Day 104 - ? about James 5:19,20

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James 5:19,20

• Who in the church or fellowship has the responsibility to do something if a brother is seen to be wandering from the truth (5:19,20)? The brother or sister in Christ who recognizes it is happening.
• Only God can bring a sinner back and save him (John 6:44; Ephesians 1:7). So what does James mean by saying that one of us should bring the wanderer back and turn him from the error of his way? It is our responsibility to be God's instrument, messenger, to tell them how they are walking away from truth; and to help them come back to it. But still, without the Holy Spirit doing the work on their heart, it will not happen. That is God's job; and we just need to do ours.
• Explain in your own words the results of bringing back a wanderer (5:20), as you interpret them: It keeps them from going down the path of discipline that they were on, which could have led to physical death; or if they were a pretending believer, but really a non-believer, it delivers them from spiritual, eternal separation kind of death. It also keeps them from the many other consequences they would have experienced in their sin.
• What are some practical steps a person can take when he sees a brother wandering from the truth? 1) pray for him; 2) make sure your own heart is right before God; 3) pray for the right timing and then contact him; 4) lovingly explain your concern for them and specifically how you believe they have walked away from the truth. 5) Be there for them, all the way through the restoration process.

Day 103 - James 5:19,20

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The context:
James 5:13-18 covers a variety of topics, but the main constant theme is prayer. So, coming into verses 19,20, dealing with a someone who has strayed from the truth, prayer should be the context in which they are pursued.

James 5:19,20 (my paraphrase)
Followers of Christ, if someone who has worshipped with you starts sinning, going away from God's truth; be encouraged to know that any of you who go after him and bring him back to the truth will deliver him from the consequence of death and many other sins that he would have committed.

Day 102 - listening to a message on James 5:13-18

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3 things I am taking to heart from my message last Sunday:
1. Prayer is to be a constant thing, regardless of the circumstances. And although I have improved in this area, I want to keep making prayer something that is going on in my heart and mind all day long.

2. When people are weak, they desire pastoral care; and I want to continue to be sensitive to that and be there for them; even sensing it, if they do not request it.

3. I want the faith like Elijah had, even though he was also weak. I want to be right with God and see Him do amazing things; even in the context of my prayers.

Day 101 - ? about James 5:13-18

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Is it ever appropriate to confess sins before a group, such as an entire congregation?
If the sin affects the entire congregation, then yes, it is appropriate. If the person wants to confess to them, and the church leadership believes it is appropriate for those circumstances, then yes. If the discipline process goes that far, then yes.

Is it ever wise to confess personal sins to another person, even if that person is not directly involved?
If telling that person will help in accountability, then yes.

Do confession and forgiveness contribute to physical as well as spiritual healing?
yes. It puts us in the place of God's blessing. Having a clear conscience is always healthy;and although God chooses to heal, confession and forgiveness equals spiritual healing, even if the physical healing doesn't come.

A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FUNERAL

In this context, I certainly am using the word "funny" to mean "strange" as opposed to "ha ha". Certainly none of my true friends and loved ones will laugh at what I am about to describe...certainly not.

It was Tuesday night, just before 7 p.m., and I pulled in the additional parking lot of a large church for the large funeral I was attending. Although I normally like arriving early to things, getting to this funeral just before it began was going to work out fine, as I can park in a far off spot, not have any rush of cars or people, and easily find my car when the funeral was over. Good plan, right?

As I said, I pulled in the additional parking lot, figuring it would be much easier to find a parking spot. I have been to this church for various occasions, but I had never parked in this particular lot; so perhaps, I can use that as an excuse (my unfamiliarity with the lot) for what happened next? As I pulled in, I noticed, this lot was fairly full as well. No problem - I will head toward the back, find an easy spot and head inside - piece of cake.

I pulled down the first row of cars, and as I was getting near the end, I noticed some spots, near some other cars, open on the left. I also noticed some spots straight ahead, near the grass at the end of the lot. I decided to go ahead and park near some other cars, but with a few spaces in between us. Although I had the smaller car (not the suburban), I still prefer my space when parking.

As I was getting ready to pull into a spot on the left, another car came into view from the second row, who was also pulling into one of those spots. Although there was still room next to him, I immediately decided to look elsewhere. I would like to use the "someone pulled right in front of me" excuse for what I am about to describe, but that would not quite be the truth. But, if you would like to think that, in order to excuse me from responsibility for the following (as one of my dearly loved friends), then please feel free.

