Seeing Faith Clearly 5-29-11

So up until this point in the book of James we have been encouraged to:
mature in our faith
see trials from a proper perspective,
get wisdom
and recognize the difference between “tests” and “temptations”.

Now James embarks to tells us how to practice and apply that maturity in our lives:

Essentially James is saying – “Now that I’ve explained what grown up faith is emotionally and spiritually – let’s get practical – let’s see what your faith looks like.”

As parents – how do we recognize that our children are mature? We give them an opportunity to demonstrate their maturity. Hopefully they have heard what is expected and have seen BELIEF demonstrated in our lives, now it’s time for them to put into practice what has been taught.

Our father in heaven is no different. One of the primary ways to know if someone is mature is to see how they NAVIGATE through a test because actions are the true reflection of our belief.

Trials and tests define who we are:

Are you willing to do what necessary despite what you feel or will you compromise?

“Maturity is knowing that it is necessary to DO what is necessary.”

Can you govern yourself? When no one else is watching do you have the discipline to do what is true? Do you finish? “The end of the matter is better than the beginning.” Are you able to complete what you start? Are you ambivalent? Do you succumb to that which is culturally popular. Are you inflexible? Are your actions are based on ‘what has always been done’. Remember, the bible reveals God it does not restrain God.

If a culture becomes ambivalent the result will be a generation that does not know God.

A case STUDY: Judges 1:27 – 2:7 – 2:10 – 2:11-13

These verses show us that when a culture of people cannot govern themselves and complete the task God has presented to them the result of that compromise is a generation that is unable to recognize truth and therefore they are unable to recognize and know God.

If a culture becomes inflexible and is intolerant to practices of faith that are not within the tradition of man the result will be missed revelation.

The case study of the nation of Israel… the Jews. The Jewish nation missed Jesus because they were unable to remove the veil of religious activities and see. The hope of the nations came in a "package" that they were not prepared to receive.

That is why Belief is not about RELIGION instead it is about the SPIRIT that has placed wisdom in the hearts of true believers.

Practically: In the midst of a trial is a person defiant or are they teachable?

Be Teachable:

V19-21 – ‘be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger…’

“Quick to Hear” - In other words, be willing to listen (to what God is trying to teach you in the midst of a trial).

If I do not ‘hear’ what God is trying to say – I will not learn the lesson He is trying to teach me.” To hear it is necessary to put aside the former things – again, new wine must be placed in new wine-skins. Yet, it is necessary to be mature in your belief so as to not be ambivalent over issues that are important. Just like when someone “talks over” another and cannot hear what the other person is trying to say – so it is with the things of God.

To that point the next trait a person with mature faith demonstrates is that they are;

“Slow to speak” - “Be not rash with your mouth, nor let your heart be hasty to utter a word before God… (Ecclesiastes 5:2)

- If I am not teachable I will not listen – because I will not listen I cannot give an answer.

How many of us have asked the question, “How are you doing?” With the response being, “Not much.” Obviously that person did not listen and was quick to speak a standard response. I realize this is a non-essential example but think about the ramifications if we approach God in the same way. God is prepared to provide a new revelation and we approach it with the same 'pat' answer we have always used.

PROVERBS 13:3 – “Whoever guards his mouth preserves his life; he who opens wide his lips comes to ruin.”

It’s worth noting – in the midst of a trial vows are often made haphazardly –

“If you make a vow to the LORD your God, do not delay in fulfilling it… for you have voluntarily vowed to the LORD you God what you have promised with your mouth.” (Deuteronomy 23:21.23)


“Mature people watch what they think and because of that, they do not need to watch what they say.”


Finally, mature people are “Slow to become angry” - A person who vents their anger and frustration in the midst of a trial is seeking personal gratification – the bible says that anger cannot produce the righteousness of God.

- (21) A person who is teachable receives the ‘implanted’ (em-phy-ton) literally ‘engrafted’ word. When a plant is ‘engrafted’ into another plant – it takes on the characteristics of the primary life force. The purpose of engrafting is increase reproduction and sustainability.

