James Bible Sketches

What do you ask for?

 

What do you lack?

 

Which comes first, talk or hearing?

Do you ever wonder how to hear what God has to say? Certain Bible apps, studies/services at church, Christian radio streaming, podcasts, videos and websites are available. Peace comes in faith, by prioritizing and establishing regularity to hear what Jesus has done for us and all the reasons why it’s important. If we tune out God’s Word, we lack the Source of Life. Utilizing the Word’s guidance in relating to each other leads us to strive to—not react poorly—in patience, respond kindly. Everyone in our world, potentially, may be weak, vulnerable, proud or pushy. Truth in Christ flows compassionately, no matter what we’re going through or have previously experienced. God wants us to ask Him for the wisdom we need at all times.

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. … Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:5-6,17

James 1:19-20

Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20

Doing what’s right is to meekly see we’ve failed to do what’s right. 

What opportunities are lost when we’re quick to speak before listening, thinking and praying? Having closed ears to another’s story or ideas cuts off meaningful communication. Harsh, unhelpful negativity would turn people away from Truth.

So also the tongue is a small member, yet it boasts of great things. How great a forest is set ablaze by such a small fire! … no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God. … Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. But if you have bitter jealousy and selfish ambition in your hearts, do not boast and be false to the truth. This is not the wisdom that comes down from above, but is earthly, unspiritual, demonic. For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice. But the wisdom from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial and sincere. And a harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. James 3:5,8-9,13-18

The spirit of repentance is received by the faith the Holy Spirit supplies. Christ blesses with forgiveness, comfort and courage. The faith of a person who gets into the Word of God is living and active. Faith’s seed produces all types of fruits that help and care for people. Good actions don’t make people right with God, Jesus does. Although true faith in Christ is invisible, it shows up in the healthy activities of life.

James 4:6

But he gives more grace. Therefore it says, “God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

True or false?

Although we don’t always see it, God knows the full extent of what’s at war with the faith. The present darkness of the world and our sinful passions stir up the kind of deceptive trouble that destroys souls. Human nature is so off that it could even go as far as to claim to use the faith as an excuse for bad behaviors such as tyrannizing or manipulating others out of arrogance and blame-shifting to avoid repentance. Sin shows up, big time, as mismanaged priorities. Rude talk as well as pick-and-choose Scripture out-of-context to serve selfish desires abuses God’s good commands. Engaging in quarrels is a waste of time that creates distressing chaos and distracts from the joy of life.

Truth encourages us to take an honest look inside ourselves, resist the devil by acknowledging what is sin—not to revel in it, but mourn it—then, humbly receive God’s mercy and grace with gratitude. Jesus provides the calm peace to those who ask Him for wisdom.

Let God lift you up.

Do you set daily reminders? Why not establish a routine Bible and prayer time to thank God for what He has done in Christ. In the faith, we’re free to personally and along with others in congregation, confess sin and ask the Lord for forgiveness. The Lord hears prayer requests for motivation to stay turned toward Him as well as inspiration to effectively help and offer grace to others. All the spiritual gifts are ours by showing up to participate at places, with other sinners who are praying and growing, where Jesus offers Himself, perfectly, in order to perfect worshipers by forgiving and strengthening us to move forward with a grateful heart. During good times and each difficulty—even in the toughest of situations that we don’t understand—blessings of Jesus are working on our virtues, also, on the character of others.

When our ungrateful wayward mind/voice/action wanders where we know it shouldn’t go, utilizing the power given to us in prayer, our goal is to intentionally stop heading down that path. When we turn toward God in mindful prayer, we know He walks us where we need to be. We trust He spiritually carries and protects us. Habitual prayers request things like discernment, forgiveness, strength, unity and opportunities. It’s good to know our compassionate Lord desires to hear concerns and desires. The Holy Spirit moves us to pray for excellent things such as humility of faith, that He would remove our wanting what’s wrong, faulty thinking, greedy ambition, grudges and resentment. Apologetic and prayers for direction can continuously be flowing. Faith keeps us wanting to remember others in prayer: family, friends, congregation, church, education and community. We may ask for courage to let the joy of the faith in Jesus, bubble up and overflow onto those around us. We can pray for insight on how to comfort (and be comforted), encourage (and be encouraged), uplift (and be uplifted). All of us are sinners whom the Holy Spirit has power to move to take positive action. Especially regarding those who’ve wandered away from the truth, we ask for inspiration to participate in ways which would call them back so that sharing the Gospel leaves all grumbling, complaining and concerns at the foot of the cross and the empty grave of Jesus who is pure, peaceable, gentle, open to reason in light of grace and mercy.

Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord. See how the farmer waits for the precious fruit of the earth, being patient about it, until it receives the early and the late rains. You also, be patient. Establish your hearts, for the coming of the Lord is at hand. Do not grumble against one another, brothers, so that you may not be judged; behold, the Judge is standing at the door. As an example of suffering and patience, brothers, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. Behold, we consider those blessed who remained steadfast. You have heard of the steadfastness of Job, and you have seen the purpose of the Lord, how the Lord is compassionate and merciful. James 5:7-11

Farmers are patient in certain aspects they manage as it relates to the business of crop production while weather, machinery glitches and market conditions aren’t theirs to control. Even though we aren’t responsible to control everything, we may pray for ourselves and one another. Our unreliable, irresponsible, cold, unkind, self-righteous, partial, sour attitudes may be turned toward the Light for forgiveness and patience. Energy of the Gospel produces good fruit that doesn’t push people around or away, but serves their souls hope and nourishment for growth. 

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let him call for the elders of the church, and let them pray over him, anointing him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick, and the Lord will raise him up. And if he has committed sins, he will be forgiven. James 5:13-15

James 5:16

Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16

In Christ we’re firm in purpose, striving to be honest, affectionate, merciful and patient.

In this world, though we expect trouble, there’s wonderful opportunity to abide in the One who is perfect. We can pray over all the strains of suffering. Calling the pastor and friends in the Church for prayers isn’t putting attention on ourselves as much as putting ourselves in God’s hands and trusting Him and His people. Whatever the Good Lord decides, is what is best for those who love Him—ourselves and those in our circles whom suffering affects. Asking others to pray for us points them toward Christ and reminds them of the privilege to talk to God. Sharing needs and prayers allows the Light to shine in dark corners.

Focus on what we have been given.

Contentment and joy are rewards of the faith’s certainty. Jesus is the one and only judge. He lovingly hears prayers spoken in the faith. He mercifully cares for all people. His perfection through suffering completely erases he debt of sin we owe. He’s redeemed me and others who believe. Receiving His gracious gifts empower us to trust Him completely. Absolutely nothing we do adds to His work for us which absolves us from the responsibility of sin and it’s consequences. Our Creator Jesus is always working within us to perfect our faith, making us mindful of the excellent big picture He’s preparing for us. Abiding in Truth—acknowledging that when He returns, His power will destroy all that He declares is evil—believers are provided ability, through His Word, to be heard in prayer and trust His beautiful plan. Delighted to hear the Gospel spoken, we strive to live in the Light’s peace which surpasses understanding. The Father designed us to be Christ’s own subjects, by the Holy Spirit’s faith, held safely forgiven in the Masterpiece. He colorfully draws us into Himself as a perfected mix in Christ’s glorious humility. We’re a creative work-in-progress yet to be revealed. Compassionately, God will fully unite those throughout the ages who fear, love and trust Him. We’ll be together with Jesus—having tears wiped away for eternity. As He promised, because we are in Christ, we, too, shall never see death.

More on the Letter of James

• intro
• The Word Endures (17 studies) 
• sermon 1:16-21
• sermon 1:22-27
• study 1
• study 2
• study 2b
  
• study 3
• study 3b
  
• study 4
• study 4b
  
• study 5
• study 5b
  
• 30min 1:1-15
  
• 30min 1:16-27
• 30min 2:1-17
• 30min 2:18-3:5
• 30min 3:6-4:10
• 30min 4:11-5:6
• 30min 5:7-20
• overview trip
  

2 Corinthians Bible Sketches

How does power in weakness work?

Can God’s “no” have purpose?

What’s beyond control to change?

Who or what keeps you humble? Emotional, relational, spiritual, mental and physical strengths sometimes turn to weaknesses. Confronting and trying to fix problems may aggravate, not solve matters. Our Creator knows how uniquely we each look at and interact with situations. We can’t perfectly fix everything for ourselves or for everyone else. Do you know why? It’s because we are not God.