I looked forward to the spots, once again, at the end of the lot, and then looked back at the car pulling in, while still driving, and for some reason, starting to turn the corner. I guess I was a little undecided in my mind as to whether I was going straight, or taking a last spot on the left; and I guess I was going to turn the corner and then park near the grass a little further down and closer to the entrance.

All of this happened in a couple of seconds, once I saw the car pulling in to that spot. I looked ahead, looked back at them, and...BANG!

No, I didn't. Certainly, I did not just do that. Don't tell me I just ran into a light pole in a parking lot. I came to find out later that I was very fortunate not to have the air bag release, but at the moment, I certainly was not thinking of all the fortunate things in my life. I just ran my car into a light pole! From the moment I entered the parking lot, I never "saw" the pole. I was focused only on the parking spots and cars (here is where you can insert, family and friends, the "hey, he never parked in that lot before - how could he have known there was a light pole there" excuse).

Fortunately (here a fortunate thing I actually did think about at the time), no one else was in the parking lot, except for the man who pulled in just before I hit the pole (o.k. family and friends, here is where you say: "it is really that guys fault. If he wouldn't have taken your spot, then all would be well"!) He got out of his car and asked me if I was o.k. I said yes, and he went into the funeral. I do appreciate that he held back his laughter (as I am sure you are doing now).

So, that was about 7 p.m. The tow truck was taking me away a 9:15 p.m., which is just at the time that the funeral was letting out and people were crowding into the parking lot. Fortunately (see, here is another fortunate thing I was thinking), it was dark, and since I was hiding under the seat of the tow truck (at least I wanted to), no one saw me (at least that I know of - I was making no eye contact).

For those 2 plus hours following the crash and before being towed away in humility, I had the opportunity to tell two different guys from the church who had to come out and access the situation, explain it to the AAA operator, 2 different workers for the towing companies, my tow truck guy that responded, my wife, my friend who gave me counsel, and the sheriff who came by to check it out. I kept trying to find a dignified way to explain how I ran right into a light pole, but in all the times I had to tell people, it still sounded pretty silly.

The left front bumper side and tire area was all messed up. There was plastic all over the place, as the head light was busted and stuff was coming off the car. I couldn't move the car completely out of the way because the tire had broken off from the tire rod (I think it was the tire rod. I know enough about cars to know that something was broken and it wasn't moving!). The sheriff did give me some good news: he said there were no warrants out for my arrest (see, something else positive to think about!) The next day, the collision place took a look and an estimate for repair. He said there might even be more damage, as the hood would not open and the whole insides, according to him, were moved over to the side. What it would take to fix the car was 90% of what it was worth. Needless to say, there may be some parts of the car available on Craig's list very soon.

Lesson learned...
Wait a second...
What lesson:

• bad things happen at funerals?
• here is another reason to hate Elyria?
• don't turn left into a light pole?
• bring a disguise in case you do this again?

While I am looking for the lesson learned, perhaps I will just accept the same lesson I need to learn over and over and over again, about the same foundational truth: God is in control, loves me, and only allows things for my spiritual good and growth. Therefore, I can trust Him!

Day 100 - praying in all circumstances

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James 5:13-18 is all about prayer:

Write down what James advises for each of the following circumstances:

• if we are in trouble - pray
• if we are happy - sing praises
• if we are sick - call for the elders to pray over you

Explain in your own words the two factors that heal a person in 5:15:

• prayer of faith
• confession of sins

When should we praise God?

• Psalm 34:1 - at all times
• Hebrews 13:15 - continually

For what should we thank Him?

• Ephesians 5:20 - for everything

How can we thank God even for difficult circumstances?

• Because we know He is in control and will only allow things in our lives for our own spiritual good

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL - TIME FOR DONUTS!

Not sure how the tradition got started; but I like it. On the first day of school each year, I take all the kids (and Teresa has started to join in!) to donuts (hopefully with a coupon). A dozen donuts gives 6 of us (Teresa generously refrains) 2 to celebrate (or drown our sorrows in sugar)! It's a nice way to start the school year. I haven't been able to convince Teresa, yet, that this would be a great weekly tradition, but perhaps this will be the year! And of course (especially when my awesome wife is present), there has to be the traditional picture at the donut place, with all 5 kids standing in line, by height of course. Can you guess which 2 of our kids weren't very excited about taking this picture in public (you can't tell by the picture itself)? So, another school year begins, and we thank God for the privilege of sending our children to Christian schools, provided once again by our generous Father. We say a prayer....and then take a bite into that delicious Boston Creme filled delight.....yummmmm!

