James 1:9-11

⁹ Let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, ¹⁰ but the rich in his humiliation, because as a flower of the field he will pass away. ¹¹ For no sooner has the sun risen with a burning heat than it withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beautiful appearance perishes. So the rich man also will fade away in his pursuits.

Commentary
The Apostle James begins here by declaring the lowly brothers exaltation. Now the word James uses here means: humble, lowly, insignificant, weak, poor, abased, afflicted, "bowed down" etc. And here is specifically addressing a social order that is by default contrary to the Kingdom of God, and that is the exaltation of the rich, the strong, the powerful, the mighty etc. Essentially all the attributes and traits that this world admires, honor's, exalts and exonerates. The so called "self made man" whose current state of affairs garners him much worldly admiration and approval, but in reality has only blinded him to his own poverty and true wretchedness (consider Rev. 3:17-20).

And so James says let the lowly brother glory in his exaltation, not because he has exalted himself, no that's the worldly rich mans game, to think so highly of himself and his wealth (consider Prov. 18:11). Rather the Scripture says let the lowly brother or sister glory in their exaltation, because it is the Lord Himself who has exalted him (Luke 1:52). While the rich man is too glory in his humiliation (lit. "reduction"), because as James says here the rich as a flower of the field will pass away, (for his wealth and stature is ultimately transient) and so he will, as James says here, simply fade away in his pursuits (vs. 10, 12). Just as the rich young ruler did who having initially and joyfully sought Jesus, tragically forsakes Christ's call on his life because he wanted to keep his wealth and stature in this life. And thus he is never heard from again. While for the rich man who comes to Christ and forsakes his worldly privileges, treasures and pursuits etc. and instead takes up his cross for the Kingdom of heavens sake and follows Christ there is much for him to glory in and look forward too (consider Jeremiah 9:23-24; Matt 19:27-30; antithesis Psalm 73:12). For though he has been "reduced" in this life, he is going to be highly exalted in the next! And so as James says here let him glory in his humiliation, for he has enduring riches and honor awaiting him. But for the rich man who keeps his life in this life, there is nothing more for him to look forward too. For having sought his reward and place in this world, he will have it, but he will have no more afterwards (consider Mark 8:36-9:1; Luke 6:24-26). And so in the church it's not "the rich" we are to admire and honor. Rather as Jesus did when He looked upon the brethren and He saw down through the ages multitudes of brethren, who from every walk of life and background and culture would take up their own cross and follow Him, and thus would suffer hardships, rejection, persecution, even poverty for His Names sake, for the Gospels sake, He declared to them: “Blessed are you poor, For yours is the kingdom of God. ²¹ Blessed are you who hunger now, For you shall be filled. Blessed are you who weep now, For you shall laugh. ²² Blessed are you when men hate you, And when they exclude you, And revile you, and cast out your name as evil, For the Son of Man’s sake. ²³ Rejoice in that day and leap for joy! For indeed your reward is great in heaven, For in like manner their fathers did to the prophets." Luke 6:20-23

Now it's not wrong to be rich, many people down through the ages have come to believe in Jesus Christ who are rich, or as Christians have become rich, but being materially rich is never been, or to be the goal of the Gospel (consider Philippines 3:18-19; 1 Tim 6:5-11; 1 John 2:15-17). Therefore when the rich do come into the household of faith we are to welcome them and treat just as we do all brethren, but we are not too turn the church into place for ministering to them. For wealth and privilege has a very natural tendency to want too maintain itself, to maintain it's "elevated" status. And they yield the finical power to make that happen for themselves, if one yields to it. Therefore instead of showing partiality to them as James will touch on later, we should do as the Apostle Paul commanded when he said: 17 Command those who are rich in this present age not to be haughty, nor to trust in uncertain riches but in the living God, who gives us richly all things to enjoy. ¹⁸Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share, ¹⁹storing up for themselves a good foundation for the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life." 1 Tim. 6:17-19

I don't know where you are at today, but if you have not yet made the critical decision to receive the Lord Jesus Christ for yourself you can (John 1:14). By a simple prayer of faith asking Jesus to come into your heart and life to be your Lord and Savior He will. All you have to do is believe Him and receive Him as the Scriptures testifies of Him, and He will save you from your sins and the judgment to come. But not only that He will by His Spirit within you, both sanctify you and transform you making you into a new creation in Christ (2 Cor. 5:17). With new Godly desires, passions and drive to both do, and pursue the will of God for you, which will lead into the abundant life Jesus promises to all who follow Him in faith (John 10:10). Therefore if you tired of the old empty and meaningless life come home to Christ, for He is waiting to receive you into His Kingdom, all He needs is for you to first unconditionally receive Him. Therefore simply pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus I believe that you were crucified for my sins and that Your rose from the dead three days later so that I can have remission of them and have new and everlasting life by faith in You (John 3:16). Therefore I now invite You into my heart and life, to be my Lord and Savior, amen. If you have prayed to receive Jesus Christ believing that He is Lord, that He was crucified for your sins, and that He was raised from the dead the third day then you can be assured He has come into your heart and life, just as He promised when He said, "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." Rev. 3:20


Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982





 

 

 

 

James 1:5-8

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. ⁶ But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