Another opportunity for us to practice and apply a mature faith is our view of religion:

V22-27 Think rightly about religion:

The people with the most theories / theology have the most religious agendas and in the absence of experience bad theology is formed. “Experience is attained by applying what we believe.” If the word has been implanted we will do what God asks because our nature has been changed. If we hear and do not do the word we succumb to the delusion of creating an image of ourselves that is greater than the true reflection. Merely “knowing” and reciting scripture does not qualify as understanding in the Kingdom of God.

We live in a culture that values concept and principal over experience and because of that it is common to believe that we are qualified for advancement simply because we “know what to do”. How many of you realize that simply “knowing” how to perform heart surgery is not the same as ‘understanding’ how to perform heart surgery.

“In the Kingdom experience is what provides understanding – in the world it is the opposite.”

It is only when we take revelation and embark into experience that we gain understanding.


“PERFECT LAW” James 1:25) – is a way of describing the application of God’s love to life’s circumstances. Religion is perfect when it is not focused on “right” or “wrong” but rather what is true. A test case… is lying a good thing? Imagine if a woman came into a room in which you were sitting and said to you, "There is a man chasing me who wants to kill me, I'm going to go over there and hide in the closet, please don't tell him where I am!" Of course you sit there in shock for a moment but as you begin to gain your reason a man does walk into the room with a knife and asks you, "Have you seen a woman recently? I'm going to kill her!"

In this case lying is the true thing to do. Hear me; I am not saying that lying is acceptable. You will give an answer for your actions. what I am trying to communicate with this story is that we as believers must mature and move away from "right" and "wrong" and instead concentrate on what is "true" for the building up of the body of Christ.

V 25 - A mature person “looks intently” – literally “stoops down to get a closer look” at themselves. Am I applying the ‘perfect law’ in every area of my life? Do I create a false image of who I am?

V 25 – the “Perfect law” provides “the law of liberty” which seems like a paradox – how can law bring freedom? Because God is immutable (never changing) we don’t need to wonder if something is true or not true… we have been provided His word and His Spirit. Because I am secure in truth I am at liberty from worrying if my actions are right or wrong – I KNOW TRUE.

V 26-27

RECEIVING REVELATION

Our response to revelation is what allows us to “see ourselves clearly”.

The 1st indication of whether or not revelation has been received is by our speech (V26). The word used here for ‘religious’ is (thres-kos) refers to external observances of religion.

The issue of the tongue (speech) is expounded upon in chapter 3 but for now consider this:
I am deceiving myself if I believe in my heart that my external observances of religion count… if I will not control my speech.

- If I lie (do not tell the whole truth)
- If I slander or defame
- If I am sarcastic
- If I use vulgarity.
- If my language is different at home or at the office than it is at a gathering of believers.


The 2nd indication of whether or not revelation has been received is by our actions. (V27) I am deceiving myself if I believe in my heart that my actions are not a representation of what I truly believe. Mature faith cares for the “poor” and it also is “not polluted by the world” – meaning it does not seek security from the world. Because a mature faith does not love the world it is easy to give freely. In addition, a mature faith behaves in a manner that corresponds to what is proclaimed by our speech. It is not Hypocritical.

So what does it take to achieve the goal of a ‘mature faith’? Stand with confidence in the midst of trials. Know the difference between temptation and tests. See yourself clearly; by observing your speech and you actions and apply the truth to your life… regardless of how you feel.

Prayer Requests from Sunday 5-22-11

Tues 5-24-11

Anonymous - Please give me the strength to be able to do my job efficiently and effectively even though my boss makes it difficult. Help me have the grace to forgive his anger and not let his selfishness effect me. Please keep me and my co-workers safe from his wrath.

Anonymous - Please pray for my husband, our two boys and me. My husband is living with ALS (Lou Gehrig's disease). He has been getting progressively weaker and is in pain. He is feeling more discouraged and fearful. He wanted to come to church today, but felt too weak and in too much pain. My boys are confused about what is happening to their dad. They are 7 and 4. I ask for healing, love, clear focus on God in our lives, and wisdom as to how to proceed. How to talk with our boys, how and when to plan and make changes in our living situation, work circumstances, etc. Pray that I will stay focused on Him and not turn to alcohol, but will in fact turn away from trying to numb and avoid the pain. Thank you, with love.