Day 99 - James and 5:13-18

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The theme of James 5:13-18 is prayer
James 1 - There is prayer, in the context of going through trials and needing wisdom

James 2 - although prayer is not evident in chapter 2, the theme of putting faith into action is present, which is also a theme of James 5:13-18

James 3 - With the issue of the tongue, there is a reference to "blessing our Lord and Father", which is prayer; and that it needed to be consistent with how we used our tongues with others

James 4 - When we pray, in this wrong heart attitude, we don't get what we ask for

James 5 - This passage is all about prayer, in different contexts. When you are suffering...pray
When you are happy...pray. When you are weak, physically or spiritually...pray

BRAD QUICK IS RIP

It is a phrase that people often use, as though they are speaking to the one who has just died: Rest In Peace (RIP); or "may he rest in peace." I have often wondered what that is supposed to mean. It seems to me that it really means nothing, since the body is now lifeless. However, the only ones that this phrase really fits are followers of Jesus Christ, to whom God has promised eternal life in Heaven: "to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord." So, I can, with great confidence say that: Brad Quick is resting in peace, because He is now "home", with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. He has no more pain, no struggle, no sin. He is at peace.

Brad was the pastor of First Baptist Church in Elyria, Oh; and since I pastor in a nearby town, I had the privilege of getting to know him over the past 6 years. We are in the same local association of churches. I have had a hard time finding older pastors who would be willing to share their wisdom and life in mentoring me. Brad met with me several times over these years, and when I asked him to officially mentor me, I know he would have except that he was caring for his wife in her health problems and struggling through his own cancer. I was very grateful for the times he did spend with me and for his willingness to invest in a small church pastor like me.

He encouraged me in many ways, including talking about some of the experiences he has had in his larger church that sounded familiar to my experiences in a smaller one. Most pastors would admit going through the same basic challenges in ministry, but not all of them would take the time or effort to share them with me, in order to challenge and encourage my heart. Brad Quick did that, and I am certainly grateful.

Brad Quick is resting in peace, and we can be at peace knowing that God took him in just the right time and in just the right way, according to God's purposes. For those of us who loved Brad and remain, we can focus on Philippians 4:6,7 -"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything, by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known unto God. And the PEACE OF GOD, which surpasses [human] understanding, will keep your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus."

Day 98 - when suffering

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Suffering in a way that honors God:
Luke 18:1 - always pray and never lose heart
Luke 22:39-44 - follow Jesus' example of praying for your will but submitting to God's will
II Corinthians 12:7-10 - lean on God's grace, when He does not take the suffering away
I Peter 5:10 - after the right amount of suffering, God brings restoration (in His way and time)

What should we remember when we are afflicted?
Romans 8:18 - the glory that is to come
II Corinthians 4:17,18 - that even though we struggle now, we can focus on Heaven and eternal things

What results if we allow affliction to cause bitterness instead of prayer?
Hebrews 12:15 - we do not receive God's grace

Day 97 - James 5:13-18

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The context of James 5:13-18: It follows 5:7-12, which is about being patient for God to come and make things right. In this passage, whether things are right or not right in our eyes, we are to be praying. In 5:19,20, he closes with helping those who have strayed from the truth to come back to God. This fits the context because the focus turned from our personal struggles to helping others as well as confessing our sins to others.

James 5:13-18 (my paraphrase)
If you are suffering or in trouble, then pray. If you are happy, then pray. If you are weak, physically or spiritually or both, call the pastors and have them encourage you and pray over you in Jesus' name. God will restore the weak and forgive confessed sins. Also, confess your sins to one another, pray for each other, so that you can be spiritually healed. If you are right with God, your prayers can accomplish much. Elijah was weak like us - he prayed for the rain to stop and it did...for 3.5 years! Then, he prayed again, and the rain came and so did the harvest.

Day 96 - a message on James 5:7-12

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This week, I have been studying James 5:7-12. This is the 2nd week of my study, since last week I studied the passage to prepare to preach it; and then this week, working through the workout I prepared, to study and apply this passage. Today, the workout is to listen to the message from last Sunday. Although it is a little strange listening to yourself talk, it is good for me to go through the message just from the standpoint of learning and applying it to my life.