Commentary
Connected with patience acquired through our trials, is our need for wisdom while in them. Wisdom is different than knowledge in that to have Biblical wisdom is to have ones conduct directed wisely by it. And so wisdom here has broad implications touching on ones behavior clearly; but also our ability to Spiritually discern between what is of the Spirit of God and what is not, what is the will of God and what is not, especially when ambiguity arises, as is often the case in trials or even life in general. And so we are exhorted here to ask God for wisdom, for as the Bible clearly states when it comes to seeking sound guidance for ones life, wisdom is the principal thing, therefore in all your getting get wisdom (Prov 4:7-9; also see Prov. 3:13-18; Prov 8, vs. 11.). For by it you will escape the many snares and pitfalls that mark this life, and which leave in their wake countless ruined lives and unfulfilled destinies (consider Ecclesiastes 7:16-18). Which again begins with our first asking God in faith and then being willing to receive and obey His counsel for us. For who can know the beginning of a thing to it's finial end? Only God does. And His joy is to impart wisdom into His children so that we might experience life as being guided by Him, and not by our own resources or natural means. For truly God gives to all liberally and without reproach (vs. 3) just as James states here; just as Jesus first did, when He said to us all  "Ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. ⁸For everyone who asks receives, and he who seeks finds, and to him who knocks it will be opened. (see Matt. 7:7-11). Of course there is a condition too receiving wisdom from God and that is faith, "for without faith it is impossible to please God, for He comes to God must believe that He is and that He is the rewarder of those who diligently seek Him." Heb. 11:6
Otherwise as James states here: "...let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; 8 he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways." vs. 7-8 
Therefore acquiring wisdom from God presupposes that one believes in God and believes that God is fully able and willing too provide this for them. Thus we must ask in faith without doubting, "for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind." vs. 6  Thus the life of the doubter is only a life of instability and uncertainty, because they are constantly being thrown into peril and distress by the ever changing topography of ones own circumstances, or just life in general. Thus they are not rooted and grounded in Christ's love for them. Instead they are tossed about by whatever things befall them in this life, and thus their faith rises and falls with every nuance and change that happens to them, or those around them. That is essentially the person who tries to run this race of faith, by their own resources and understanding. Now in the Bible there seems no better contrast amongst men of this; of Godly faith and double-mindedness; than that of David and contrasting his faith and Godly conduct with then King Saul. For David more often than not, even before He is anointed King, is marked by this wisdom. That is the reverent and Godly pursuit of God's counsel, guidance and will. Whether in his personal life, or in his capacity as a leader. In good times and bad, David when in doubt seeks, then obeys the wise counsel of God (consider 1 Sam 18:5, 14-15, 23:1-5; 23:9-13, 24:1-22; Psalm 101:2 etc.). While King Saul on the other hand tragically seems to fit the bill of the double-minded man James forewarns of here. For Saul, though starting of well, is more often than not later marked by indecisiveness, rash decisions, and most tragically, a complacency towards the will of God (1 Samuel 15:1-35, vs. 10-23). All which brings about God removing him from being king before Him (1 Sam. 15:11). Now Saul will retain the throne for fifteen or so years, though these years are only marked by his own paranoia, outbursts of violent rage, and or his murderous campaigns to try to kill David, whom the Lord has anointed in his place (consider 1 Sam. 18, vs. 10-11, 1 Sam. 19:1-7, 19:9-24; 20:1-42, vs. 27-34; 1 Sam. 22:6-23; 23:14-29; 28:3-25; 31:1-13). And so it is during these years that permits that God forges and hones the young man David's leadership skills and abilities. As well through David's wilderness trials brings about some of the most amazing Psalms for us, revealing the depth of David's heart, faith and trust in the Lord during what must have been some of the most trying times of his life up until then (consider Psalm 27, vs. 10). Which means for you and I, if you want to be a Godly leader, or even a Godly person, there is no shortcuts or easy path to take. There is though help from God. For that is just one of the many things that God specializes in, helping us when everything and everyone else has failed. I don't know where you are at today, but if your seeking for God's guidance then your seeking rightly. For truly as Jesus says God enlightens hearts and minds to receive both His Person and His wisdom for us when we ask Him in faith to come into our hearts and lives, and direct our steps and paths out of sins darkness, and into His glorious and everlasting light (Matt. 4:16). If you would like to do that you can, by calling on the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, you are calling on the Name above all names, that is God's name given to us all through His Son, who was crucified for our sins remission and raised from the dead for our justification, so that by the Lord Jesus Christ we might all be made right in the sight of God by our faith in Him (Rom 10:9-13).
Therefore if you would like to receive Jesus into your heart simply ask Him in. By a simple prayer of faith He will not only save you from your sins but by His Spirit within you He will transform you (Rev. 3:20). Simply pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus I confess that I'm a sinner and I am in need of Your salvation. Therefore I now invite You into my heart and life, to be my Lord and Savior, both now and forever, amen. If you have prayed that prayer, or something similar to it, then you have just begun your new life with Jesus Christ (2 Cor 5:17). And having taken the first steps of faith, you must continue on with Him by finding Christian fellowship where you can grow and be encouraged in your faith. If there is anything you would like to ask me feel free to leave a message in the comment box or email me at t.dalke@shaw.ca and I will respond to you as soon as I can. God bless you and by for now.  

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

James 1:2–4

² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. 

