God is good –

James 1:17 Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and comes down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.

The Disciple is tempted by Satan to sin by telling us God is withholding something from us and that God is not good. That is what happened to Eve, David and many other people in the Bible.  Verse 17 gives four reasons that God is good:

1. God gives only good gifts. Everything good in the world comes from God. Sometimes we don’t immediately recognize that something is good, but time will deliver the verdict maybe even in heaven.
2. The way God gives is good. Wiersbe says that the phrase “every perfect gift” can be translated “every act of giving”. Sometimes we give to someone in a less than loving way. But when God gives it is in a loving and graceful way.
3. He gives constantly. “comes down”; means God gives constantly. Even when we do not see His gifts, He is sending them. How do we know this? Because He tells us so and we believe His Word.
4. God does not change. There are no shadows with God. It is impossible for God to change. He cannot change for the worse because He is holy; He cannot change for the better because He is already perfect. We should never question His love or doubt His goodness when difficulties come or temptations appear.

The first barrier against temptation is a negative one: the judgment of God. The second barrier is positive: the goodness of God. Fear of God is a healthy attitude, but the love of God must balance it. We can obey Him because He may discipline us but most importantly we can obey Him because He has already been generous to us with His love and we love Him.

Are you influenced more by the fear of God’s judgment or His goodness and generosity?

Henry Luke

For how to have peace with God click here, how to have peace of God click here, and how to disciple others click here

Joy in trials #7

Guard against sin – James 1:13-15…¹³ Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”; for God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.

God is good and cannot sin and V13c says “God cannot be tempted by evil, and He Himself does not tempt anyone.”  A trial can cause a person to mature but it can also cause that same person to sin, based on how that person responds to the trial.

¹⁴ But each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust.

Each person is tempted when they are drawn away and enticed by their own evil desire. To be carried away is like being hooked and pulled away from something.

Evil desires are the bait that entices us. A temptation is when we are enticed to pursue anything outside of God’s will by a desire of the flesh.  ^A It is not a sin to be tempted, but sin occurs when you yield to the temptation. Then your fellowship with God is broken but not your relationship with Him. 

Let’s say you are walking down the street and something or someone comes into your field of vision that could awake an evil desire. This is temptation but sin is when you continue to stare for an extended look.

God offers to all the opportunity to repent. He gives strength to resist temptation, but He expects you to confess your weaknesses and sinful actions, thoughts or motives.

Notes: A- Galatians 5:19-21 NLT

Henry Luke

For how to have peace with God click here, how to have peace of God click here, and how to disciple others click here

For series on “Count it all joy” in tags below click on James 1:2-3.

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Joy in trials #6

Pursue the crown of life – James 1:12…Blessed is a man who perseveres under trial; for once he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.

James said those who persevere in their trials are blessed and they will be approved. God rewards faithful believers with the maturity to love Jesus and enjoy an intimate relationship with Him.

At the Bema seat of judgment in heaven after the rapture Disciple “will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those who love Him.” ^AA The crown recalls the popular athletic games of the New Testament times. An event winner received a temporal crown plaited from the live greenery. Its temporal value was the applause that came from winning the competition.

God bestows on the Disciple a crown of life that is eternal. We will worship Jesus ” ¹⁰ …fall down before Him who sits on the throne and worship Him who lives forever and ever, and cast their crowns before the throne, saying: ¹¹ “You are worthy, O Lord, To receive glory and honor and power; For You created all things, And by Your will they exist and were created.” ^A

James ends with ” ^12cThe Lord has promised to those who love Him.“  What does scripture say it means to love Jesus? Jesus said, “If you love me, you will keep my commands.” ^B This verse first caught my attention as Dr. Homer Lindsay Jr. preached from it in 1967. It has never been far from mind since then and was later joined by “For this is what love for God is: to keep his commands. And his commands are not a burden.” ^C

By these definitions of love; will you receive the crown of life because you love Jesus?