Patience is the key term that stuck out to me during this message. I have always thought myself to be fairly patient; and many others, who know me well, tell me I am very patient. But, as I listen to this message, I know I need more patience, especially when I am suffering in some way. I want God to make things right....now! I want to be more patient, just trusting in Him the whole way, knowing He will do what is best, in His timing, in His way.

Friday is Family Day

One of our traditions, as a family, is to make Fridays special. One the reasons we do that is because I, Greg, have Fridays off of work. So, it works best, when I am off, to be able to concentrate on doing things as a family. During the summer, each person in the family has a designated Family Friday, on which they can determine what we do for that day together. One of our goals, as a family, is to be a blessing to others, and one way to do that was to do some service projects together.

Isabella, whose day it was last week, goes to a Christian school that happens to be Lutheran. She and her brother, Alex, have a certain amount of Christian service projects that are required by the school. There was an elective project this summer, working with an outreach program to inner city Cleveland. One of the projects they worked on, was to send food to Haiti, especially to children who are still going hungry there. This was our family service project for the day.

It was an extra blessing because Teresa's parents, Dan and Fran, from Florida, were staying with us at the time. So, the came along with us, all 9 of us, going to a party center at a Lutheran church, in order to package meals for the hungry in Haiti. The experience as a family was just awesome. There was a time of music and worship, to begin with, along with a couple of the leaders talking about the hungry in Haiti and what we were going to be able to do, together, to minister to them.

Then, we put on head coverings, aprons and gloves, to join an assembly line, packaging food. In a little over 2 hours, the whole group that was gathered packaged 20,000 meals to send to Haiti. WOW! But, the greatest part for me, was to watch our family work together. Each table, assembly line, had 12 people at it. So, there were our 9, plus 3 other people we didn't know. At one end of the table were 4 food bins: soy, vegetable, chicken and rice. In the middle of the bins was a big funnel, down which the food would be poured from cups, and then plastic baggies for the bottom of the funnel, to gather the food. The baggie was then passed to someone to weigh the bag, because it had to be 13.8 ounces exactly. Whether it was a little under or a little over, a couple of us then took some rice out (the food at the top) or added some rice, to make it the right weight. Then, finally it was passed down to those who sealed the bags and passed on to those who were packing the boxes to be loaded onto the trucks.

It was a pretty cool set up. I watched my family smile, laugh, work hard, and most pleasingly, work together! I am so proud of them, happy to be called their son-in-law, husband, and dad!
In just a couple hours of time, we felt like we had actually helped some children stay alive in another part of the world. It was well worth the time and effort to plan, prepare, and to participate. Thanks, God, for this wonderful blessing and opportunity!

Day 95 - closing questions about James 5:7-12

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What do and don't we know about the time of Christ's return?
We know it will catch people off guard. We know it could happen at any moment. We know there will be judgment once He comes back. What we don't know is when it will happen or exactly what it will be like.

Why does grumbling at others lead to judgment?
Because we are taking God's place when we set ourselves in a place to grumble and complain about who others are or what God is doing in their lives; or how He is using them in ours.

What is encouraging to you about Job's story?
That God was completely in control, even when Job's whole world fell apart

What is one truth from James 5:7-12 that you need to apply to your life? How are you going to go about doing that?
For me, the key thing is that when I suffer at the hands of others, I must immediately go to God with it, place it in His hands, and completely trust Him.

Day 94 - some more patience

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James 5:7-12

Why should expecting the Lord's coming make your patient (5:7-9)?
Because we can trust Him to make things right, in the right time. He is God and knows what He is doing. Trusting Him to be Him allows us to wait.

Why do we consider those who persevere under suffering to be blessed (5:11)?
Because of God's perspective, not ours. God blesses those who endure suffering, according to His promise, and again, we have to trust that He will come through. Eventually, the greatest blessing is that we get to be with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Until then, we have blessings that come from knowing the truth, having God to go to as our refuge, and the confidence to live each day in His presence.

Patience is not a quality we naturally possess. How can we acquire it?
It comes through the supernatural work of the Holy Spirit. He dwells in all believers so we have the opportunity. We must walk in the Spirit, striving to obey God, confessing our sins so that we don't grieve the Spirit.