Commentary
Vs. 2-4 the Apostle James having greeted us a with a brief salutation, then immediately moves into instructing us. ² My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, ³ knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. ⁴ But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing.

Notice first that these trials are not specified, that there is no set arrangement that each and every believer can expect to experience in regards to facing various trials in this world, and in this life, except that they are in regards to ones faith In Christ. That is the only common bond. And so, we as believers will have our faith tested by various trials, at various times in our lives. With some believers trials similar to other believers trials and some not. Thus it's not the trials that are important, or to be overly critiqued, (as if our relationship with God hangs on these), rather it is the end "fruit" that will be brought about by them in our lives, and possibly the lives of others, as we pass through them. And so that is what we must remember and wait patiently on, as we sometimes struggle through them and or try to make sense of them (consider Job 14:14; James 5:10-11). For no trial in our lives is an "oversight" by God on His part (consider Rev 2:10). Indeed it is because He is aware of everything that goes on in our lives, that we can have strong confidence in facing them all, even when they originate from those seemingly closest to us (consider Matt 10:27-31; Luke 21:14-19).
For every trial permitted by God has a purpose in our lives, (whether to purify our faith; and thus bring about our own repentance; or to fortify it). Every trial that comes our way ultimately serves God's purposes in sanctifying us; that is making us more like Jesus Christ. And so one of God's purposes (as revealed here) in permitting these trials is to test each ones faith; that is to reveal the qualities of it; (not to God, He already knows all our strength's and weaknesses, but to reveal these things to us); and thus produce patience (lit. steadfastness) within us. And so like a smelting furnace which converts crude iron into high quality steel, by removing undesirable properties, and or adding needed ones. So God allows each and every one of us one of us to experience various trials in our lives, so that by these He may "forge" our faith In Jesus Christ (consider Rom 5:3-5). For it is often through these that He produces the much needed quality of patience/endurance/perseverance/steadfastness within us (Matt 24:13). Something which Enhanced Strong's Lexicon describes as being "the characteristic of a man who is not swerved from his deliberate purpose and his loyalty to faith and piety by even the greatest trials and sufferings." Therefore since trials are meant to strengthen our resiliency on the one hand, and grow our faith and assurance, and thus our "patience" In Christ, on the other (Rev 14:12). We should as James says "count it all joy when we fall into various trials knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience." Therefore no believer should ever think these things an anomaly in their life, or discordant with Godly living, or in having faith in Jesus Christ, since in may ways we have all been appointed to this, to suffer for the Gospel's sake (Matt. 5:10-12; Acts 14:22; 2 Thess. 1:3-4; 2 Tim 3:12; Heb 10:32-39; 12:1-2; 1 Peter 4:12-19).  

And so while we pass through these things, we must strive to keep a right perspective, otherwise like Job who after searching his own heart and life for an explanation for his own trials, for a season gave into his own frustration and despair. Yet if Job could've seen the end, as we now can (James 5:11), how much different would've his response been? His initial steadfastness might not have given way to frustration and despair? Nevertheless it must be said that by the end of it all Job's faith was much more well-rounded, assured, and thus complete then it ever was before he went through it all. That's how I see Job's person, from a man who began with such an extreme caution when dealing with God so as to think he was handling fine china while trying to walk on marbles (consider Job 1:4-5). To a man at the end of his own trials was still reverent and obedient, but was much more aware of who God is and what He is like; and what we are like; self-righteous and self-justifying, without Him actively at work in our lives (Job 42:1-6). Therefore rather than trying to shortcut what God is trying to do by permitting or even bringing these trials into our lives, we should seek to understand what the will of the Lord is for us while in them, which ultimately is Christ-likeness, of which there is no short-cut in attaining too. For that is what we were saved for, and now as new creations In Christ are being recreated to be like. And so as the Apostle James concludes his exhortation in this section of Scripture, so will I, by quoting him. "But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." vs. 4 



Word Studies
Vs. 2 trials: peirasmos, Str. 3986; GK 4280; TDNT 6.23; TDNTA 822; LN 27:46; 88.308; (Matt 6:13; 26:41; Mark 14:38; Luke 4:13; 8:13; 11:4; 22:28, 40, 46; Acts 20:19; 1 Cor 10:13 (2x); Gal 4:14; 1 Tim 6:9; Heb. 3:8; James 1:2, 12; 1 Peter 1:6; 4:12; 2 Peter 2:9;  Rev. 3:10) 21x
Regarding trials or testing Louw-Nida Greek Lexicon states of the word translated here it is "to try to learn the nature or character of someone or something by submitting such to thorough and extensive testing—‘to test, to examine, to put to the test, examination, testing." LN 27.46
Regarding temptations Louw-Nida states of the word translated here it is "to endeavor or attempt to cause someone to sin—‘to tempt, to trap, to lead into temptation, temptation." LN 88.308
 