Jesus cares and protects. 

Faithfully hearing those who trust Him and making messy prayers presentable, Christ’s humility is humanity’s answer to peaceful living. This combination of God Himself becoming man—His perfection of innocence, endurance of unjust cruelty and crucifixion, then resurrection and ascension to heaven— provides us with repentance, forgiveness and salvation. The faith given to us makes opportunity to be healed by Spirit of Truth’s encouragement to crave His Word, the precise tool He uses to build up the souls of sinful people. Rich instruction and promises instill insight for living safely and patiently while waiting for Jesus to return. Correction and comfort flow from God’s supportive people who are mercifully forgiven, trained and strengthened to share gratitude, experience and understanding.

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5

Forgiveness is God’s fix for the brokenness of the world. We’re free to share the joy of humbly receiving and applying Christ’s generosity of grace.

so you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him. … Anyone whom you forgive, I also forgive. Indeed, what I have forgiven, if I have forgiven anything, has been for your sake in the presence of Christ, so that we would not be outwitted by Satan; for we are not ignorant of his designs. 2 Corinthians 2:7-8,10-11

“2:11 outwitted by Satan. To misuse the process of discipline as some legalistic punishment or some method of humiliating a repentant sinner would turn Christ’s Church into a cesspool of self-righteousness. Paul warns against this satanic twist. his designs. Satan plans and purposes to destroy congregations. ‘He provokes the world against us, fans and stirs the fire, so that he may hinder and drive us back, cause us to fail, and again bring us under his power’. (LCIII63)” The Lutheran Study Bible     

Surpassing power belongs to God.

Acting on temptation makes messes which cling to us in the chaos of this world. Inability to make change, convince others of a better way, sort out thoughts, correct mistakes and refine choices to the state of perfection God designed for Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden cause frustration, knowing time is short and death will claim each of us. Our battle isn’t with people; it’s with the devil who wants to bring us down, tear us apart so to wreck faith which would help us live harmoniously. Motivated to eternally separate us from God, demons are always tempting and distracting us. Careless human nature listens to Satan’s lies. Falling for the temptation to base salvation, partially or fully, on self-reliance denies the saving Truth.

Jesus will have the last word on the Last Day. 

We are created to instinctively know what Christ taught is morally good and right.

We should repentantly be disgusted by every error, including reluctance to rely on God’s grace that allows us to adore Him above all else. Jesus teaches us what to say when we pray.

“Christian life is not a practice in perfectionism. Rather, it is a life of dying and rising, lived under the cross of Christ, in the continual forgiveness of our sins” Read, or listen, more by Kyle G. Jones

We’re called to act on the nudges of our Almighty God who offers the power of saving faith through opportunities at Church and in daily devotions. God’s eternal perspective desires that each of us would turn to Him regularly to get a supply of strength which trusts Christ’s work sets us apart for forgiveness, protection and rest. Peace flows from the wounds of Jesus, our brotherly advocate who pleads our case before our Father in heaven.

Not that we are sufficient in ourselves to claim anything as coming from us, but our sufficiency is from God, 2 Corinthians 3:5

And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit. 2 Corinthians 3:18

2 Corinthians 4:7

But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us. 2 Corinthians 4:7

“Don’t let Satan use trivial quirks or quarrels to close your ears to the glorious and powerful Word of your Savior, the One to whom the ‘power belongs.’” Read more by Dr. Jane L. Fryar

Our Creator supplies forgiveness for us.

God knew we’d need it and designed how forgiveness happens. He’s not satisfied with what we mistakenly think will make us right with Him. Jesus actually became sin for us to perfect us by giving us His own righteousness and calling it ours. For our sake, God considers Jesus, who never sinned, to be the greatest sinner.