Notes: AA- The Crowns; A- Revelation 4:10-11; B- John 14:15 CSB, C- 1 John 5:3 CSB

Henry Luke

For how to have peace with God click here, how to have peace of God click here, and how to disciple others click here

For series on “Count it all joy” in tags below click on James 1:2-3.

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Joy in trials #5

Focus on the eternal perspective instead of temporal – James 1:9-10…⁹ But the brother of humble circumstances is to glory in his high position; ¹⁰ and the rich man is to glory in his humiliation, because like flowering grass he will pass away.

We see life from a temporal perspective and bog down allowing the troubles of the world to dominate our thinking. God, however, sees things from an eternal perspective. ^A Using riches and poverty, James illustrated the difference between the human and divine perspectives.

Poverty itself is a serious trial. James calls for the poor believers to boast in rejoicing that God cares for them. God did not exalt the poor by making them materially wealthy. Their exaltation came in the form of spiritual riches from their relationship with God as His children. True riches include an assurance of God’s provision both now and into eternity and joy from Jesus in today’s hard times.

Riches fail to solve all problems, especially spiritual ones. James admonished the rich brother not to glory in his material possession but to be humble. Riches cannot follow a person into eternity.  Exaltation comes to the rich in the same way it does the poor, through a humble and intimate relationship with Jesus.

The pursuit of godly character is the objective of all believers rich or poor.

Notes: A-  Temporal and Eternal perspectives compared Part 2 & Part 1;

Henry Luke

For how to have peace with God click here, how to have peace of God click here, and how to disciple others click here

For series on “Count it all joy” in tags below click on James 1:2-3.

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Joy in trials #4

Ask God for wisdom – James 1:5-8…⁵ But if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all generously and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Disciples are challenged to ask God for wisdom as we face life’s trials.  Wisdom in the Greek world meant intellectual brilliance. Godly wisdom is an openness to hear from God from the Bible and the Holy Spirit and follow His direction.

If we admit it believers lack wisdom every day. Wisdom assists us toward the image of Jesus as mature and complete believers. ^A God is the only source of true wisdom, knowledge, and understanding. ^B

⁶ But he must ask in faith without any doubting, for the one who doubts is like the surf of the sea, driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷ For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, ⁸ being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.

The wisdom seeker should ask in faith. The trusting prayer of a believer is with confidence that God responds to prayers made in His will that seek to glorify God. Selfish prayer requests amount to empty talk.

Doubting is struggling between loyalty to God’s way or sin’s way. Double-mindedness in your relationship with God will limit His work in you.

Seek wisdom from God and check to the extent you are double-minded every day, then repent and seek forgiveness.

Notes: A- v.4 HCSB; B- Proverbs 2:6, 2 Peter 1:3 HCSB;

Henry Luke

For how to have peace with God click here, how to have peace of God click here, and how to disciple others click here

For series on “Count it all joy” in tags below click on James 1:2-3.

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Joy in Trials – #3

 Trials produce joy, endurance, and maturity – James 1:2-4…² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³ for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴ And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. ESV

In 1967 I was having desperate trouble converting a complicated, for then, computer program from an IBM 1620 card system with only 16 K of storage to our new IBM 1130 disk system. I had failed for 8 weeks and the 9th would have been the end of my job. After Bible study, Al Rhea asks if something was wrong. I told him my problem and he took me to James 1:2-3 and prayed with me. I was able to get the program running that 9th week and I have never forgotten the joy and endurance from these verses. I wonder what would have happened to our family if Al Rhea had not comforted me and I had been fired at the end of week 9.

I have had many more trial(s) since that were much greater but God has been faithful, often over long periods. Most of the time there were multiple trials at the same time. Every trial has resulted in the joy and peace of the Lord during the trial, increased endurance, and trust in Jesus.

Endurance produces perseverance—to keep on going when in trouble. The more trials you endure, the greater your spiritual growth. Perseverance requires patience. No Disciple goes on the hunt for troubles but is ready when they come.

