Abiding in Grace

The Golden Compass

2007-12-07T09:27:00.000-06:00

Some of you have been asking about the movie “The Golden Compass.” Should you allow your children to watch the movie?

I have included below a section from the website http://www.snopes.com/politics/religion/compass.asp for you to look up for yourselves. As far as I can determine (and I have checked out most of the information) this website contains accurate information. Also, after the snopes information there is a section from the Focus on the Families movie review website. I encourage you to go to both of these websites and investigate all of the information. There is much more available for you than in this blog entry. At the end of these sections I have written some personal thoughts about the movie and the novels and whether or not Christians should attend the movie or read the books. I encourage you to prayerfully consider the following:

First, the section from www.snopes.com:

The Golden Compass, a fantasy film starring Nicole Kidman that is scheduled to be released into theaters on 7 December 2007, has been drawing fire from concerned Christians. The film is based on Northern Lights (released in the U.S. as The Golden Compass), the first offering in Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy of children's books, a series that follows the adventures of a streetwise girl who travels through multiple worlds populated by witches, armor-plated bears, and sinister ecclesiastical assassins to defeat the oppressive forces of a senile God.

Books of the trilogy have sold more than 15 million copies around the world, with Northern Lights winning the Carnegie Medal for Children's Literature in 1995 and in 2007 being awarded the 'Carnegie of Carnegies' for the best children's book of the past 70 years. The Amber Spyglass, the final book of the series, won The Whitbread Prize in 2001, making it the first children's book to do so.

The series' author, Philip Pullman (who has described himself as both an agnostic and an atheist), has averred that "I don't profess any religion; I don't think it's possible that there is a God; I have the greatest difficulty in understanding what is meant by the words 'spiritual' or 'spirituality.'" Critics of Pullman's books (conservative British columnist Peter Hitchens in 2002 labeled Pullman "The Most Dangerous Author in Britain" and described him as the writer "the atheists would have been praying for, if atheists prayed") point to the strong anti-religion and anti-God themes they incorporate, and although literary works are subject to a variety of interpretations, Pullman has left little doubt about his books' intended thrust in discussions of his works, such as noting in a 2003 interview that "My books are about killing God" and in a 2001 interview that he was "trying to undermine the basis of Christian belief."

A Los Angeles Times article on the Golden Compass controversy noted that:

[Pullman]'s never hidden his skepticism about God or his rejection of organized religion. A quick Internet search turns up a 2004 essay he wrote deploring "theocracies" for a newspaper in his native Britain, and his own Web site states that he thinks it "perfectly possible to explain how the universe came about without bringing God into it." "His Dark Materials" features a sympathetic character, an ex-nun, who describes Christianity as "a very powerful and convincing mistake," while "The Amber Spyglass" concludes with the two child heroes participating in the dissolution of "the Authority," a senile, pretender God who has falsely passed himself off as the creator of the universe.

Bill Donohue, president of The Catholic League, has condemned The Golden Compass as a "pernicious" effort to indoctrinate children into anti-Christian beliefs and has produced a 23-page pamphlet titled The Golden Compass: Unmasked in which he maintains that Pullman "sells atheism for kids." Donohue told interviewer John Gibson on 9 October 2007 why he believes Christians should stay away from the film:

Look, the movie is based on the least offensive of the three books. And they have dumbed down the worst elements in the movie because they don't want to make Christians angry and they want to make money. Our concern is this, unsuspecting Christian parents may want to take their kid to the movie, it opens up December 7th and say, this wasn't troubling, then we'll buy the books. So the movie is the bait for the books which are profoundly anti-Catholic and at the same time selling atheism.

Other reviewers, however, have described Pullman's works as being more generally anti-religion rather than specifically anti-Christian or anti-Catholic:

In "His Dark Materials," Pullman's criticisms of organized religion come across as anti-authoritarian and anti-ascetic rather than anti-doctrinal. (Jesus isn't mentioned in any of the books, although Pullman has hinted that He might figure in a forthcoming sequel, "The Book of Dust.") His fundamental objection is to ideological tyranny and the rejection of this world in favor of an idealized afterlife, regardless of creed. As one of the novel's pagan characters puts it, "Every church is the same: control, destroy, obliterate every good feeling."