Vs. 3-4 patience: hypomone, Str. 5281; GK 5705; TDNT 4.581; TDNTA 581; LN 25.174; (Luke 21:19; Rom 2:7; 5:3-4; 8:25; 15:4-5; 2 Cor. 1:6; 6:4; 12:12; Col. 1:11; 1 Thess. 1:3; 2 Thess. 1:4; 3:5; 1 Tim. 6:11; 2 Tim. 3:10; Titus 2:2; Heb. 10:36; 12:1; James 1:3-4; 5:11; 2 Peter 1:6; Rev. 1:9; 2:2, 3, 19; 3:10; 13:10; 14:12) 32x; compare with longsuffering: makrothumia (Str. 3986, GK 4280) translated longsuffering everywhere in the NKJ except in Heb 6:12; James 5:10 where it is rendered patience, (see Rom. 2:4; 9:22; 2 Cor. 6:6; Gal. 5:22; Eph. 4:2; Col. 1:11; 3:12; 1 Tim. 1:16; 2 Tim. 3:10; 4:2; Heb. 6:12; James 5:10; 1 Peter 3:20; 2 Peter 3:15) 14x


Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

James 1:1

Preamble
The James mentioned here is the brother of the Lord Jesus Christ. And thus is to be distinguished from James the brother of John whom the Lord commissioned as one of the original twelve Apostles (Matt 4:21-22; Matt 10:2-4). This James then was one of the four sons Mary had naturally with Joseph, after the Lord Jesus Christ had been born, being the eldest of these (Matt 13:55; Mark 6:3). Thus with Jesus being brought into the world by the Holy Spirit overshadowing Marry, God did not keep Marry and Joseph from later having their own children by natural means (Matt 1:25; 12:47; 13:55-56; Mark 6:3; Luke 2:7). Now when the Lord Jesus began His earthly ministry, though Jesus was held in a certain reverence by Mary and her children (John 2:5) they were initially slow to warm up to the notion of Jesus as being the Christ of God (Matt 12:46-50; Mark 3:31-35; Luke 8:19-21; John 7:5) even though this had been foretold Marry. But with Jesus' Crucifixion death, then resurrection from the dead, and finally His ascension, their faith in Jesus as Lord became firmly established (Acts 1:12-14; 1 Cor. 15:7). Now the Apostle James, whom the Lord commissioned as one of the original twelve is preeminent in early church until his own martyrdom at the hands of Herod Agrippa I, the grandson of Herod the Great, who initially tried to kill Jesus when he was still an infant (see Matt. 2:1-18; Acts 12:1-4). And so with his passing, James, the half brother of Jesus, becomes a more prominent Apostle in the early church in Jerusalem (Gal 1:19). With James' ministry almost exclusively focused on the oversight of the brethren there, with an especially deep concern for the poor brethren amongst them (Gal 2:9). Now James greatest theological contribution while leading there clearly comes through his endorsement of the Jerusalem decree, which endorsed Gentile salvation and faith practice by God's grace (see Acts 15, vs. 12-21). Though it must be said he himself made room for the Jews to practice their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ according to Law and custom (Acts 21:17-25). And so with the debate about Gentiles not being under the Law settled. James has no quarrel with the Apostle Paul as too how justification for us all comes (Acts 13:38-39). Just as the Apostle Peter then stated: "But we believe that through the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ we shall be saved in the same manner as they." Acts 15:11 Rather his unique contribution to N.T. theology unfolds with his declaring that true faith (like the Apostle Paul also held, see Titus 2:3, 14) must always be accompanied with good works that testify to it (James 2:26). Something that is clearly seen in the N.T. in Hebrews chapter eleven for example, where Old Testament figures are commended to us for their faith which caused them to do the will of God, and or suffer for the promise of Jesus' Names sake, through whom salvation comes to all who believe in Him (Heb. 11:13).
Finally, before we begin, apparently the Epistle of James after the first generations of believers had passed away, fell into somewhat obscurity and was not "rediscovered" or largely recognized until the 3rd century A.D. when the collection and canonization of the Modern Bible was begun and completed. It's apparent neglect may be attributed to its Jewish "underpinnings", i.e. it's address to the "twelve tribes" may have unintentionally alienated it from later generations of Gentile believers, who by then made up most of the professing church. (though such an address never excluded Gentile believers, as TDNTA states in their article on Diaspora). Or it may have been that since James' ministry was primarily focused on Jews at Jerusalem, it never received the wide circulation amongst Gentile believers that the Apostle Paul and Peter's epistles did. Whatever the cause for its brief neglect, its inclusion in the Scriptural cannon is a blessing to us all now. Being a clearly a Spirit Inspired work. James' Epistle is both a preachers sermon on sound faith living, as well as an inspiration for everyone who is likewise seeking to live out their faith in this world. Being packed with practical knowledge and insights by Holy Spirit Inspiration on just how to do that. No one who wants to grow in their faith should ever neglect it's sound wisdom and instruction given for us all.

 

Commentary
Vs. 1 James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes which are scattered abroad: Greetings.