So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:16-18

for we walk by faith, not by sight. 2 Corinthians 5:7

From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation; that is, in Christ God was reconciling the world to himself, not counting their trespasses against them, and entrusting to us the message of reconciliation. .… For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. 2 Corinthians 5:16-19,21

“Forgiveness Is Not a Layaway Plan … forgiveness does not originate from repentance; it originates solely from Christ. … Should you repent of the wrong you’ve done? Of course. You must. Should you continue to repent as you struggle to un-love that ex-sin? Of course. You must. You will never repent enough. You will never repent sincerely enough. But forgiveness is not based upon having enough repentance or having sufficiently sincere repentance. Absolution is based entirely upon the atoning work of Jesus Christ. His atonement is enough. His sacrifice was perfectly sincere. His blood covers not only the sin of which you repent, but your imperfect repentance for that sin.” … Read more by Chad Bird

On being told the Gospel, genuine faith

• reaches out the hand for more
  
• rejoices
• accepts it as Truth
  
• puts confidence in it
• draws comfort
• by grace becomes righteous in the sight of God
  

2 Corinthians 6:2

For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6:2

Now, not later!

We pray we won’t take God’s offer for forgiveness lightly. Our Creator loves us and for our good He was born to sacrifice Himself to save the world. In baptism, He adopts us as His own. Gifts of Word and Sacraments increase our love, warm and soften our hearts. Talk about an encouraging win-win situation! Gratitude has us wanting to share the Gospel with other struggling friends and relatives so they might receive the Holy Spirit and be saved, along with us, in eternity with Jesus.

The source of Christian hope is not by chance based on us or someone else—it is certainly based on Jesus. 

Walking with Jesus, we share His love, forgive and make the best of situations with His help. We prayerfully commend to the Lord’s care those who do us harm, stubbornly refuse to forgive us and reject our love. We cannot, yet Jesus clearly sees within hearts. He faithfully removes sin and directs the path of those who trust Him. We pray, Lord have mercy on us all.

2 Corinthians 6:18

and I will be a father to you, and you shall be sons and daughters to me, says the Lord Almighty.” 2 Corinthians 6:18

 

Children depend on a capable adult to bring them up with a healthy mind, body and spirit through disciplines of instruction and grace. 

All God’s children depend on their Heavenly Father for righteousness to live in the world, while not of the world. The Great Teacher Jesus was born to save us, supplies confidence that, by the faith given and received, we’ve been separated from the unbelieving world. The Almighty One wants a loving relationship with us, yet allowing us to think for ourselves, He doesn’t force us to believe His Word. He knows the difference between, “I’m sorry” and “I’m sorry I got caught”. Jesus teaches us to love—not only those who are easy to love—but also our enemies by praying for those who reject and hurt us.

For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death. 2 Corinthians 7:10

Has God said, “no” to a prayer request of which you expected a “yes”? 

He works in mysterious ways, higher and more complex than our own. His Word does two things:

1. Shows us our sin
2. Shows us our Savior Jesus

We may trust He always answers prayer according to His good and gracious will.

So to keep me from becoming conceited because of the surpassing greatness of the revelations, a thorn was given me in the flesh, a messenger of Satan to harass me, to keep me from becoming conceited. 2 Corinthians 12:7

2 Corinthians 12:9

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 2 Corinthians 12:9

Grace is sufficient.

The thorn of weakness benefits when Truth is made known and received. While conceit and pride keep worry alive, hardships reveal that we don’t control things, God does. 

For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:10   

Life’s challenges, including helplessness to overcome death, lead us to lean on Jesus in prayer.

Concerns, failures, sorrow and grief of losing loved ones to death—or for whatever reason we can’t understand—we bring it all to the Lord in humble honesty. Though not deserving grace, we are free to ask to be forgiven, calmed and refreshed with new confidence. 

Have you been thinking all along that we have been defending ourselves to you? It is in the sight of God that we have been speaking in Christ, and all for your upbuilding, beloved. For I fear that perhaps when I come I may find you not as I wish, and that you may find me not as you wish—that perhaps there may be quarreling, jealousy, anger, hostility, slander, gossip, conceit, and disorder. 2 Corinthians:19-20

Are you looking for opportunities to help others within the family of faith?

First, remember our help comes from the Lord who encourages us by the Gospel. From Christ’s Church, we take home a dependable boost of power, rest and peace in being fed at His House, His Table, week after week getting a glimpse of what’s next while we patiently wait to behold the full glory of God when Jesus returns! 

It’s not about us, it’s all about Jesus who is preparing a place for us in paradise and keeping us secure in gladness and joy that looks forward to eternity.

