James 1
James wants us to be in action, specifically in the context of our scripture reading - and this appears to be for two key reasons: (1) the act in of itself and its role glorifying God, (2) the application of our scripture reading will help us reinforce both head and heart learning of the scripture - on this latter point Jesus was able to remain pure, holy, and blameless in part because of His perfect understanding of scripture (Matthew 4, Luke 4). I am in dire need of a spiritual discipline that applies scripture so as to reinforce the learning. I need to defeat sin in my life. I know Jesus will save but I know also that I can be more successful in beating sin.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, pure, holy and blameless. I am not - I am filthy and in need of cleansing. You have been patient with me, merciful, gentle, etc. and not punishing me with what I deserve. Thank You Jesus for Your mercy and patience...and Your blessings. I am not deserving of the many blessings You provide. Please forgive me for my lustful actions and my indiscretion...help me turn from such sin and towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Help me apply my scripture and reinforce my learning. Give me strength. Give Lisa strength, comfort, and freedom from pain. Please heal and cure her cancer. Please help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. Anyone who listens to the word but does not do what it says is like someone who looks at his face in a mirror and, after looking at himself, goes away and immediately forgets what he looks like. v22-24
James wants us to be in action, specifically in the context of our scripture reading - and this appears to be for two key reasons: (1) the act in of itself and its role glorifying God, (2) the application of our scripture reading will help us reinforce both head and heart learning of the scripture - on this latter point Jesus was able to remain pure, holy, and blameless in part because of His perfect understanding of scripture (Matthew 4, Luke 4). I am in dire need of a spiritual discipline that applies scripture so as to reinforce the learning. I need to defeat sin in my life. I know Jesus will save but I know also that I can be more successful in beating sin.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are an awesome God, pure, holy and blameless. I am not - I am filthy and in need of cleansing. You have been patient with me, merciful, gentle, etc. and not punishing me with what I deserve. Thank You Jesus for Your mercy and patience...and Your blessings. I am not deserving of the many blessings You provide. Please forgive me for my lustful actions and my indiscretion...help me turn from such sin and towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, mind and strength. Help me love others as You do. Help me grow in my faith. Help me apply my scripture and reinforce my learning. Give me strength. Give Lisa strength, comfort, and freedom from pain. Please heal and cure her cancer. Please help me lead and serve Lisa, Zach and Dustin. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