Though James was an apostle, and a leader in the church at Jerusalem, here in his only epistle, he addresses himself only as a bondservant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. James' example of humility is one that clearly began with the Lord Jesus Christ Himself (consider Mark 10:42-45; Philippians 2:7-11). And thus this attitude of humility permeated the early churches leadership, being embraced by the Apostles' Paul, Peter, and Jude, James' younger brother as well (consider Rom. 1:1; Gal. 1:10; Titus 1;1 2 Peter 1:1; Jude 1). It is no surprise then that we as followers of Jesus Christ are commanded too also pursue this sort of humility in our own lives as well (Col 3:12; Titus 3:2; 1 Peter 5:5). That James' addresses his epistle to the "twelve tribes" which are scattered abroad, if taken literally this would be a reference to the twelve tribes of Israel named after Jacob's sons which make up the Nation of Israel. That James says they were scattered aboard (Gr. diaspora, Str 1290) is indicating that these were believers who were currently dispersed from their homeland (consider John 7:35; and possibly 1 Peter 1). Yet as alluded too earlier the TDNTA gives a different perspective on this stating in their article on the use of Diaspora in the N.T. that:  "In Jms. 1:1 and 1 Pet. 1:1 a question arises whether the authors have in mind Christian Jews, in which case the sense is literal, or Gentile Christians, or Christians in general, in which case it is probably figurative. In Jms. 1:1 the “twelve tribes” are most likely Christians, who are now the people of God with the heavenly Jerusalem as their true home, so that at present they, too, are dispersed among the nations. If this is the reference, the recipients are simply Christians, both Jews and Gentiles." [1]

Whatever view one takes, what encompasses us all is that we as believers In the Lord Jesus Christ are all pilgrims and strangers on this earth, regardless of our ethnicity, or backgrounds, or where we dwell, or the generation in which we came to believe in Him (consider 1 Peter 2:11-12). Thus James' opening address to "the twelve tribes of the dispersion" can very readily be applied to each and every one us as Christians, for we all like the generations who had faith in God before us, are also aliens and strangers in this world (consider John 15:18; 17:14; 1 John 3:13; Heb 11:13). Finally, like the word diaspora which is translated "scattered aboard" here, the word (chaírein from chairo, Str. 5463) rendered greetings here, also appears only three times in the N.T. (Acts 15:23; 23:26; James 1:1), with each of its occurrences being used in an official capacity or as a formalized greeting, with chairo as a greeting "implying a wish for joy or happiness on the part of the person greeted (see LN 33.22). Though there are other nuisances associated with it. It's root is often that of "joy" or "rejoice", and here is clearly being used to extend "well wishes" to all the brethren of which we can include ourselves in.

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Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Additional Resources Consulted

TDNTA:

[1] Kittel, G., Friedrich, G., & Bromiley, G. W. (1985). Theological Dictionary of the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans.

LN:

Louw, Johannes P., and Eugene Albert Nida. Greek-English Lexicon of the New Testament: Based on Semantic Domains. New York: United Bible Societies, 1996.

Joshua 8:30-35

30 Now Joshua built an altar to the Lord God of Israel in Mount Ebal, 31as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded the children of Israel, as it is written in the Book of the Law of Moses: “an altar of whole stones over which no man has wielded an iron tool.” And they offered on it burnt offerings to the Lord, and sacrificed peace offerings. 32 And there, in the presence of the children of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written. 33 Then all Israel, with their elders and officers and judges, stood on either side of the ark before the priests, the Levites, who bore the ark of the covenant of the Lord, the stranger as well as he who was born among them. Half of them were in front of Mount Gerizim and half of them in front of Mount Ebal, as Moses the servant of the Lord had commanded before, that they should bless the people of Israel. 34 And afterward he read all the words of the law, the blessings and the cursings, according to all that is written in the Book of the Law. 35 There was not a word of all that Moses had commanded which Joshua did not read before all the assembly of Israel, with the women, the little ones, and the strangers who were living among them.

Devotional
Joshua in obeying the commandment of the Lord now builds an altar on stones which no man has wielded any iron tool too. And as Moses wrote a copy of the Law on stones, so here Joshua in the presence of the children of Israel does the same in fulfillment of the Word of God (vs. 32). This is the precursor act before the six tribes stand on mount Gerizim too pronounce the blessings in the Law; while six tribes would also stand on Mount Ebal too pronounce its curses for disobeying the Law (Deut. 11:26-32; vs. 29; 27:1-7). And having done so Joshua now reads the entire Law before the whole assembly of the Lord, (now this important). Not a word does he omit as the Law is read before all Israel; before the women, before the children and even before the strangers dwelling amongst them. Everything within God's Word is read. Therefore when we preach or read from the Scriptures there is nothing that should not be read before the whole congregation, and or those who are visiting amongst us. No allowances then should be made to make the Scriptures "politically correct" for anyone or any group. "For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the division of soul and spirit, and of joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are naked and open to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account." Heb 4:12-13 Therefore we must always and continually resist every thought, notion, or word which would say, maybe that's not an appropriate time for that passage. God's Word is Holy and as long as it is used appropriately it is always just and right and sound too expound any part of it, at anytime, to anyone. Therefore we must never consciously pass over any passage or part within in it. For we are as Christ's witnesses and servants charged to fill the earth with the knowledge of God's Word as the waters cover the sea (Hab 2:13-14). So that both His salvation and God's righteous decrees might be made known too all (Isaiah 26:9). And so let us all who believe in the Living Word, the Lord Jesus Christ, and thus His Holy Word be faithful in doing just that.