Day 93 - James and James 5:7-12

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Reading through James and thinking through how James 5:7-12 fits into the overall context:
chapter 1 - Patience is a key theme in James. In 5:7-12, we are to be patient for Jesus to come, for Him to make things right, for Him to judge. In chapter one, we are to be patient and endure in suffering because that suffering is going to bring spiritual growth.

chapter 2 - working out your faith in action is a key theme in chapter 2 as well as the entire book of James. In 5:7-12, the suffering believers are asked to put what they know to be true into practice, so that they can endure injustice.

chapter 3 - the importance and power of the tongue is key in chapter 3. In 5:7-12, the command not to grumble against others and to be full of integrity in what you say, are a couple of the main points.

chapter 4 - This chapter speaks of having the right heart attitude toward God, and and commands that we do not speak against one another or judge each other. In 5:7-12, we are also to have the right perspective on God's sovereignty and to make sure we are not judging one another.

Day 92 - patience

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Patience:
James 5:7-12 - Be patient, as suffering followers of Christ, for Jesus to come and make things right
Romans 12:19,20 - Don't get revenge - that's God's job. Be patient for Him to act.
James 1:19 - Listen carefully to the Word of God, before you say anything or act
II Peter 3:9-12 - God is patient, waiting for some to get saved; so wait patiently for Him to come

Why would 5:1-6 lead t an exhortation to be patient?
Because the non-believing rich were persecuting believers; and it would be tempting to be impatient, to retaliate or just give up under the pressure.

What are some of the circumstances that tempt you to lose patience?
People who keep talking, don't stay on point, and don't give me a chance to respond. People who are sinning, and yet unchallenged in it.

In what sense has the Lord's coming been "near" for the past two thousand years?
He could have come at any moment and he still could come at any moment.

Why shouldn't we lose patience with the Lord after almost two thousand years?
Because He is in control, knows what He is doing, has a different perspective than us; and is waiting for others to get saved

Day 91 - James 5:7-12

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James 5:7-12
The context:
James 5:1-6 speaks to the non-believing rich, about the coming judgment on them, for their hoarding, and abuse of the followers of Christ.

James 5:7-12, then, speaks to those suffering followers of Christ, telling them that since God will take care of the justice side, they can concentrate on being patient and trusting in God.

James 5:13-20 finishes with some practical things to do about their suffering, both physically and spiritually.

James 5:7-12 (my paraphrase)
Since God will judge those who have hurt you, be patient, until Jesus comes. Trust in God with the timing. Strengthen your hearts in the truth. Don't turn on each other or live in discouragement. Study the people in the Bible who suffered and yet trusted in God, without retaliation on those who hurt them. Remember Job, who lost "everything" but continued to praise and trust in God; and God demonstrated incredible compassion and mercy toward him. Be a person of integrity, that even while you are suffering,you can be trusted.

Day 90 - what to say, what to say

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This is day 90 of the extreme faith workout. That is a pretty big deal, at least for me. I've done 90 day workouts (physical) before and it is very difficult to stick with it until the end. But, in the end, I feel better, and I can see the results. This is longer than a 90 day workout because it lasts until I am done preaching through James, but today is day 90 and I feel really good about lasting this long. The workouts, based on the messages through James, on Sunday mornings, have been 6 days through the week of studying the passage, looking up other passages of Scripture, answering questions, memorizing and meditating on Scripture, and then applying it to life.


Even if no one else is doing it, it has been incredibly useful in my life. It has allowed me to not just prepare to preach and then preach, moving on to the next preparation; but it has forced me to spend an extra week thinking about, studying and applying what I already preached. I try to apply the message to my life before I preach, but it has been great to do it after I preach as well. This has been timely for me, as God has been taking me through a very growing time in my life and ministry; and James has been the perfect book to be a part of that.


Every week, I come away from a message, doubting if I communicated well. It is always a challenge, trying to decide how best to communicate the truth, trying to listen to the Spirit and say what He wants me to say. Many times that is risky, because I realize that some people might not like what I say. However, I am encouraged, that if I study, and pray, and pray some more, I can confidently say what I believe God wants me to say, and leave the rest with Him. I had to say some very uncomfortable things last week, and it is no different tomorrow. I have considered not saying them, but unless I feel that God has released me from saying them, I will go ahead with it. But for now, I pray.

Day 89 - applying James 5:1-6

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Does James, in 5:1-6, seem to be condemning all rich people? If so, why? If not, how can one be a good rich person?

It seems James is condemning all rich, but because he talks about specific issues, such as hoarding and how they treat others, he is referring to, most likely, the non-believing rich. Jesus said it was very difficult for the rich to enter Heaven, but not impossible with God. A good rich person is going to use his resources to further the kingdom of God.