Second, here's a section from the movie review on the Focus on the Family website: http://www.pluggedinonline.com/movies/movies/a0003536.cfm

The Golden Compass opens British author Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials trilogy, an award-winning but theologically controversial series of children's books. Though the series eventually finds two young protagonists and a supporting cast of witches, armored polar bears, scientists and angels confronting the Authority—a stand-in for God—those themes have been intentionally muted in this first cinematic act.

"How does one go about adapting a book that has controversial elements into a film that a very wide variety of people can enjoy, without betraying the original?" asks director Chris Weitz. "One tries to be clever about it. I realized that the overt stating of some of the themes in ... The Golden Compass would never—this is important to make clear—never ever get across the goal line. There isn't a wide enough audience for that—yet. If I wanted to popularize this series of extraordinary books and open them to a wider reading public than ever before, I was going to have to make some compromises."

Weitz went on to say that he hopes the film will be successful enough to allow him to direct the second and third installments without minimizing those stories' strident anti-church themes. "Whereas The Golden Compass had to be introduced to the public carefully, the religious themes in the second and third books can't be minimized without destroying the spirit of these books. ... I will not be involved with any 'watering down' of books two and three."

But even watered down, The Golden Compass is still awash in a twisted worldview and dark spirituality, the anticipation of which has prompted many Christian groups to point out the damage some of Pullman's themes can do. Even secular observers have noted that the film's thinly veiled ecclesiastical allusions can be spotted easily. Newsweek writer Devin Gordon noted, "While references to 'the church' are gone from the film, no one over four feet tall could mistake the Magisterium for anything but an oppressive theocracy." That notion is supported by church historian Dr. Quinn Fox, who observes, "The most telling aspect of His Dark Materials ... is that the Reformation never happened in the world of The Golden Compass. Indeed, Pullman's simplistically harsh view of the church and God posit a power-hungry, misanthropic institution out of control, and a detached, domineering God devoid of grace."

One of the film's visual high points has to be the sight of Iorek bounding through the snow in slow motion with Lyra burrowing into his shaggy white fur. And it's scenes like this, shown in most of the film's trailers, that have the power to spark interest and imagination in young viewers who might be unfamiliar with His Dark Materials.

Such warm and cuddly sneak peaks promise something this movie doesn't deliver. This epic journey to a world in which a theocratic agency kidnaps and tortures children is grim and joyless. The violence may be generally bloodless, but the tale's tone is anything but inviting. No matter what the ads may say, it fundamentally lacks the wonder and the splendor of C.S. Lewis' and J.R.R. Tolkien's fantasy creations—not to mention their grasp of spiritual truth.

Concluding remarks:

Should you allow your children to watch the movie? Has the church at times in human history been like the “Magisterium” in the movie—oppressive and tyrannical? Yes. Children need to learn this to differentiate between the real church and man-controlled and manipulating religion. However, I have a real problem in the movie of each person having a “daemon (pronounced – demon)” that serves as a mirror persona in animal form of our personality or soul that we can communicate with. This not only has a “new age” flavor, it also mirrors what real demons are and can do. If you allow your children to see the movie make sure you go see it with them and then talk at length with them to make sure they understand what they saw and make sure you point out differences between the movie and what the Bible teaches (We should do this with any movie of any questionable content). So, if you decide to allow your children to go, I would use this movie as a teaching tool with them.

Another thought, however, about attending the movie: Will your attendance promote the next movie in the trilogy? Remember, the director Chris Weitz said he will follow the novels more closely, and “I will not be involved with any 'watering down' of books two and three." Since the second and third books take a harsher view toward God and the church...why would we want to promote that?

Should you allow your children to read the novels? That's a different story. The novels apparently are more forceful and forthright with anti-church and anti-God rhetoric. Why would we want to allow our children to fill their minds with these thoughts?

In the end, though the first movie seems to be harmless enough, attending the movie is going to embolden Hollywood to promote the next two in the trilogy and maybe other movies that carry a hidden atheistic theme to our children. Then there's the matter of the novels which I definitely would steer clear of. Why promote an author who seems to be on a mission not only to promote his atheistic beliefs but also to destroy the faith of those who do believe in God? Not with my money Mr. Pullman!

