Psalms 1; James 3:13 – 4:3, 7-8   Psalms 1 paints a picture of what one does to be happy. We heard last week about the wisdom that comes from above. Here the Psalmist talks about delighting in this wisdom – the law they meditate on day and night. They yield spiritual fruit, and their leaves do not wither and in all they do they prosper. He contrasts them with the wicked who seek their own wisdom – their own advice. If living God’s wisdom produces fruit, the wisdom of the wicked produces chaff that the wind blows away. He claims the promise that the Lord watches over the way of the righteous. James in our passage asks about who is wise and knowledgeable among you. He goes on to say if you truly have it, show it by your good work done with gentleness- humility. He explains earthly wisdom versus wisdom that comes from above. Earthly wisdom includes envy and selfish ambitions which cause disorder and wickedness of every kind. Wisdom from above in contrast is pure – no ulteri...

Proverbs 1:20-33; James 3:1-12   The writer of Proverbs talks about the need for wisdom, for seeking and using it. He writes about the fools who ignore it and the downfall they will receive by neglecting it. Where do we find true wisdom? Who is shouting out in the streets? It is the Lord God. It is said here that the fools that neglect wisdom are ones who do not choose the fear of the Lord. The wisdom of the Lord invited them, but they rejected it. He tells how the immature will die because they have turned away. James talks about this immaturity in our passage. This is shown in one who can bridle their tongues. Those who make no mistakes with their words have reached maturity. Doesn’t wisdom and fear of the Lord help our speech? James uses words of wisdom to prove his point. Don’t we put bits in horses’ mouths to guide them. Then there are ships that are guided by a small rudder. Even species of animals can be tamed by humans. The bad news is that nobody by themselves can ta...

Proverbs 22:1-2, 8-9, 22-23; James 2:1-10 Jesus turned the thinking of the world upside down. People in his time and still in ours give higher standing to those who are rich versus the poor. Even the Pharisees honored those who dressed better than the poor. Did they fail to read Proverbs that tells that a good name – one’s reputation and good favor is better than great riches - silver or gold? Proverbs 22 goes on to say that both rich and poor have the same maker and were created as equals. A bad reputation is for those who sow injustice, and it is said they will fall into calamity while those who are generous to the poor are blessed. We are told not to rob or crush the poor and afflicted for the Lord will plead their case and despoil those who despoil them. Years later James writes about the partiality he sees in the early church. Those in fine clothes and gold rings are treated better – given the best seats while the poor are given either the bad seats or have to stand. James r...

Mark 7: 1-8, 14-15, 21-23; James 1:19-25 The Pharisees in Mark 7 are so into keeping the rules their sect had come up with after years of tradition that they question Jesus about his disciples eating with unclean hands. Jesus calls them hypocrites since they abandoned God’s commandments and teach and hold on to unnecessary rules. Jesus tells them that nothing going into the mouth defiles one but that what is within one’s heart that comes out. He calls these evil intentions and lists the evil unrighteous things that are produced by carrying out these inner sinful intentions. In our James passage we are told to rid ourselves from the rank growth of wickedness. How do we do this? It is by welcoming humbly the implanted word of God that has the power to save your souls. Implanted means it’s deep in your soul. But knowing the word isn’t enough. We are to be doers of the word. We are to live God’s word not just be hearers only. Those who persevere by applying and living the perfect law o...

Psalm 84, Ephesians 6:10-18 The Psalmist in Psalms 84 sings praises to the Lord not only for God’s provision but for the strength God gives us. Verse 5 says “Happy are those whose strength is in God” and goes further telling how they go from strength to strength. God is also praised as a shield – protector. Ephesians tells us to be strong in the Lord and in the strength of God’s power. Paul uses the metaphor of putting on armor. He tells about the whole armor of God which will help one to stand firm. This armor includes truth and a breastplate of righteousness. We are also to be prepared with the gospel of peace. He talks about the shield mentioned in the Psalm, this being the shield of faith. Then he talks about the helmet of salvation. We are covered from our sins by Christ’s work on the cross. The sword we are to take up is the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God. Scripture can help us counter any evil ideas that can come our way, and the Spirit leads us as we study s...