate your faith by good works. Genuine faith expresses itself in good works.
Jas.2:24 Ye see then how that by works a man is justified, and not by faith only.
Use your tongue in God-honoring ways. Real faith will tame our tongues.
Jas.3:2 For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
Pursue biblical wisdom and solutions. Wise counsel contributes to peaceful solutions.
Jas.3:18 And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
Reject worldly thinking. Living a worldly lifestyle and loving God cannot mix.
Jas.4:4 Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.
Devote yourself to God. The fruit of repentance is restoration and joy.
Jas.4:7 Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.
Make plans prayerfully. We should always make plans in light of God’s will.
Jas.4:15 For that ye ought to say, If the Lord will, we shall live, and do this, or that.
Exercise love and patience. Loving one another is the command of Christ and the ultimate proof for one’s faith.
Jas.4:11 Speak not evil one of another, brethren. He that speaketh evil of his brother, and judgeth his brother, speaketh evil of the law, and judgeth the law: but if thou judge the law, thou art not a doer of the law, but a judge.
Seek to restore the fallen. Brotherly love recovers a wayward brother from sin.
Jas.5:16 Confess your faults one to another, and pray one for another, that ye may be healed. The effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much.
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