No Games James

James, the brother of Jesus, spoke words of wisdom. He wrote one book (five chapters) in the New Testament. While Jesus was alive, James and his other brothers and sisters didn't understand Jesus' mission on earth.

After the cross and resurrection, however, James got it. He became a leader in the Jerusalem church. Here are some of the great things he said that we can use every day of our lives:

If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. James 1:5

Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. James 1:22

My brothers, as believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ, don't show favoritism. James 2:1 

As the body without the spirit is dead, so faith without deeds is dead. James 2:26

You do not have because you do not ask God. James 4:2 

Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. James 4:7-8

Think About It
James was dead serious. He was a "no games" kind of man. He spoke the truth. The things he said are life changing.

Pray About It
Thank you Father God for sending Jesus, your Son. Thank you for James, His brother, who led the Jerusalem church. Lord may we read these scriptures this week and apply them to our lives. Amen.

Do Not Lie--the Ninth Commandment

What if our noses grew every time we told a lie? What if our ears grew? What if our feet grew? Maybe people wouldn't lie so much. Did you know lying is problem of the heart? Yes, our hearts are the heart of the problem. So what is the solution?

The solution to lying is the same as for all other acts of disobedience to the Ten Commandments. It is God's love. He loves us so much He gave His only Son to take the punishment for our sins so we wouldn't have to. When we believe that with all our hearts and accept God's love, our lives change. We won't want to lie anymore.

Love rejoices in TRUTH. (1 Corinthians 13:6) Jesus said, "I am the way, the TRUTH, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me," (John 14:6) and "If you love me, you will obey what I command. I will ask the Father and he will give you another Counselor to be with you forever--the Spirit of TRUTH," (John 14:15).

Think About It
So is it ever okay to lie? Check this out in Proverbs 6:16-19.
There are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to him.

1. Haughty eyes
2. A lying tongue
3. Hands that shed innocent blood
4. A heart that devises wicked schemes
5. Feet that are quick to rush into evil
6. A false witness who pours out lies, and
7. A man who stirs up dissension among brothers.

Pray About It
Lord Jesus, help us to accept your love and not the ways of the world. Help us to honor you with our mouths by telling the truth. Thank you for sending your Counselor, the Holy Spirit, to help us live for you. Amen.