What one warning, command, or truth from James 5:1-6 would you most like to take to heart?
The attitude of selfishness can happen to anyone, regardless of their financial status.

Lord, I need you. I need you to help me to keep my focus on you and your Kingdom. If that means I suffer loss, or have to endure injustice of any kind, I am willing to do that. I don't want my life, my ministry, to be about me. Help me never to get to that point, where I live in selfishness; and am not concerned about others. Everything I have is yours. I want to use what I have for your glory.

Day 88 - Jesus' stories and James 5:1-6

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James 5:1-6 is about the non-believing rich and that their judgment by God is soon coming.

Luke 12:13-34 - Jesus told a story, warning his listeners about all kinds of greed. His story was about a rich man, who became so rich, he decided to retire and just enjoy all of his riches for himself. God called him a fool and took his life that very night, leaving his riches to others. Jesus then taught his followers that they didn't need to worry about their necessities of life, because God would provide them; and instead of trying to build a kingdom for themselves, they should be working and using their resources to build the kingdom of God.

Luke 16:19-31 - Jesus told a story about a rich man who had a beggar come and eat the crumbs off his table. Both the rich and the beggar (Lazarus) died. The rich man was in torment in hell because he was a non-believer and he was allowed to see the beggar up in paradise. He asked for some relief but there was none; and Abraham explained that he was the one in comfort on earth, mistreating the poor; and now he was the one who would suffer.

These stories by Jesus go along with the condemnation of the unbelieving rich of James 5:1-6; and they are reminders to us of what attitude we ought to have toward money, toward God, and toward others. Using our resources, whatever they may be, for eternal purposes, is how we can glorify Him and live opposite of the non-believing rich who do not follow Christ.

Day 87 - 5:1-6 and the whole book of James

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James 5:1-6

1:21 - This would be the challenge to the non-believing rich - to put away their lifestyle and receive the truth of God's Word

2:1-13 - this talks about how to treat the poor, as God would, and the blessings for having the right attitude toward God. The non-believing rich are doing the opposite and have put themselves in a place where they will be shown no mercy.

3:14 - bitter jealousy and selfish ambition are key character traits of the non-believing rich

4:1-4 - this describes the non-believing rich perfectly, as they strive after their own desires, even at the expense of others. They are truly enemies of God.

5:8 - the coming of the Lord, which is an encouragement for the suffering believers, is really a terrifying judgment for the non-believing rich

Day 86 - the non-believing rich

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James 5:1-6 is about the non-believing rich and the actions and attitudes they were having that would bring them condemnation from God:

• They hoarded their wealth, not helping others
• They lived in luxury for self instead of kingdom purposes
• They used others for their own benefit

Why does this earn them condemnation in the day of slaughter?

Because God made it clear, in His law, in His Word, that we were to obey Him and treat others in love. If we do not, then God's judgement will come upon us. So, they were building up for the day that God would judge them, just like a fattened animal eventually is slaughtered after much indulgence.

How is it a sign of pride and arrogance to do what James 5:1-6 describes?

It assumes that their life is theirs to please themselves and use others to bring them pleasure. It does not take God into account. It ignores God and in a sense, they are making themselves out to be their own god. That is the height of pride and arrogance.

Day 85 - James 5:1-6

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The context of James 5:1-6:

• 4:13-17 - Those who do not include God in their plans are arrogant and sinful
• 5:1-6 - One main illustration of those James was talking about in 4:13-17 are the unbelieving rich, who he addresses in 5:1-6. They were living only for themselves
• 5:7-12 - Knowing that the unbelieving rich were going to be judged by God, the believers could concentrate on being patient for God's judgment.

My paraphrase of James 5:1-6:

"Listen up, you rich non-believers: Start crying now, because very soon the judgment of God is coming upon you. You have hoarded your wealth and the evidence of its corrosion speaks against your evil heart, that is being destroyed as well. You have defrauded those poor, working for you, and their pay, which you have held back is also evidence against you. They have cried out to the God who commands all of Heaven's armies (so beware!). You have lived for yourself, to be comfortable, at the expense of others. You can't even see your judgment coming. You have taken advantage of those who are followers of Christ, to benefit yourself; even if it means killing them!"

