James is pretty direct with this command: Do not show favoritism. Apparently he’d received word that the wealthy were being given preferential treatment in the houses of worship, were offered the nicest seats while the poor were relegated to the back of the room or even the floor. James was…
We live in a society that’s pretty much “me” centered. But selfishness has no place in a Christian’s life. The way we treat others, especially those who aren’t in a position to do anything for us in return, says a lot about our character. My mom used to call good…
“As a rudder steers a ship, the tongue steers your life. Watch your words.” —Anonymous *ouch* Between that quote, and the verse from James, I think my toes just got stomped. Did you know that Merriam-Webster defines a Christian as “a person who believes in Jesus Christ and follows His…
HYMN DAY! “Come, All Christians, Be Committed” by Eva B. Lloyd delivers a strong challenge to everyone who proclaims Christ as Lord. Verse 1 Come all Christians be committed To the service of the Lord Make your lives for Him more fitted Tune your hearts with one accord Come into…
Years ago, when I took classes to teach preschoolers, an instructor told us, “Catch’em being good.” Kids want attention; if you give them attention for good behavior, they’re much less likely to seek your focus by misbehaving. Every choice of life comes with consequences. I much prefer good consequences—in other…
The conjunction “but” tells us this verse builds on another. That another is James 1: 21, which ends, “…humbly receive the implanted word, which is able to save you.” Sound advice for all of us! Once we receive the Word, we have a responsibility: to do. When my girls were…
When I was a little girl, television husband-and-wife teams weren’t even shown sleeping in the same bed. There was a moral standard the stations sought to attain. Today, I can’t turn on the TV without cringing (which is why it’s seldom on). The moral standard has all but disappeared. Moral…
When I read this verse, I can’t resist shaking my head. I see so many examples in the media of NOT following the instruction here! Can you imagine what a different world we would have if all people everywhere did what this says? We live in a fallen world. We…
HYMN DAY! I’ve probably already shared the words to “Take Time to Be Holy” by William D. Longstaff, but they fit this scripture so well, I had to share them again. Holy…set apart for His righteousness. It’s a true privilege, isn’t it? 1. Take time to be holy, speak oft…
God created man in His own image, knowing even as He did so we would disappoint Him and reject Him and rebel against Him. Even so, He made grace available through the Word—His own Son, Jesus Christ. Anyone who believes in the Son receives spiritual rebirth. Sins are washed away,…