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Numbers 8:13-19

¹³ “And you shall stand the Levites before Aaron and his sons, and then offer them like a wave offering to the Lord. ¹⁴ Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the children of Israel, and the Levites shall be Mine. ¹⁵ After that the Levites shall go in to service the tabernacle of meeting. So you shall cleanse them and offer them like a wave offering. ¹⁶ For they are wholly given to Me from among the children of Israel; I have taken them for Myself instead of all who open the womb, the firstborn of all the children of Israel. ¹⁷ For all the firstborn among the children of Israel are Mine, both man and beast; on the day that I struck all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I sanctified them to Myself. ¹⁸ I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn of the children of Israel. ¹⁹ And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the work for the children of Israel in the tabernacle of meeting, and to make atonement for the children of Israel, that there be no plague among the children of Israel when the children of Israel come near the sanctuary.”
  
Devotional
On the day God struck all the firstborn in Egypt He consecrated to Himself all the firstborn in Israel. And with the Law being given and the priesthood through Aaron established, God now consecrated to Himself all the Levites instead of the firstborn in Israel, of both man and beast. The reason for this is so that they, the Levites, could serve God throughout their generations in place of the Israelites in the Tabernacle duties. As well so that God could give them as a gift to Aaron and his son’s, the priests, so that they might serve them and be with them in the ministry work for Israel (Num. 18:1-7). Now these are interesting things and one can go into a lot of detail about them. Instead I want us to focus on just one verse and one specific thought from that verse. In verse nineteen God says to Moses in consecrating the Levites to Himself “And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the work for the children of Israel in the tabernacle of meeting, and to make atonement for the children of Israel…” Therefore please consider that God gives us gifts: His salvation is a gift, His love is a gift, our lives are a gift. Not only to be enjoyed and lived out in peaceful union with Himself but also with others as well. That is essentially what a church body is. People separated to the Lord God because of their personal faith in and commitment to Jesus Christ, living our lives out in love and peace amongst each other, and hopefully with others as well. Now within this Body of Believers God by His Spirit has given each and every member gifts. These are Supernatural endowments given by the Holy Spirit; according to His own will; to each and every believer by which we are to serve each other in love (1 Cor. 12:4-11; Gal. 5:13). Now these gifts are unique. And each gift, just like each person, makes a unique contribution to whole. Therefore no particular gift or person can be thought to be insignificant or unnecessary, for all are necessary for the proper functioning of the body as a whole (1 Cor. 12:14-27). For God Himself has placed each one of us in the Body of Christ just as He pleased (1 Cor. 12:18). And thus for the church to function well it must not be dependent on one particular gift or gifted person, but on the whole Body of believers from the "least" to the "greatest", exercising their Spirit given gifts in love and in accord with God’s designs for us all. Which means all things are done for the edification of church (1 Cor. 14:12, 26, 33). Therefore even those members who seem weaker are necessary. And those members who are less honorable, on these we bestow greater honor, since those who are honored have no need. And thus there should be no schism amongst our members. But all the members should have and demonstrate a mutual care and concern for each other (1 Cor. 12:22-25). Therefore if one member suffers, all the members suffer with it, or if one member is honored all the members rejoice with it; for we are the Body of Christ and members individually (1 Cor. 12:26-27). Now there is a hierarchy of Spirit gifts that make up for church leadership (1 Cor. 12:28-31), yet as chapter twelve closes chapter thirteen begins with love being exhorted as the greatest gift and greatest exercise of Spirit gifts and talents, not hierarchal authority. Therefore returning to where I started I want you to know that you are gift given by God. Your life has a purpose and meaning that can only be found and fulfilled In Christ. For you are a gift too God Himself created to know Him and love Him and be loved by Him. Second through Jesus Christ you are a gift to the Lord Himself and the church. Set in place there by God Himself to honor His Son and build up the church in love with whatever Spirit gifts and calling God has placed in you. Third you are gift to your family. Maybe you’re a father or mother, child or grandparent, aunt, uncle, niece or nephew etc. Whatever role or roles you currently occupy in your life you are a gift from God there. I don’t know anyone in any circumstance of life that cannot be a gift to others if they rightly see themselves as that, given by God to help and encourage others. Fourth you’re a gift from God to your community. The many volunteers who serve their communities in innumerable ways are indeed gifts from God to us all. Equally in your workplace how you do your work there and treat those around you can very much be a gift from God. And as Christians we should be. Same with what you do in your leisure time, you can be a gift not only to your family, but also to the extended contacts and influences that come through family ties as well. Fifth you’re a gift from God to humanity. Every human being is an image bearer of God (Gen. 1:27). And thus you and I, no matter what our circumstance of life, have an inherent and immeasurable value and dignity placed on us and within us by God Himself (If you doubt this consider Jesus' warning about not disparaging another human being, Matt. 5:22). For we are all exceedingly valued by God as Jesus Himself said of His purpose for coming forth from God to save us from our sins which have separated us from God (John 3:16). Therefore within us all, we all have the capacity to not only relate to God, but also our fellow persons. People who say we cannot adequately relate to someone from a different walk of life, or life experience or culture, are copping out. All people, whatever the culture or background understand common human experiences, like love or tragedy, joy and laughter, sadness and despair etc. We’ve all experienced it, or have the capacities within us to do so. And thus we have the capacity to enter into another’s joy or suffering and be a blessing there, as well as by letting people into our own lives experiences. For we are all given by God as a gift to all our human brethren, equipped with natural abilities and personality traits that make us unique and special regardless of our physical beings. And thus immensely valuable in whom we are as God’s creation, and what we can do and contribute and even potentially contribute to the service of God, as well as the well being of others. I’m always amazed and humbled by what God does through children. Little gifts of great curiosity and endless energy with a desire to serve and be involved if only given a chance. I remember when volunteering at a local food bank seeing elementary school age children arrive by bus load and these with great zeal and joy would sort through the large wooden crates of potatoes donated from the various producers in the area, removing the spoilage from the usable ones. It seemed in no time flat they’d have a bin licked and be moving onto the next one. Parents I know you love your children. But do you know how much they want to be involved with you? Next time when you go shopping, or are doing something around the home, or in the yard, ask your children to be a part of whatever you’re doing. You’ll build some really strong bonds and be not only a blessing to them, but just maybe blessed by them. Now being a blessing begins by first receiving a blessing from God the Father. That is where it all begins. Not by trying harder in your own strength and resolve, but by admitting defeat. For it is there that God meets us, the broken, the poor in spirit, as Jesus said, and makes us recipients of the Kingdom of heaven (Matt. 5:3). If you have never come to see your need for the Savior and believe in the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior, maybe today is the day. By a simple prayer of faith placing all of your hope on Jesus Christ the Lord crucified to pay for all our sins and risen from the dead so that He can impart new and everlasting life within you, the moment you believe in Him by His Holy Spirit, you can. For it’s not what you have done or have not done that makes you acceptable to God the Father, it’s whether or not you believe in Christ Jesus the Lord His Son (John 3:16-21). That is the sole basis and requirement for being restored to God and brought to Spirit life, eternal life. If you would like to begin that relationship with God the Father through Jesus Christ His Son and be blessed by Him simply pray in faith something like this: Dear Lord Jesus I know that You were sent from God to not only save humanity from our sins and the judgment to come but to bless humanity with Your Person, Presence and Power dwelling inside us. For it is only by You that we experience God’s love and life in all its fullness. And thus we become Your agents of spreading the same. Therefore I now invite You into my heart and life to be both my Lord and Savior; first for salvation; and then as You work in and through my life as a blessing to others as well.