The full effect of endurance is growth in the believer’s character. No believer reaches the goal of total Jesus likeness in this life or perfection on earth. But progress toward that goal of completeness in Jesus is the believer’s objective and we will have a perfect body after our physical body dies.

How are you doing at maintaining joy in the midst of trials? Is your reaction anger or thanksgiving for Jesus during the trials you experience?

Henry Luke

For how to have peace with God click here, how to have peace of God click here, and how to disciple others click here

For the series on “Count it all joy” in tags below click on James 1:2-3.

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Joy in trials – #2

 James 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

How to have Joy in Trials?

Jesus said “These things I have spoken to you so that My joy may be in you, and that your joy may be made full. ”  ^A

1. Jesus spoke words to His family so that His joy would be in us. How do we receive this joy? By reading, studying, meditating and applying His words in the entire Bible. I have often said if your faith is weak it is because you are not hearing from the Word. ^B But Jesus tells us if we have no joy we are not taking in His Word. ^A  I suggest using the HEAR method of Bible study, scripture memory, and prayer every day. ^C At least 30 minutes per day.
2. Jesus set the example for us; “3 fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. 4 For consider Him who has endured such hostility by sinners against Himself, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” ^D

We begin by fixing our eyes on Jesus instead of ourselves, our sin nature and the world. Jesus endured the cross for the “joy set before Him“.  Jesus was filled with joy from His family and work, His Father, the Word, the Holy Spirit, the disciples, His friends, the knowledge of His mission on earth and His soon return to heaven to sit down at the right hand of God.

People do strange things to hide from shame, to run from it or to try to escape. Jesus did just the opposite “despising the shame” of being wrongfully accused, beaten, and crucified.

Jesus “endured the cross, despising the shame” so we could have joy as a member of His family and “not grow weary and lose heart.”

Notes: A- John 15:11; B- Romans 10:17;

C- HEAR daily worship plan  Select your Best Verse of the day and write in the notebook:

“H (Highlight major words of my Best Verse of the day)

E (Explain and meditate on verse)

A (Apply to my life)

R ( Respond in prayer about this verse)

Then Pray: Adoration Confession Thanksgiving Supplication

At end of week review and select your Best Verse of the week! Memorize BV of the week!.”;

D- Hebrews 12:2-3;

Henry Luke

For how to have peace with God click here, how to have peace of God click here, and how to disciple others click here

For series on “Count it all joy” in tags below click on James 1:2-3.

Disclaimer: My Personal Journey by Henry Luke has no control over any advertising that may appear and receives no payment for it. Ads & “Related” links come from WordPress.

Joy in trials – #1

 James 1:2 Consider it all joy, my brethren, when you encounter various trials,

God tells believers to expect trials by using “when” not “if” you encounter trials. The believer in Jesus who expects their life to be easy is in for an abrupt wake-up call. Jesus told His Disciples  “In the world you have tribulation, ” ^A

Joy comes from our being able to “take courage; Jesus has overcome the world. ^A  Outward circumstances, good or bad, do not determine a believer’s joy or victory. We can experience satisfaction in our faith whatever storms life brings if we appropriate the victory of Jesus on the cross. ^B

The word for trials can mean trouble, suffering, misfortune, etc. and could include physical problems, doubt, fear, grief, economic hardship, etc. Trials can result from [1] Consequences of sinful choices even if already acknowledged, confessed, repented and forgiven by God, [2] Discipline/Chastening, [3] Satan, [4] Persecution, [5] Pruning the disciple to produce more or much fruit, [6] Testing, [7] the world system, [8] results of living in a fallen world, or [9] Thorns from Satan that God allows to keep believers humble and dependent on the power of Jesus. [10] Trials exercise our faith just as physical exercise prepares an athlete to compete. ^C

A benefit from troubles: Disciples with troubles are comforted by God so we may comfort others.  “3 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, 4 who comforts us in all our affliction so that we will be able to comfort those who are in any affliction with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.  ” ^D

Are you wasting comfort received from God or sharing it with others?