Steve D. - As Bryn and I go on a trip with my dad, step mom, brother and sister (Jay, Barb, Spencer and Jess Dubell), that we would be God's shining light and have the opportunity to share God's word. They are not saved. Thx!

CP - I'm praying that my children Grayson (10) and Isabella (7) would get along!! Summer is coming! They have been fighting a lot - we are "struggling" to be patient during this time - we are praying for peace in their relationship - that they would honor one another in all that they do. Please pray for us as parents, that we do not grow weary or get frustrated during this time of planting seeds. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Melissa M. - I thank God for His amazing provision. How He has given us strength in our weakness - physically, relationally, financially. I believe Matt has stepped into a new business that is God's plan and direction. I pray that we would fully receive His blessings in this business.

Mary V. - My friends son, Mason M. just had a tumor removed from his head and had a 2nd brain surgery within 5 days due to spinal secretion into his brain. He is only 12 years old.

Scott C. - pray for wisdom and guidance.

CP - For Burnia and her children (the family we "adopted" for Christmas). She is in a custody battle with ex-husband. There has been child abuse reported and CPS is now involved, but it is a long process with a lot of red tape. Please pray for supernatural favor over this situation; for financial provision for this family; protection of the children (physically & emotionally) and that a lawyer would help her pro bono. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Psalm 89:15

"Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,

who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD."

Urgent Prayer Request Wed. May 18, 2011

Long Time friend of Christina P: Prayers for Theresa B and family....
Theresa, I remembered you sent a message to Caitlin and Jacob once about bullying. I just wanted to ask for your prayers. Caitlin has been cyberbullied and picked on and last night she tried to commit suicide. I am on my way to the hospital in seattle to see her, they sent us home last night and we can only come during certain hours as she is getting therapy. Could you please ask family to pray for her. We almost didn't get help in time. We need prayers. Cait is an honor student, a volunteer and an amazing girl. Bullying is bad just like you said. We need prayers, Cait feels so alone and helpless against the bullies that she wanted to not live. Please ask for prayers for her. Thanks you T, Heather

5-15-11 James "Passing the test of Temptation"

Week 3 – Ever Growing faith – passing the test of temptation

Do you know the difference between a test and a temptation? If God is good why do we go through trials in life? Why does it seem like when I need God most, I can’t hear His voice?”

These are all questions every believer has asked at some point in the life.

Thankfully God has not left the answers a mystery… but receiving those answers asks that I have a faith that is mature and growing. It is vital to mature in our faith because we leave an inheritance of faith to the next generation. Our ceiling should be the next generations floor.

So how do we pass the test of temptation?

- Need to understand blessing
- What to do when we can’t sense God’s presence
- Realize God cannot do everything
- The difference between testing and temptation
- And accept mystery.

1:12-15

V12 – “Blessed” means having supernatural power working in your favor. So we could read this “Supernatural power works in your favor when you remain steadfast under trial.” WHY? Because “Complaining is to the devil what praise is to God.” A mature person does not complain in the midst of a trial. A mature person does not place conditions on God’s purpose.

We see this stated in the book of Job, “Shall we receive good from God, and shall we not receive evil? (Job 2:10)

How are trials a BLESSING?

- Trials are an opportunity that God gives to us because He trusts us and has provided the necessary tools for us to overcome.

- Trials create the crying out to God that creates the atmosphere that attracts His Spirit to invade our circumstance with the answer.

- Trials are designed to bring us to the throne-room where we are not overwhelmed.

Again, “Ever growing faith” asks that we trust the established principals God has provided, then we physically position ourselves and prepare our mind.

- Learning in the midst of a trial can be done… but, it is not the best way.

The goal of every believer should be to establish the principals while we are in God’s presence… then we stand and advance. Think about it, the time to place batteries in the flash-light is before it goes completely dark.