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

 

Genesis 1:4

"And God saw the light, that it was good; and God divided the light from the darkness."

Devotional
Meditating on a verse, even a brief verse, can yield some rewarding understanding about God and how He relates to us. Notice first that God, in the beginning, divided (or separated) the light from the darkness. For as the Scripture declares: "God is light and in Him is no darkness at all" (1 John 1:5). And so this principal of God separating that which is good (i.e. light) from that which is not (i.e. darkness) is a principal that runs throughout the Scriptures. Especially as this relates to us His people, who being sanctified by His Person, are now light in the Lord (consider Exodus 19:5; 33:16; Lev 20:26; Matt 13:47-50; 1 Thess 5:23-24). And so when God calls us to Himself through the Lord Jesus Christ, He does so with the intention of not only delivering us out of darkness (Matt 4:16), but also releasing us from the powers of darkness (Acts 26:18; Col 1:19-20), so that He might bring us into His glorious light (1 Peter 2:9), and we might live as His people of light (Phil 2:14-16). Though this is not isolation from the world and its problems, it is separation from the sins within it (John 17:15-19; 1 Cor 5:9-13, vs. 10). And so God, in delivering us from the darkness, does not want us now as His children to continue having fellowship with darkness (2 Cor 6:14-7:1; Eph 5:8; 1 John 1:6).

For though we live in a world deceived by, and held captive too darkness. We are not of the night, nor of the darkness, who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. Rather we are children of light (1 Thess 5:5). Therefore as children of light, rather then having fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, we are too expose them (Eph 5:11). For that is how sin and Satan's works are thwarted. By exposure to God's light from His Word which penetrates the deepest recesses of the human soul and mind (Heb 4:12). For the powers of darkness and their deceptions in people's lives, and in this world, only operate unencumbered until they are illuminated, then disarmed, by the truth of God's Word.
For truly God's plan for humanity is not just the salvation of all who will believe, but also to fill the world with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord as the waters cover the seas (Hab. 2:13-14).

And so every believers battle in this world is not with the people in this world (John 3:16). Though we who are chosen by Christ will be hated and persecuted by those people of this world, just as they hated and persecuted Jesus (John 15:19-25). Therefore though unregenerate people often become agents of Satan's agenda in this world, they are not the "enemy", per say (Titus 3:3-7). Rather it is the worlds "values" being rooted and grounded in "the lust of the flesh", the "lust of the eyes", "the boastful pride of life", that are (1 John 2:15-17). And so in contrast to those failing and fading things that end in death (Rom 6:23), every believer is to put them away, so that the true light and glory of God in Christ can shine clearly through us all who believe in Jesus (Matt 5:16).