Notes: A- John 16:33, B- Psalm 37:1-13, Philippians 4:4-7, Habakkuk 3:17-19, 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18;  C- Where does trouble come from in the disciple’s life?  D- 2 Corinthians 1:3-4

Henry Luke

For how to have peace with God click here, how to have peace of God click here, and how to disciple others click here

For series on “Count it all joy” in tags below click on James 1:2-3.

Introduction to the book of James –

 James 1:

¹ James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ,

James the half-brother of Jesus wrote the book.  Apparently, he may not have believed in Jesus until His appearance to James after the resurrection. ^A   Although James was late in believing there are numerous references in James to scripture from Matthew. ^B  Note that James did not boast about being a half-brother but instead said he was bond-servant of Jesus.

The basic theme of this letter is maturity in the Christian life. James used the word perfect several times,– a word that means “mature, complete”  [James 1:4, 17, 25; 2:22; 3:2]. By “a perfect person” James did not mean a sinless person, but one who is mature surrendered to Jesus and grown-up. Spiritual maturity is one of the greatest needs in churches today. Too many churches are playpens for babies instead of a place for growing mature Disciple-makers.

To get the most out of our study of James we begin by examining our own hearts with four questions to see where we are in our life with Jesus.

1. We must be born again. ^C Without supernatural spiritual birth there can be no spiritual maturity.
2. We must honestly examine our lives in the light of God’s Word.
3. We must obey what God teaches us from the Word, no matter the cost.
4. If we are serious about spiritual growth the enemy gets serious about fighting us. We must be prepared for some extra trials and testing.

Buckle up and be prepared for a life-changing study in James.

Notes: A- John 7:1-5, 1 Corinthians 15:1-8, Acts 1:14;

B- James 1:2—Matthew 5:10-12
James 1:4—Matthew 5:48
James 1:5—Matthew 7:7-12
James 1:22—Matthew 7:21-27
James 4:11-12—Matthew 7:1-5
James 5:1-2-Matthew 6:19-21

C- How is a person “born again”?  Warren Wiersbe says: “The Spirit of God takes the Word of God and generates new life within the heart of the sinner who believes in Jesus. It is a miracle. The Spirit uses the Word to convict the sinner, and then to reveal the Savior. We are saved by faith [Ephesians 2:8-9] and faith comes from the Word of God [Romans 10:17]”.

Henry Luke

For how to have peace with God click here, how to have peace of God click here, and how to disciple others click here

E. Gentle Restoration in Humility –

 Galatians 6:1,3-4…¹  Brethren, even if anyone is caught in any trespass, you who are spiritual, restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness; each one looking to yourself, so that you too will not be tempted.

Brethren, Paul is speaking to Disciples ^A then and now. We who are “spiritual”, that have a personal relationship with Jesus, restore a Brother or Sister who is discovered to be in sin or trespass. But the restoration of a church member is to be done in a gentle way. Matthew tells us the process to follow: ¹⁵ “If your brother sins, go and show him his fault in private; if he listens to you, you have won your brother. ¹⁶ But if he does not listen to you, take one or two more with you, so that by the mouth of two or three witnesses every fact may be confirmed. ¹⁷ If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the church; and if he refuses to listen even to the church, let him be to you as a Gentile and a tax collector.  ^B

Note the escalation from one intervener, to 2 or 3 and then before the church. We need to careful that this is a process for church members, Disciples only, not for the lost person who does not know Jesus. Of course, you may find the church member is lost and needs to know Jesus.

 “each one looking to yourself “ We also must be careful in humility to judge ourselves first before we approach someone else about their sin. ^D

Notes: A- Why I use  “Disciples” or “Christians”?  B- Matthew 18:15-17; C- 1 Corinthians 11:31-32; D- Galatians 6:3-4

Henry Luke

For how to have peace with God click here, how to have peace of God click here, and how to disciple others click here