Wandering in a wasteland or slaying giants?

2007-11-15T22:14:00.000-06:00

Friday - 11/16 - Read Hebrews 11:11,12 and Genesis 18:10-15

God is not asking you to have a baby when you're almost 100 years old. Relief, right? Really? Could He be asking you to do something far more difficult?

Save your marriage? Share Christ with someone on your Deep Impact Prayer List? Control your tongue or anger? What is it for you?

All of us have something we feel is just impossible in our Christian walk.

Like the children of Israel perhaps God's plan has too many giants inhabiting the land. Giants like potential for failure, embarrassment, cost, loss of popularity, loss of prestige, fatigue, sacrifice? WHAT IS THE GIANT YOU FEAR?

God wants you to see how big those giants are. Tell God they're big, but in the same breath tell God He's bigger, mightier and far more powerful.

The reason many Christians settle for wandering in a wasteland, spiritually, is because they don't see how big God is. How sad to sell yourself and your family short.

God doesn't want you wandering in a wasteland of boring, impotent Christianity. He wants you to take the land and inhabit the place of God's blessing He has for each and every one of us.

Let's take the land by faith.

Read Heb. 11:13-16 for next Sunday

Laughing like Sarah?

2007-11-14T21:09:00.000-06:00

Thursday - 11/15- Read Hebrews 11:11,12 and Genesis 18:10-15

What is God calling you to do that causes you to laugh like Sarah in doubt?

What is God calling you to do that maybe causes fear in your heart? Me? Do what?

God wants to carry you into the deep end so that if it were not for Him you would be in water way over your head. Will you follow Him there?

Could you be on the verge of something miraculous and really big in your Christian walk? Could this only be a choice of faith away from happening?

The question is not how big or capable you are but how big and capable is God?

Will you climb on His shoulders and head out into the deep?

Read Heb. 11:13-16 for next Sunday

How big is God?

2007-11-13T21:17:00.000-06:00

Wednesday - 11/14 - Read Hebrews 11:11,12 and Genesis 18:10-15

Can "mission impossible" become "mission accomplished" in your marriage, relationships, child-rearing, living for Christ at school, your job, etc.? Depends! On what? Ask this: "How big is my God?"

We saw on Sunday that Abraham and Sarah's faith was not perfect. They had their ups and downs and struggles and doubts, but in the long run, faith ruled the day.

Do you feel that you need to bat a 1000% to see God's power in your life?

Stop! Look to God, not to yourself.

God is able to hold you up in the deep end of life. I love Mark 9:24. A father who came to Jesus so He could heal his son, is challenged by Him to have faith. The father replies honestly, "I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!"

What is looking for is honesty and authenticity. Tell God about your struggle. Tell Him you want to believe and ask for His help. He will come and do just that.

Read Heb. 11:13-16 for next Sunday

Does God keep His word?

2007-11-12T19:14:00.001-06:00

Tuesday - 11/13- Read Hebrews 11:11,12 and Genesis 18:10-15

Does God keep His word? In the core of your heart where no one sees except God, ask yourself that question.

I know that academically every Christian would answer, "Of course He does." But, deep down in your being,in that part of you that really makes decisions that affect your actions, answer it there.

If you believe God keeps His word, can we, should we, are we acting upon that in tangible, measurable ways in our lives?

What are those measurable ways in your life?

What have you changed in your lifestyle or priorities that reflects that belief.

Do people around you see the proof of those decisions?

Can God keep His word and give you success in that impossible thing He is asking you to attempt?

Read Heb. 11:13-16 for next Sunday

Attempt the impossible

2007-11-11T22:05:00.000-06:00

Monday - 11/12 - Read Hebrews 11:11,12 and Genesis 18:10-15

GOD DIDN’T PUT HIS HOLY SPIRIT IN YOUR LIFE AND GIVE YOU RESURRECTION POWER SO YOU COULD ONLY DO THINGS YOU COULD DO IN YOUR OWN STRENGTH AND POWER. What do you think of that statement?