1:12 – “remain steadfast” – (endures) –

- A mature person does not fall away in the midst of trials –

- Remember, God will give you enough grace to get through the moment.

In a trial if I am anxious or worrisome that is an indication to me that I have stepped out of the grace of the moment. The truth is, trials can seem lonely – as if God’s presence has lifted off your life…

So what are we to do when we can’t sense God’s presence?

There are times when God’s presence lifts from our lives – but like everything God allows there is a purpose – and it is intended for our good.

A case study: The story of Hezekiah

Hezekiah was an amazing King of Israel – most commentators conclude that Hezekiah brought about the 2nd golden age of the nation of Israel.

- He banished idolatrous worship.
- Reinstated worship of YWEH.
- Brought about social reforms in literacy and economic responsibility.
- And oversaw the compilation of the biblical books Isaiah, Proverbs, Song of Solomon and Ecclesiastes.

His passion and commitment to God is no more evident that the fact that Hezekiah was granted 15 more years by the LORD because of his passionate prayer reminding God of how faithful he had been.

PICK UP 2 Chronicles 32:27…

In this we find Hezekiah positioned to demonstrate his faith, like he had done before, instead he succumbs to a selfish motive of comparison and because of that his heart was revealed. So what was in Hezekiah’s heart?

Isaiah 39:5-8

Hezekiah essentially says, "It's OK with me that our nation will be overrun and my children will become prisoners of our enemies. I'll be dead anyway."

Hezekiah abandoned God.

- When I can’t sense God’s presence I must be mature enough to rely on the established principals I have learned while in His presence.

Now a word of warning in regard to trials being “allowed by God” (Hebrews)
“How could a loving God allow trials?”

- God allows trials not in the sense that he ‘approves’ of them. God does not directly ‘make’ a trial or test. He simply uses the effects of a sinful world for His purpose.


Omnipotence has its limits – “God is all powerful” but he cannot do all things.

He cannot make a round square or a married bachelor.
God can do anything… that can be done.

The world that God made is good… in which people are free to choose.

God would rather have the genuine worship of the few instead of the robotic worship of the masses.

God cannot guarantee good - Freedom must be free - Could God make a world where people were free to choose and guarantee that everyone would choose the good he offers.

Sin is random - The effects of sin are visiting themselves randomly upon creation.

The world does not work right – Romans 8:20 – “Creation has been groaning for redemption” (the return to its rightful condition.

God allows then provides – he allows the broken creation and inserts “post” event and provides the answer to the trial.

But what about the verse that says, “I am the LORD creating calamity…” he created a world where people were free to choose, so in essence he did not 'create' calamity - God created the world in which there is calamity.

It is impossible to believe that God is good when you equate Him with the things we are told to come against as believers.

1:13 – Mature people know the difference between temptation and testing.

- Temptations only result in sin if acted upon– temptation is the suggestion to fulfill a God given desire in a god forsaken way. On the other hand, testing if handled properly brings about a ‘good and perfect gift’ (v17).

The gift that trials produce is maturity – because your faith has moved from an “idea” to “belief”. The only way for an idea to advance to a belief is if it is proven, the only way to prove faith is by going through trials.

Temptation is not part of a test – rather temptation is our sin nature’s response to the test.

The same root word here for trial (pi-ras-mos) is also found in 1 Corinthians 10:13 – “No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it.”
You are not terminally unique.

Why is it important to know the difference between tests and temptations? Because if I assert that God tempts believers to do evil I have made God responsible for my failure.

1:14-15 –
Essentially James is saying to those who would say, “It’s not my fault…”

“Grow-up and take responsibility for your behavior”

- I am responsible for my sin… I cannot ‘blame’ God for falling into temptation.

“After we receive Christ we do not have the option of saying, I’m only human.”

I've heard people say, “But I don’t have a choice.” – not true, it may not be the choice you want… but it is a choice nevertheless. Remember, “It is for freedom Christ has set us free.” (Gal 5:1)

Others have said, “You don’t know what I’m going through.” – correct, but I am mature enough to know that regardless of what you are dealing with… sin is never the proper response.

