- James 1
- Haggai 1
- 1 Kings 18:20-46
- Psalm 86
Observations:
Okay, so, where Romans takes three chapters to expound upon one idea, James covers three ideas in one chapter. In this passage, we see James talking about perseverance, calling on God in faith, and temptation and Godliness. On perseverance, James has the funny notion that we should rejoice in our suffering, as our suffering produces perseverance, and our endurance rewards us in the end. On calling on God in faith, James segues from the first half of perseverance, saying that, if we lack wisdom, we should ask God for it and, if we are asking in full faith, we will receive it. He then defines this asking in faith as not doubting, which makes sense, because the one who doubts does not fully trust (i.e. have faith in) God. On temptation, James writes that we should not blame God for our temptations, for God does not act in such a way. No, the source of our temptations lies within ourselves, with our own sinful desires; I mean, has anyone ever been tempted to do something they have absolutely no desire to do? No. Temptation plays off of where we have placed our desires (e.g. porn addiction), either expanding on what is sinful or attempting to subvert that which is good (e.g. subverting the drive for sex to start looking at porn). Instead, we are encouraged to live out Godliness, which is to abstain from worldly sins and desires and to live out the word of God instead of merely hearing it and professing to follow it.
In Haggai, we see the Lord speaking to Israel through Haggai, pointedly asking them why the people live in nicely-finished houses while the temple, God's house still lies in ruins. (This is post-exile). The nice thing about the [immediate] post-exilic crew is that they were wanting to return to the Lord. So, they hopped to it and began work on the temple.
In 1 Kings, we see the account of the showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. It's a very well-known story in Christian circles. What's important is that we see the showing of Baal to be false and not a god and God to be real and actually God. The funny part is Elijah's teasing of Baal. He calls out Baal for various traits that are more human than god. Maybe he's not paying attention. Maybe he's on the toilet, somewhere else, or sleeping. Subtly, he's saying "Your god's not a god."
In the psalm today, we see David praising God. He is praising God for his faithfulness, provision, listening, mercy, grace, and majesty. He also takes some time asking that God would draw near to him and be gracious to him, but it's more in a manner of seeking out God rather than asking a request of God like you would Santa or a vending machine. He's saying, in a sense, "Lord, I see you as you are, for your greatness. Permit me to draw close to you, that I may learn from and grow under you, that you would protect me with your grace." David is very intent on the relational aspect of following God.
Application:
So, to pull out the main ideas, we need to persevere in full faith, following the word of God and abstaining from sin, doing the work of God, putting him first, understanding his reality, power, and grace; and seeking a closeness with him that comes only through a genuine relationship that seeks the heart of God.
In other words, I need to check my actions and motivations constantly. Am I doing this to fulfill a temptation or to follow/honour God? Am I putting God first in my thoughts and actions? Am I seeking God's person or merely contenting myself to a knowledge of him? Am I ignoring the various opportunities to live outwardly as a Christian, or am I picking up the cross and persevering what persecution may come?
These are all areas of application in my life that need to be part of my subconscious mindset.
Prayer:
Lord, I could be in a much better state than where I am. Thank you for bringing me to this point, but do not allow me to be content with where I am. Help me to see and understand greater aspects of your character, that I may walk closer with you. Make me into a man like David, Josiah, Elijah, Moses, or Enoch, men who followed you with an intimacy and desire greater than myself. Help me to understand with my heart what my head still cannot fathom. Help me to engage in you. I want to draw closer, like a chick following a hen. Wrap me closer to yourself and show me your love and grace, that I would not remain unchanged by your presence.
I cannot be selfish here, either. Bring to yourself my wife in a similar manner. Give her your reassurance and affection. Embrace the Christians serving in Albania - let them know your peace and your assurance, growing emboldened by your presence with them.
Continue your tending to my family, giving them strength and wisdom to face the current situations. Reassure them of the decision they have arrived to and bless their futures.
Amen
In Haggai, we see the Lord speaking to Israel through Haggai, pointedly asking them why the people live in nicely-finished houses while the temple, God's house still lies in ruins. (This is post-exile). The nice thing about the [immediate] post-exilic crew is that they were wanting to return to the Lord. So, they hopped to it and began work on the temple.
In 1 Kings, we see the account of the showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. It's a very well-known story in Christian circles. What's important is that we see the showing of Baal to be false and not a god and God to be real and actually God. The funny part is Elijah's teasing of Baal. He calls out Baal for various traits that are more human than god. Maybe he's not paying attention. Maybe he's on the toilet, somewhere else, or sleeping. Subtly, he's saying "Your god's not a god."
In the psalm today, we see David praising God. He is praising God for his faithfulness, provision, listening, mercy, grace, and majesty. He also takes some time asking that God would draw near to him and be gracious to him, but it's more in a manner of seeking out God rather than asking a request of God like you would Santa or a vending machine. He's saying, in a sense, "Lord, I see you as you are, for your greatness. Permit me to draw close to you, that I may learn from and grow under you, that you would protect me with your grace." David is very intent on the relational aspect of following God.
Application:
So, to pull out the main ideas, we need to persevere in full faith, following the word of God and abstaining from sin, doing the work of God, putting him first, understanding his reality, power, and grace; and seeking a closeness with him that comes only through a genuine relationship that seeks the heart of God.
In other words, I need to check my actions and motivations constantly. Am I doing this to fulfill a temptation or to follow/honour God? Am I putting God first in my thoughts and actions? Am I seeking God's person or merely contenting myself to a knowledge of him? Am I ignoring the various opportunities to live outwardly as a Christian, or am I picking up the cross and persevering what persecution may come?
These are all areas of application in my life that need to be part of my subconscious mindset.
Prayer:
Lord, I could be in a much better state than where I am. Thank you for bringing me to this point, but do not allow me to be content with where I am. Help me to see and understand greater aspects of your character, that I may walk closer with you. Make me into a man like David, Josiah, Elijah, Moses, or Enoch, men who followed you with an intimacy and desire greater than myself. Help me to understand with my heart what my head still cannot fathom. Help me to engage in you. I want to draw closer, like a chick following a hen. Wrap me closer to yourself and show me your love and grace, that I would not remain unchanged by your presence.
I cannot be selfish here, either. Bring to yourself my wife in a similar manner. Give her your reassurance and affection. Embrace the Christians serving in Albania - let them know your peace and your assurance, growing emboldened by your presence with them.
Continue your tending to my family, giving them strength and wisdom to face the current situations. Reassure them of the decision they have arrived to and bless their futures.
Amen
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