Favoritism Forbidden

James 2:1, James condemns acts of favoritism. Often we treat a well dressed, impressive-looking person better than someone who looks shabby. We do this because we would rather identify with successful people than with apparent failures. The irony, as James reminds us, is that the supposed winners may have gained their impressive lifestyle at our expense. In addition, the rich find it difficult to identify with the Lord Jesus, who came as a humble servant. Are you easily impressed by status, wealth, or fame? Are you partial to the ‘’haves’’ while ignoring the ‘’have not’s’? This attitude is sinful. God views all people as equals, and If he favors anyone, it is the poor and the powerless. We should follow his example.
James 2:4, Why is it wrong to judge a person by his or her economic status? Wealth may indicate intelligence, wise decisions, and hard work. On the other hand, it may mean only that a person had the good fortune of being born into a wealthy family. Or it can even be a sign of greed, dishonesty, and selfishness. By honoring someone just because he or she dresses well, we are making appearance more important than character. We are often partial to the rich because we mistakenly assume that riches are a sign of God’s blessing and approval. But God does not promise us earthly rewards or riches: in fact, Christ calls us to be ready to suffer for him and give up everything in order to hold on to eternal life. We will have untold riches in eternity if we are faithful in our present life.
James 2:5, When James speaks about the poor, he is talking about those who have no money and also about those whose simple values are despised by much of our affluent society. Perhaps the ‘’poor’’ people prefer serving to managing, human relationships to financial security, peace to power. This does not mean that the poor will automatically go to heaven and the rich to hell. Poor people however, are usually more aware of their powerlessness. Thus it is often easier for them to acknowledge their need for salvation. One of the greatest barriers to salvation for the rich is pride. For the poor, bitterness can often bar the way to acceptance of salvation.
James 2:8,9. We must treat all people as we would want to be treated. We should not ignore the rich, because then we would be withholding our love. But we must not favor them for what they can do for us, while ignoring the poor who can offer us seemingly so little in return.
James 2:10, Christians should not use this verse to justify sinning. We dare to say: ’’Because I can’t keep every command of God, why even try?’’ James reminds us that if we’ve broken just one law, we are sinners. We can’t decide to keep part of Gods law and ignore the rest. You can’t break the law a little bit, if you have broken it at all, you need Christ to pay for your sin. Measure yourself, not someone else against God’s standards. Ask for forgiveness where you need it, and then renew your effort to put your faith into practice.

When you are tempted to get impatient with others.
Think of how patient God has been with you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!


Image reference- mikrro.com

GZ/KZ

The Call Of Jeremiah

Jeremiah 1;5 Jeremiah was appointed by God as a prophet to the nations. God has a purpose for each Christian, but some people are appointed by God for specific kinds of work. Whatever work you do should be done for the glory of God. If God gives you a specific task, accept it cheerfully and do it with diligence. If God has not given you a specific call or assignment, then seek to fulfill the mission common to all believers, to love, obey, and serve God until his guidance becomes more clear.
Jeremiah 1;6-8 Often people struggle with new challenges lack self-confidence, feeling that they have inadequate ability, training or experience. Jeremiah thought he was only a child, too young and inexperienced to be God’s spokesman to the world. But God promised to be with him. We should not have feelings of inadequacy to keep us from obeying God’s call. He will always be with us. When you find yourself avoiding something you know you should do, be careful not to use lack of self-confidence as an excuse. If God gives you a job to do he will provide all you need to do it. God promised to rescue Jeremiah from trouble, not to keep trouble from coming. God did not insulate him from imprisonment, deportation or insults. God does not keep us from encountering life’s storms, but he will see us through them. In fact, God walks through these storms with us and rescues us.
Jeremiah 1;10 God appointed Jeremiah to bring his word to nations and kingdoms. Don’t forget in reading the old testament that, while God was constantly working through the people of Judah and Israel, his plan was to communicate to every nation and person. We are included in Jeremiah’s message of judgment and hope and as believers we are to share God’s desire to reach the whole world for him.
Jeremiah 1;11-14 The vision of the branch from an almond tree revealed the beginning of God’s judgment because the almond tree is among the first to blossom in the spring. God saw the sins of Judah and the nations and he would carry a swift and certain judgment. The problems we face may not seem as ominous as Jeremiah’s, but they are critical to us and may overwhelm us. God’s promise to Jeremiah and to us is that nothing will defeat us completely , he will help us through the most agonizing problems. Face each day with the assurance that God will be with you and see you through.

It's in those dark and insecure places that God can do his best work !!!!!

image reference; freedominchrist.net

GZ/KZ

Warning To Pay Attention

Hebrews 2:1-2 The author called his readers to pay attention to the truth they had heard so that they wouldn’t drift away into false teachings. Paying careful attention is hard work. It involves focusing our minds, bodies and senses. Listening to Christ means not merely hearing, but also obeying. We must listen carefully and be ready to carry out his instructions. These early believers were in danger of falling away from following Jesus. They had heard the words of the gospel, but those words had not sunk in. People raised in believing churches and families risk the same danger today. They hear the words and more or less agree, but mental assent to Christ’s leadership is insufficient to be Christ’s disciple. Are you a Sunday school teacher, a small group leader, or a club member ? Don’t assume that people who comply and conform are truly committed to Christ. Get to know each person who attends your group and challenge each with the truth and implications of commitment to Christ. Don’t surrender anyone to casual belief.
Hebrews 2:3, Eyewitnesses to Jesus ministry had handed down his teachings to the readers of this book. These readers were second generation believers who had not seen Christ in the flesh. They are like us, we have not seen Jesus personally. We base our belief in Jesus on the eyewitness accounts recorded in the Bible.
Hebrews 2:8,9, God put Jesus in charge of everything, and Jesus revealed himself to us. We do not yet see Jesus reigning on earth, but we can picture him in his heavenly glory. When you are confused by present day events and anxious about the future, remember Jesus true position and authority. He is Lord of all, and one day he will rule on earth as he does now in heaven. This truth can give stability to your decisions day by day.
Hebrews 2:10, How was Jesus made perfect through suffering? Jesus’ suffering made him a perfect leader, or pioneer, of our salvation. Jesus did not need to suffer for his own salvation, because he was God in human form. His perfect obedience demonstrates that he was the complete sacrifice for us. Through suffering , Jesus completed the work necessary for our own salvation. Our suffering can make us more sensitive servants of God. People who have known pain are able to reach out with compassion to others who hurt. If you have suffered, ask God how your experience can be used to help others.
Hebrews 2:18, Knowing that Christ suffered pain and faced temptation helps us face our trials. Jesus understands our struggles because he faced them as a human being. We can trust Christ to help us survive suffering and overcome temptation. When you face trials, go to Jesus for strength and patience. He understands all of our needs and is able to help.


When there is a question, examine the evidence.
Read the Bible!!!!


image reference; livinghopeinjesus.com

GZ/KZ