Day 84 - thinking about James 4:13-17

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James 4:13-17 was the text for my message last week, and the extreme workout assignment for today was to listen to last week's message. Interestingly enough, God used that passage of Scripture in my life in a different way today. I had the opportunity to share it with someone I was counseling, helping to see God's plan in their trouble. Because God had led me to study this passage, to study it, prepare a message from it, apply it and preach it, I was fairly familiar with it.

I was thankful to share some truths, as it relates to their particular problems, from this great passage of Scripture. Some of the few principles that come from this passage that really apply to all of us and circumstances we may be going through are as follows:

• Life is short and uncertain - live it for God
• Include God in your plans
• Pursue the will of God with all of your heart

These Guys are Good!

That was the tag line for commercials done by the Professional Golfers Association, promoting professional golfers and their tournaments. Yesterday, because of a gift from friends, I, along with my fellow pastor, were able to attend a PGA event in Akron, OH: The Bridgestone Invitational at Firestone Country Club. I had never been to a professional golf tournament before, and it was a truly amazing experience. Part of the fun was being with a great friend and my pastoring partner in ministry, Steve. We had the day to just hang out together and talk about sports, etc.

We were at the tournament from the first tee off at 8:30 a.m. until the last group finished the final hole, after 6 p.m. We weren't sure exactly how we should follow the golf, so we did a little of everything. We sat at one of the tee off holes, in the bleachers and watched guys hit their opening tee shots. When Phil Mickelson came by (my favorite player), we followed him for about 6 holes, watching him tee off, and then walking up to where his next shot would probably land. After that we put ourselves in position to watch several players play a couple of different fairways, including Tiger Woods, who the majority of spectators were following.

This allowed me to be very close for a couple of shots from players that went wide, right to the place I was standing. So, I got to see their facial expressions, hear the things they said, and watch how they prepared for and then executed their shot. We also stood at a couple of the greens to watch guys approach with their shots and shoot their putts; as well as find places where we could watch one set of players putt and another set of players tee off at the same time.
Finally, we settled ourselves in the bleachers on the 18th hole and watch several players finish their day.

In between some of the watching, we also got to experience some golf, in one of the trailers that Bridgestone, the hosts of the tournament provided. We got to drive some golf balls, in a simulator, which showed how far your ball would go, where it would have landed and some other details about your hit. The furthest I hit a ball landed about 230 yards and rolled another 40 yards, and straight! Another booth was hitting a certain kind of golf ball that you would normally use and they would electronically figure out how far it would go and where it would go; and then they have you hit their newest golf ball that they are trying to market and tell you if that ball performed better. The best thing about that booth was that they gave each person 2 new golf balls. I wonder how long it will take for me to lose these! And in the final booth, they had a golf professional giving free golf lessons. So, I got a free, 5 minute golf lesson. I'm pretty sure I would actually have to practice to put his suggestions into play, so there probably won't be much improvement; but it was fun anyway.

Some observations from my day at Firestone:

• These guys are good. Since I am a duffer golfer, really appreciate watching these guys up close, seeing how they can hit the ball, so far, so accurately. It is amazing
• My favorite player is a nice guy. On the very first hole, I wasn't far from Phil Mickelson's preparation for his second shot. But, before he shot his second one, he took time to acknowledge this playing partners second shot, saying "nice shot". That seemed rare to me, and I didn't hear that the rest of the day from any of the other players. That impressed me that Phil would take the focus off his own shot for just a moment to encourage a younger player
• Tiger Woods is still the most popular player, but as I considered the temporary, nature of golf, I remembered that how he lives his life off the course, and his decision to either follow Christ or his own desires is really what matters.
• Being outside, in God's created world, in a place where the owners of the property have done an excellent job of making things beautiful, is very enjoyable and pleasing to just relax in.
• Experiences in life are always more enjoyable when you do it with friends. Thanks Steve
• Many things I possess and many fun experiences I have like this, are because of the incredible people in my life who think of me and give me thing (like this golf experience) that I don't deserve: thanks Nate and Amy!
• During the day, I was talking to God and saying to Him: Thank you God for this day, for this moment, for this enjoyable experience. Thank you for your loyalty, your truth, your faithfulness. Help me to take one day, one moment at a time, and live it completely for you. You are true, you are holy, you are my refuge and strength. I trust in you with all I have and all I am.

These guys are good, but God is better; and golf is fun, and some of these guys are rich and famous; but knowing and living for God is eternally better. How blessed I am!

Day 83 - points of the message

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Reviewing the points of the message, based on James 4:13-17, entitled: The Christian Atheist
What is it? Making plans without God

• My response: Making plans is great and honors God; but leaving God out of the plans is living life without God, as though we don't believe in Him.

