Words. They have power, don’t they? In the Bible, James writes: “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be” (James 3:9-10). So if … Continue reading Your verbal legacy
book of James
Washing your mouth out with hope?
Have you ever heard of someone getting their mouth washed out with soap? I’m guessing it’s not something that happens very much anymore, if ever. And that’s a good thing. But have you ever wondered why people did that? Among other things, it was a symbolic act meant to teach a child that their words … Continue reading Washing your mouth out with hope?
Faithfulness FLOWS
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead” (James … Continue reading Faithfulness FLOWS
A faith that is dead, or alive?
“As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead.” So said an influential leader in Jerusalem named James in chapter 2, verse 26 of the biblical book that bears his name. When he talks about “faith” in this context he’s referring to a partial understanding of faith. He’s referring to … Continue reading A faith that is dead, or alive?
Playing Favourites
James 2:1 makes it clear: “believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.” But what is favouritism? It’s showing preferential treatment to someone based on status or outward appearances. James gives the example of two men coming into a meeting. One has fancy clothes and the other has “filthy old clothes.” If … Continue reading Playing Favourites
Powerless and vulnerable
“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” (James 1:27). This is a teaching by James, an influential leader in the early church. Last week I highlighted what he meant by being … Continue reading Powerless and vulnerable
Quick to listen
“Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires” (James 1:19-20). Quick to listen. The KJV translation says “swift to hear.” Either way, the meaning is clear. When we’re NOT quick to listen to God or to the concerns … Continue reading Quick to listen
Drinking Culture’s Kool-Aid?
James 4:4 (CSB) says: “Don’t you know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God?” Let’s think about that much-neglected passage for a moment. First, “friendship with the world” means just thoughtlessly approving and going along with the values of the society around us. Second, James teaches that when we do that, we are … Continue reading Drinking Culture’s Kool-Aid?
When things fall apart
Sooner or later everything falls apart. Well, maybe not everything—but some things; and sometimes, a lot of things. …a relationship, a job, a dream, health, peace of mind… And when that happens you’ll need to lean on God. Big time. But that will be hard to do if your connection is weak, lax and sporadic. … Continue reading When things fall apart
Dragged away
Unfortunately, temptation is often a part of life. Some people are tempted to over-spend or worry too much. Some are tempted to engage in habits they know dishonour God. Some people are tempted to laziness or excessive screen time. It really just depends on the person. Recently I was reading the book of James and … Continue reading Dragged away