James now concludes the “testing and trial” section

1:16-17 –

The first truth in James conclusion is a statement about the immutability of God.

- “…there is no variation of shadow due to change.”

A mature person understands that God is good – period.

- Anything evil is not from God and we are to stand in opposition to it.

- God does not afflict people to “teach them a lesson”.

- God does not “need another angel in heaven.”

- God is not willing that any should perish but that all should have eternal life.

So why do people perish? I don’t know…but a mature person is able to live in the mystery of godliness and accept questions without answers being confident in the truth that God is good.


ACCEPTING MYSTERY

A mature person realizes that, “If I want peace that surpasses understanding I must give up my right to understand.”

A mature person will gladly live in the midst of an unexplainable mystery before believing a lie to feel better about their circumstance.

- If I die tonight by being hit by a drunk driver – don’t console yourself that it was God’s will that I died that way.

Why? Because you have just made a drunk driver the authority of the universe.

Death is not God’s will… it never was. Death is the result of sin, sin is not of God, therefore we cannot abdicate the universe to drunk drivers running a signal and receive comfort from that.

- The only solace we are left with is this final statement from James about trials and temptations.

V18 – Believers are the first-fruit of a new and sinless creation… believers are not sinners saved by grace. Sin comes from the will other than God’s.

Prayer Requests from Sunday 5-15-2011

Monday 5-16-11

Chris G.- Father, I thank you for all you have done to fill our lives with love during such an incredible challenge. We love seeing you at work and we seek to count all trials as blessings. I pray the Holy Spirit remains overtly present in our daily lives and guides us in all our actions. In your son Jesus's name.

Anonymous - Please lift the spirit of worry and anxiety that is over someone I care for. Help him stay strong through his trials. He is struggling and I hope he can have success and peace. He needs help seeing that his money debts will work themselves out.

Karen H. - Shaun is in the hospital and may lose his toe due to diabetic complications. I filed for divorce. I had to cancel the hearing due to his hospitalization. I have heard all of his hospital bed promises before and I don't trust him.

CP- For my friend Daisy - they desire to sell their home in the Colony and move closer to their kid's school; husband's work and place of worship. They moved here two years ago and left everything familiar behind. They have pressed in, and have remained strong and faithful knowing that God will provide in their time of need. We are in agreement that their home will sell quickly this time (last time it took 14 months). Also for Daisy's little sister who is 16 and has moved in with them and she will remain with them. Pray for provision of expenses with this addition to their family. For their marriage- that it will remain strong through all of this, and that God would bring a Godly couple along side them to walk with them in this journey. In Jesus's name.

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Scott C.- Pray that I find my positive outlook and rid myself of negative thoughts.

Erick S.- A prayer for godly character in leadership and triumph. A flood of hungry souls to SLC!

Melissa M.- Peace and harmony in my family, especially in relation to my kids.

Brenda- Please pray for our grandson, Drew and daughter, Julie who are going through trials. Thank you so much for praying.

C.P./SLC- Supernatural guidance to focus on the "processes" we need; administratively, financially and creatively- to reach the surrounding communities w the Word and Love of God. Also, continued financial provision for our family. Specifically that God would provide a miracle to demolish all of the doctor bills that are left from Grayson's surgery. In Jesus' Name.

Skyler T.- Through tests last week it was shown that Skyler received a head injury on the top of head that has impaired the part of the brain that controls planning and routine and discipline. Please pray that this "hard shell" will be removed and God's wisdom and words will flow freely in Skyler's life.

Cindy T.- Please pray for wisdom, discernment, and renewed strength in my body and for revealing new directions for my company and the ministry we are to do and to be a good mother to my children, full of wisdom and love.

Isaiah 57:18:

¹⁸I have seen his ways, and will heal him: I will lead him also, and restore comforts unto him and to his mourners.

Prayer Requests from Sunday 5-08-2011

Christina P.- Thank You, Lord, for this renewal week, although it was a bit adventurous- it was awesome filled with truth and revelation. Revelation at who You are and mostly how You love us! For this we are extremely grateful and forever changed!