Why is it foolish? Life is short and uncertain

• My response: It is foolish to live life without God because life is short, and a life lived only for selfish desires is a waste. Life is uncertain, in that we don't know what will happen or how long it will last; so it is a waste to live for temporal, unimportant things. With God, our lives can count for something eternal.

What is the solution? Include God's will in your plans

• My response: When I make plans, I want to do it with God in mind, that my number one goal is to please Him, with my actions and attitudes. I want the things of my life to be what God has planned, not me trying to make my own things happen

How do I find God's will? Pray; Read and study God's Word, prepared to obey; Get counsel; flip a coin

• My response: I need to talk to God every day, about the things I am planning for that day, as well as the future. I need to stay in God's Word, and look first to it for the clear answers as to how I should live. I want to keep talking to others, who I respect, about the decisions of my life, asking for their counsel. When there is more than one good option left, I probably won't flip a coin, bu I will just go ahead and make a decision, believing that my sovereign God will direct all things for my spiritual good.

Day 82 - considering God's will

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James 4:13-17

Is it always wrong to make plans for the future?
Of course not. Making plans is a part of wise living and what God wants from us. The problem is making plans without including God and not pursuing His will for our lives.

Is saying "God willing" about every plan a guarantee that we have the right attitude?
Of course not! Just saying these words is like saying the Lord's prayer every day, but not really knowing or pursuing a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It has to come from the heart regardless of the particular words.

It is my heart's desire, God, to do your will today. Please give me your wisdom and guidance. May I be thinking of you and what would please you, today.

Day 81 - James and 4:13-17

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Read through the book of James and note how 4:13-17 fits with the rest of the book:
1:9-11 - riches fade; and time goes so quickly. Don't waste your life pursuing selfish desires
1:5 - include God in your decisions and when you are in need of wisdom
chapter 2 is all about faith and works - 4:13-17 is all about including God in your plans, which is an outgrowth of faith meeting works. The faith issue of not knowing the future also fits.
chapter 3 is all about the tongue and the person, in 4:13-17 who is making their plans without God is boasting in their arrogance.
4:7-12 is about humbling yourself and submitting to God and His ways. So, 4:13-17 is really an application of the same thing.
5:12 - when you say something mean it; but according to 4:13-17, it should be in the context of the Lord's will

Day 80 - questions about James 4:13-17

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Look up the following verses, concerning finances, from James, and consider how they relate to James 4:13-17

• 1:9-11 - The poor person can be proud about his relationship with God; and the rich person needs to be humbled so that he will have the right relationship with God
• 1:27 - To help those who don't have much is a way to show true religion
• 2:1-7 - The illustration is of a church that ignores or puts away those who are poor but pays special attention to the rich for their own personal benefit
• 2:15,16 - If someone has a need and you can meet it, then it is Christian love to do so
• 4:1-3 - you ask for more, with selfish desires and God does not answer; or you covet from someone and are willing to do anything to get it

In light of James 4:13-17, the idea is to go after riches, outside of the context of pursuing God and living for Him, is a waste, and is wrong.

What attitude does James condemn in James 4:13? The attitude of making plans without God - an attitude of selfish pride

How is this attitude proud and foolish? It does not consider how uncertain and short life is.

What is a person saying about God and self when he makes plans without consulting God? I don't need Him. He is not active in my life or out for my good.

What would be the humble attitude toward plans? I will make some plans, but in the context of honoring God and pleasing Him. And if He wants those plans to succeed, if they are in His will, then they will. Or, it may be His will for these plans to fail, which is o.k. too because it means I will grow from it.

Day 79 - James 4:13-17

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James 4:13-17 in the context of James 4:7-12 and James 5:1-6:
James 4:13-17 is about leaving God out of our lives and daily planning. Instead we are to pursue God's will in our lives and plans. That fits into 4:7-12 which talks about pursuing God through a humble spirit and repentance. Including God in decision making is certainly a part of that. 5:1-6 is a condemnation of the rich, who are oppressing believers and that fits into those who are living as though God doesn't exist.

James 4:13-17 (a paraphrase)
Listen up,those of you who are making specific plans without God. Don't you understand that your life is short and uncertain; so instead you need to include God's will in your plans. But, at the present moment, you are living in selfish arrogance. If you know the right thing to do, but don't do it, you are sinning!