Tag: Life in Jesus

“Practicing What He Preached”

Date: 9-2-14

Text: James 1:1  James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: James uses a word that represents the lowest of the lowest slave: doulos.

My Thoughts: 

As you read through the book of James, can you sense his humility? He could have started off his book with, “James, the Oldest brother of our Lord Jesus and my older brother…,” but he doesn’t. Instead, he uses a word that represents the lowest of the lowest slave: doulos. Now, in the Christian community we have given this word a much ‘greater’ meaning. This is because of what our Lord said about this in Matthew 23:1: “The greatest among you will be your servant.” He chose a word that represents a position lower than the word for servant here….

What does this mean for us, Lifestyle worshipers? I see at least one lesson: James practiced what he preached. He exhorts his fellow believers to  not take pride in our high position (James 1:9) and not to show favoritism (2:1). In his case, do not give him any adulation for being the brother of our Lord Jesus. None. And in this lesson, I take comfort that it doesn’t matter what position or title I  carry in the Christian community, I am still but a doulos of the Lord Jesus Christ, washing the feet of the saints and shining the spot light on the Master, who alone is worthy.

What lessons from James do you see in this ‘title’ of doulos?

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

  Who then is the faithful and wise servant, whom the master has put in charge of the servants in his household to give them their food at the proper time? It will be good for that servant whose master finds him doing so when he returns.— Matthew 24:45-46 (NIV84)

And the Lord’s servant must not quarrel; instead, he must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.
— 2 Timothy 2:24 (NIV84)
 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. — Romans 12:10 (NIV84)

 

Lord Jesus Christ, be my gloves of Kindness and my Socks of Gentleness as I serve my brothers and sisters in humility and Love.  In Your Name Amen.

Pastor Mike

“Seeing Jesus More Clearly”

Date: 9-1-14

Text: James 1:1  James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. [NIV84]

The Big Idea: The resurrection has a habit of doing this: That flash of white light first blinds, but then reveals, when they can see Jesus more clearly.

My Thoughts: 

Yes, James is the older of Jesus’ siblings. No, he—with them—did not believe what Jesus  was teaching about Himself; at least, not at first. They scorned Him, mocked Him and ridiculed Him—and James probably led the way….

Lifestyle worshipers, has this happened to you in your family when you first came to faith in Jesus? Each step you took in following Him was so scrutinized and challenged and doubted…? But then something changed. They began to see Jesus more clearly, just as James had—but only after the resurrection, for James, and only  as your life began to change. The resurrection has a habit of doing this: That flash of white light first blinds, but then reveals; then they can see Jesus more clearly. …

…and then they, too, like James, can become one of His dearest followers. Remember, the flash first blinds, but then reveals. Wait for their eyes to adjust….

Scriptures to Renew Your Thoughts

   In His right hand He held seven stars, and out of His mouth came a sharp double-edged sword. His face was like the sun shining in all its brilliance. When I saw Him, I fell at His feet as though dead. Then He placed His right hand on me and said: “Do not be afraid. I am the First and the Last.”

— Revelation 1:16-17 (NIV84)

And that is what some of you were. But you were washed, you were sanctified, you were justified in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ and by the Spirit of our God.

— 1 Corinthians 6:11 (NIV84)

  For you have heard of my previous way of life in Judaism, how intensely I [Paul] persecuted the church of God and tried to destroy it.

— Galatians 1:13 (NIV84)

 Lord Jesus Christ, be the Slippers of Patience in my Life as I wait on my family to see You more clearly in my Life. In the meantime, continue Your transforming work by Your Holy Spirit so they can see You all the more clearly.  In Your Name Amen.

Pastor Mike