As well a believers warfare is not with the lawful authorities and institutions that are given by God to govern the affairs of mankind (Rom 13:1-7). As if governments are the enemy". Therefore we must always remember that lawful authorities are first and foremost to be obeyed (2 Peter 2:13-17). Lobbied yes, when necessary changed by vote yes, and hopefully held accountable by believer and non-believer alike. As we both have this privilege and responsibility from God. That said, let us always remember that the churches' business is not political, (as if regeneration of the individual or this world will come through politics) rather it's spiritual. And so each and every believer, as well as every congregation, will have to work out their own strategic balance as too how much time, resources, and energies they are going to commit to invoking societal change through the political process, or even humanitarian efforts. For though some change can come through the political process, (and or through our efforts to bring relief to the poor from their poverty and or the ever present and seemingly changing social aliments that plague this broken world) ultimately the heart and soul of the individual is not changed (and thus society) until the individuals heart is regenerated. And that is what we, as God's people are about. Living and declaring the soul saving, life transforming power, that is Jesus Christ's Person who comes to live in us all who believe in Him. And thus we are too illuminate Him to a lost and perishing world, that the salvation and glory of God is freely available to all who repent and believe in Him. For when received by faith, the Lord Jesus Christ changes everything. Both in individuals, as well as in nations. And that is our primary focus and agenda. To preach the Good News, that God in Christ saves souls from eternal damnation and transforms persons, lives, and nations here and now. For our King Jesus and the Kingdom of heaven, must be lived out and preached by us all who have received Him as Lord and Savior, here and now. So that His Holy Spirit life, power and love can be both seen, as well as imparted into as many as will believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, Crucified for their sins remission, and Risen from the dead for our justification, here and now. And so our message and agenda is not a political one, as if attaining worldly power transforms anyone into Christ-likeness, and thus restores the image of God in them. Rather it is Spiritual. Therefore as ambassadors of Jesus Christ we must not become entangled in the affairs of this life (2 Tim 2:4) so as too lose sight of our calling and focus for Jesus Christ in this world. And thus neither alignment with, nor war against, the political entities of this world, whose agendas are only political, whereas ours are Kingdom centered, valued and focused. And so we work, we lobby, we vote, we pray for all those in leadership, as well as for change (2 Tim 2:1-6). But we do not align the Lord Jesus Christ's work with that of governments, or the political entities within them.

Finally, our warfare is not with human creativity, as if expressions of music, dance, art etc., in all their various forms, styles, and formats are the enemy. Since every form of music, dance and art is essentially morally neutral until they are made to express something that is not. Yet sadly more and more what is being expressed through them, is just giving more and more evidence to the degenerating nature of this world. And so it is always good, right and sound to be a sound voice of reason against those things in this world that are morally degenerating, and or degrading of humanity and human dignity, and thus ultimately degrade or deny God (2 Cor 10:4-5). Nonetheless human expressions of creativity through the innumerable mediums, formats, and styles in of themselves again, are not the enemy. Rather our warfare begins first within our own sinful hearts and minds (Jer 17:9; Mark 7:20-23; Rom 12:2), and then extends outward to the powers of darkness, who have seized this world, and are working their agendas through it, and the people they have taken captive within it (2 Tim 2:24-26). And so that is the battle the every believer faces in this world. Not with art, science or technology. Rather we are to be resisting and rejecting the degenerating morals and godlessness that is in this world, and thus the growing darkness within it. "For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places." Eph 6:12 And so we the body of Christ and the people of God within, must hold fast to His Word, and the moral and spiritual truths within God's Word, so as to disarm Satan's lies and be true Gospel messengers and light bearers in this very dark and at times dangerous world (Isaiah 8:20). Declaring Jesus Christ's Person crucified unto death, and risen from the dead, for everyone who believes in Him sins and transgressions, so that whoever calls on the Name of the Lord shall be saved (Rom 10:9-10, 13).

For that is absolutely fundamental and critical. That the Dayspring of God, that is Jesus Christ's Person, be made known to all, so that all might have a chance to repent and believe in Him. For when anyone does they will have remission of all their sins and new and everlasting life the moment they believe in Him! For the Lord Jesus Christ said: “I am the light of the world. He who follows Me shall not walk in darkness, but have the light of life.” John 8:12 Therefore if you have not yet made that critical decision to receive what Jesus has done for you to save you from your sins, and bring you into a personal and everlasting relationship with God the Father through Himself I urge you to do so now (John 14:6). By a simple prayer of faith in Jesus' Person He will come into you ,and change you, just as He has said: "Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me." Rev 3:20

Therefore if you believe and would like to receive the Lord Jesus simply pray something like this: Dear Lord Jesus I know that I am a sinner and have sinned against You. Yet I know that you were crucified for me so that You could both pay for my sins as well as restore me back to God. Therefore I now invite You into my heart and life to be my Lord and Savior. In Your Name Lord Jesus I pray this, amen.

Scripture Citations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982

Proverbs 25:28

         "Whoever has no rule over his own spirit
          Is like a city broken down, without walls."

Devotional
A person without self control is utterly defenseless, whether from wordily temptations, or their own fleshly lusts. That is what this proverb is warning against. Living without self control is an open invitation to have have every form of evil come against one and prevail over them. That is why God gives us as His children self control as a fruit of the Holy Spirit in our lives (Gal 5:22-23); so that we neither act or speak rashly when we are led by Him. For the old fleshly nature will always be full of all manner of rashness and folly. But our new nature in Christ Jesus compels us to something far greater and far more liberating than living thoughtlessly and recklessly which only leads to a persons own bondage and misery. And so if your gospel preacher does not preach self-control as a manner of life and wisdom, and that from God, then he isn't preaching the Gospel of Christ (Acts 24:25; 1 Tim 2:15; 2 Tim 3:2-5; 2 Peter 1:5-8).

Scripture Quotations
The New King James Version. Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982.