Victims and Volunteers- Last weeks tornados.

Autum M.- God, please watch over our family, our church, our world. Please take care of my Papa in heaven as you're there. I know You are taking great great care of him right now.

Chris G.- Please pray for my family as I continue to struggle to provide for them. With no job yet, it has become extremely hard to live. Pray the Lord will provide... as He has before. Please lift me up to where I have been before, with Him, in His grace...

Steve D.- Prayer for my mom, Jan, who is having her thyroid removed in Tuesday- prayer for the doctors hands, for her quick healing and this to be an opportunity to strengthen her faith. Thanks!

C.P.- Prayers for protection over the Perron Family especially in the area of health. May God keep is from any sickness- any viruses- bacteria, etc. that the enemy would use to distract or oppress us. In Jesus' Name!

Melissa M. I know God is coming with a breakthrough. I am in a "holding/waiting/looking season." Somedays my heart grows weak and I am easily fatigued these days. I am asking for strength and REFRESHMENT. I love God.

Skyler T. This week he came home and had a had a battery of tests and we have a much clearer picture of what is going on in his brain. There are a lot of issues, there is a "brain fog."

Scott- Pray that I find my way in life.

Anonymous- Please pray that Jennifer will allow me to lead her through the book Heaven, and possibly lead her entire family to the Lord.

Suzanne- Praise report! We have been praying for my dad, Tom, who has lymphoma. He just celebrated his 75th birthday and on the way to that day, he received a report: His cancer is in remission!! GLory to God! Thank you!!

John G.- Sleep, rest for my soul, restoration in my family.

Carly L.- Father, I pray for strength, endurance, and patience. I am tired. And I need Your intervention. Help me to continue in the faith!! In Jesus the Christ's Name! Hallelujah!!

John 3:30 He must increase, but I must decrease.

Urgent Prayer Request

Saturday, May 7, 2011

Prayer warriors- I need your help. Some of you may remember that back in November of 2010, I met a hispanic woman at Children's hospital during Grayson's routine MRI. Her son was there for testing of autism in the next room over from us. I struck up a conversation with her through the curtains and tried to help as the Lord leaded. Ended up that a few of us pooled our resources and "adopted" her and her family for Christmas, and we were able to meet some of her immediate financial and emotional needs. I have kept in contact with her throughout the spring as we knew she was having difficulties with her children being alone with their father (her ex husband).

Well, this morning I received a frantic call from her and the news is not good. Long story short, sexual abuse has been discovered between the father and 8 year old daughter. CPS is now involved, and has allowed for the visitation rights to be removed between the girl and father. She has paid a lot of legal fees for this to occur and is broke. Her dilemma now is that her other 3 children are still required to have visitation with their father. She is distraught at this point.

Please join us in prayer as we seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit to help resolve this issue. My heart breaks for this family and these children. While the law is there to help and protect, there are obviously some holes in the system (in my opinion) that truly can only be closed through the work of the God and through His people (you and I).

My next step is to have a friend of mine call her who speaks fluent Spanish to confirm that all i heard, I understood correctly. I will then try and contact a family Hispanic lawyer on our baseball team and see if she can offer any guidance or gratis work. Please pray that this will be resolved as soon as possible; that God will show up for this family in a supernatural way; that doors will open and she will know that it is straight from God; and that these children will be protected by God's Holy angels.

I will update you as i know more.

Bless you,

c-

Prayer Requests from Sunday 4-24-2011

Friday May 6, 2011

Adam T.- For Abby that she won't be sick.

Melissa M.- Tonight our son brought a friend from school to Summit. I pray that Collin and his parents would have an encounter with God and they would not reject the Truth. I pray that everyone in their house would receive Christ and grow in Him.

Chris G.- Please pray for me in this season of change. New home, new job, new life. Pray for me to find work as soon as possible, to provide for my family. I know He is with me... and He is enough... we need Him and His provision...

Psalm 34:14:

Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it.