I am currently involved on a study of James. The majority of what we have read focus on hard times, the heart and the tongue. God has been speaking to me greatly and encouraging me into action. I would like to share the verses that He is using in my life.
James 1:19-20 NASB
"This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God."
"This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger; for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God."
James 3:3-5 NASB
"Now if we put the bits into the horses' mouths so that they will obey us, we direct their entire body as well. Look at the ships also, though they are so great and are driven by strong winds, are still directed by a very small rudder wherever the inclination of the pilot desires. So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boasts of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire. And the tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell."
James 3:14-18 NASB
"But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in you heart, do not be arrogant and so lie against the truth. This wisdom is not that which comes down from above, but is earthy, natural (sensual), demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there is disorder and every evil thing. But wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits (see Galatians 5:22-23), without hypocrisy. And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace."
God has been reminding me of the power of words. I quite often let my words get the best of me. Many times my mouth doesn't point to God, rather it points to the weaknesses in my heart. My attitude needs to be like Jesus, and I fall very short of Him. Keeping my snappy thoughts in, and asking God to change my heart is proving to be a struggle. My personal nature often overrules God's desire for my choices and the unpleasing worlds rush out of my mouth. Yet, I know with Him nothing is impossible. He will never give up on me no matter how many hundreds of times a day I fail. I praise Him for His unfailing grace and mercy that I so desperately need!
He is also working in me to follow His will. He is comforting me that the lack of His presence results in ciaos. Disorder is a sign of human nature being in control. When I surrender something to God, that area will be filled with peace and goodness. This is guaranteed because He is pure and gentle. Why do I daily choose ciaos over peace? Why do I think I know better then my Creator and Savior? Comfort in in surrendering to His loving plan for my steps, words and actions. There is a constant battle with in me between my human nature and the Spirit of God. Thankfully, Jesus already won that battle. In reality, I simply need to let go and celebrate in His victory by living a life of faith. Why is the simple so hard? The following verse explains this spiritual battle.
Galatians 5:16-25 NLT
"So I say, let the Holy Spirit guide your lives.
Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants.
And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires.
These two forces are constantly fighting each other,
so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
Then you won’t be doing what your sinful nature craves.
The sinful nature wants to do evil, which is just the opposite of what the Spirit wants.
And the Spirit gives us desires that are the opposite of what the sinful nature desires.
These two forces are constantly fighting each other,
so you are not free to carry out your good intentions.
But when you are directed by the Spirit, you are not under obligation to the law of Moses.
When you follow the desires of your sinful nature, the results are very clear:
sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility,
quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition,
dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.
Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not
inherit the Kingdom of God.
sexual immorality, impurity, lustful pleasures, idolatry, sorcery, hostility,
quarreling, jealousy, outbursts of anger, selfish ambition,
dissension, division, envy, drunkenness, wild parties, and other sins like these.
Let me tell you again, as I have before, that anyone living that sort of life will not
inherit the Kingdom of God.
But the Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives:
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
There is no law against these things!
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.
There is no law against these things!
Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to his cross and crucified them there.
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives."
Since we are living by the Spirit, let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives."
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