The King and The Kingdom - James 2

Pondering the Psalms
 
Yesterday, we read Psalm 7 as part of our 150th Anniversary reading. In it, David calls out to God for help because he is being slandered and pursued. The description of the Psalm says concerning Cush, a Benjamite. “Ancient Jewish interpretation is that Cush is a by-name for Saul himself as a ‘black-hearted man.’”
 
            1 Samuel 22:23 Stay with me; don’t be afraid; the man who is seeking your life is seeking mine also. You will be safe with me.”
 
Read all of 1 Samuel 22 to hear Saul’s anger against David.
 
Like David, run to God when you are in danger, and like David, praise God for who He is.
 
            Psalm 7:17 I will give thanks to the LORD because of his righteousness and will sing praise to the name of the LORD Most High.
 
 
*****
 
James 2
           
James was a servant of Jesus, and that made him a martyr. James was willing to stand for Jesus in the face of persecution and death.
 
James wrote his book to encourage his readers to live authentically as Christians. If you want to know how to live out your faith, study the book of James.
 
            James 1:26 If anyone considers himself religious and yet does not keep a tight rein on his tongue, he deceives himself and his religion is worthless.
 
Since you are reading this devotion I am sure you consider yourself religious.
 
Question?
Do you keep a tight rein on your tongue?
Do your words speak life into people?
 
            Ephesians 4:29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.
 
Guard your mouth so your religion is not worthless.
 
            Psalm 141:3 Set a guard over my mouth, O LORD; keep watch over the door of my lips.
 
Engage the Holy Spirit so your mouth does not speak things you will regret later.
 
James moves from the mouth to actions.
 
            James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this:… to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.
 
Question?
Are you conforming to the ways of this world?
 
            Romans 12:2 Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.
 
Be strange for Jesus.
 
            1 Peter 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.
 
James says our actions are both abstaining and doing.
 
            James 1:27 Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress.
 
Question?
Are you caring for orphans and widows?
 
You can support missions that care for orphans here and around the world. You could become a foster parent or support foster parents. Pray about it.
 
Do you know any widows?
We have many widows in our congregation and community who need help with simple chores around the house. Will you volunteer and help them?
 
I want MCC to be focused on meeting the needs of widows and senior saints. If you are willing to help with tasks, inside or outside, let me know (309-392-2290).
Can you clean out gutters, weed-eat, or make simple repairs?
 
Let’s ensure that our religion is acceptable by serving those in need and having our tongues represent Jesus well.  
 
If you are a widow who needs help, please call MCC (309-392-2290) so we can discuss how we can assist you.