Finally, brothers, rejoice. Aim for restoration, comfort one another, agree with one another, live in peace; and the God of love and peace will be with you.…The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ and the love of God and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all. 2 Corinthians 13:11,14

Check out more on 2 Corinthians: 

• Intro
• Forgive the Sinner
• Godly Sorrow – Worldly Sorrow
• Reconciled Reconcilers
• Forgiveness Is a Choice
• What was Paul’s ailment?
• God’s Grace is Sufficient
  
• Faith is … Living Life as a Procession of Triumph
  
• Delays in the life of Paul 
• Let’s Take a Walk
• The Race of Faith: Continuing to Train … A God-Pleasing Aroma

Losing parents at a young age. Growth through adversity. The big picture of life.

At the gas pump today a friendly stranger struck up a conversation. This person was waiting for me to finish washing my windows so he could use the squeegee sponge thingamajig next. He said, “nice car” to which I thanked him and told him I’d bought it from my mom when she became ill and was no longer able to drive. He said it might be good for 300,000 miles if I took good care of it. I said, “I hope so!” Then he asked if she was still living. I told him no, she passed away a little over a year ago. He told me his mom died when he was only 21 and that it had made a big impact on his life. It was time to move on, so I didn’t find out what he meant by that. I left with thoughts about how each of us never knows when we will lose someone we love. Catastrophes such as the violent tragedy in the Aurora, Colorado movie theater, the events of 9/11, war, car accidents; natural disasters such as hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes; unexpected illnesses of children, young and elderly; and the inevitable death by old-age cause heart-breaking losses.

I began to consider my parents lives. When she was still a part of my life, my mom helped me record our genealogy information on a family tree chart I designed. Both of my grandmothers lived long lives, but I cannot say the same for my grandfathers. My mother’s father died from illness when she was only 17. My father was only 15 when he lost his father—a farmer struck by lightening while working in the field with two sons and his horses. My father’s and his brother’s lives were spared. I don’t like to imagine how hard it was to lose their pa that way and for their younger brother, sister and ma who were just a short distance away in their home. When anyone says the chances of being struck by lightening are slim to none, I differ, based on my own family history.

Not everyone will die of old age. It’s important to consider this as we live our lives. Life is precious. The family and friends we have are blessings. I can clearly see the peace, love and comfort of God shine through the lives of so many faithful people as they’ve touched my life when I’ve shared a trouble or sadness with them. Both of my grandmothers and their children (my parents, aunts and uncles) surely received loving kindness, sympathy, comfort and encouragement from their Christian friends and relatives when they suffered the loss of their husbands/fathers. I am learning that tragedies of all types—whether it be the loss of life or any kind of failure and suffering—has a higher purpose: to bring us closer to God and share His love as we serve Him by bearing each other’s burdens.

I wonder, since both of my parents each lost their father at a young age, was this common experience something that may have drawn them to each other? It certainly seems like more than a simple coincidence. The compassion they had learned from all of the people who surrounded them during their losses was now a part of their own character. This was something that they truly understood about each other. This love of God is what they built their marriage upon for 58 years until death parted them. How thankful I am that this love and eternal peace is what they shared with me. Now, through the gift of faith—by the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ—they are united with God and all who share that faith—their loved ones who went before them and eventually with all who will meet them some day in eternity where there is no more pain and sorrow.

The fact that both of my grandma’s were named Ida just might be a coincidence, however, what comes next—following their losses—was different for each. My fraternal grandma never remarried. She was 47 when her husband died from a natural disaster and she remained a widow for the the next 42 years of her life. My maternal grandma remarried twice. She lost her husband when she was 42; lost her second husband when she was 54; and lost her third husband (the “grandpa” I knew) when she was 74. Our lives certainly are impacted by every event and person that shapes the path we follow. My grandmothers were truly blessings to me and each person within their circles.

In the big picture of life, I am amazed at how intricately woven together I am with other people—like mesh. Beginning from conception, we were physically and emotionally connected to our mothers. When we were born our uniqueness is tied to each person in our immediate family and circle of relatives and friends. As we grow up, our circle expands. With technology, social media or by chance, we have knowledge about lives of people we don’t know personally and are reconnected to those from our past. The size of our circle no longer has bounds. I will never know the story the gentleman at the gas station might have shared, but what he said made me think. We learn from others and are inspired by them. We empathize with them and help when we can. We pray.

For you formed my inward parts;
    you knitted me together in my mother's womb. —Psalm 139: 13