When was the last time you attempted something for God that was way beyond your abilities and strength?

Maybe you haven't because whatever God wanted you to do just seemed to impossible! Do you think Abraham and Sarah felt this way?

List some reasons why you believe it is important for Christians to attempt the impossible, if God leads you to do so, from time to time in their Christian walk:

Could attempting the impossible be the same as conquering new territory for Jesus Christ?

Where is God leading you to go that is new territory that just seems impossible to you right now?

Read Heb. 11:13-16 for next Sunday

Jump!

2007-10-25T18:36:00.001-06:00

Friday - 10/26 - Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4

I made a statement on Sunday that most Christians want the blessings of Canaan without leaving Haran. Would that have worked for Abraham? Will that work for you?

Have you been thinking about what your Canaan might be? Where is it God is leading you to that will require you stepping out of the comfortable and familiar into the unknown of His best for your life?

I shared possible things: A quiet time. Attending an ABF. Talking to a neighbor about Christ. Beginning or attending a small group. Starting a brand new ministry of some kind? What might it be?

It is by far safer and more satisfying to be lost on an adventure with God than to play it safe and cling to the comfortable missing out on the best that God has for your life.

This isn't just something that individuals should be willing to do, it is also something that a small group should be willing to do, or an ABF, or a family, and especially that a church must be willing to do.

However, it must start with individual believers who see how big God is and jump into the deep section of life with their Savior who already jumped into the deep section some 2000 years ago when He came into this world.

Jump!

Read Heb. 11:9-10 – Genesis 13:1-18 for next Sunday

Leave the known for the unknown

2007-10-24T20:32:00.000-06:00

Thursday - 10/25- Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4

At some point in Abraham's life, there came a moment of decision. Has that point come for you? What decision do you have to make?

Abraham left the known for the unknown. Are you willing to do the same?

What was his age? Gen. 12:4

The only way you can arrive where God wants you to be is to leave where you are today.

That's both a very unsettling statement and an exciting statement.

Who doesn't want to be where God wants them? Most Christians do. However, we struggle with the process and what that means as far as what that is going to cost us.

Are you praying that God would give you courage to go for what God wants for you?

If you have kids or grandkids, ask yourself what's best for them?

Read Heb. 11:9-10 – Genesis 13:1-18 for next Sunday

Something better?

2007-10-23T19:11:00.001-06:00

Wednesday - 10/24 - Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4

Do we really believe that God has something better for us than the comfortable and familiar places where most Christians are living their lives?

For Abraham that place was a place of being blessed and being a blessing to others.

If I am reading this right that means the place of blessing in the Christian life is not primarily where we want to live life, but rather away from comfort and focusing on self to a place where we must sacrifice and give of ourselves.

Are you willing to exchange what you have for what God wants to give you knowing that this is true?

How can you apply this at work?

How can you apply this in your marriage?

How can you apply this at school?

How can we apply this in our church?

Read Heb. 11:9-10 – Genesis 13:1-18 for next Sunday

Jumping into the deep section

2007-10-22T20:48:00.000-06:00

Tuesday - 10/23- Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4

The older we get the more we tend to want to hold onto the comfortable and familiar. Do you agree or disagree?

People usually don't want to give up the comfortable and familiar unless there is a strong reason to do so. I think that Christians need to ask themselves if growing to the next level in the Christian life is a strong reason. Is it for you?

Do you believe that your children or grandkids seeing parents and grandparents trailblazing new trails for Christ is a strong reason?

I used the illustration of jumping into the deep section of the pool with the water way over your head to show what this kind of Christian life is like.

Do you find yourself jumping into the deep section of the Christian life?

Do you find yourself standing on the side of the pool unwilling to take chances for Jesus?

Are you willing to jump today?

Read Heb. 11:9-10 – Genesis 13:1-18 for next Sunday

Go where you've never gone before

2007-10-21T20:00:00.001-06:00

Monday - 10/22 - Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4

Do you ever feel like your Christian life is kind of ho-hum?

Do you ever take any risks in your faith? Do you ever get into any scary situations for God?

On Sunday we began a new sermon series. It's all about developing a pioneering faith. How did the first sermon impact you? Did it challenge you? Excite you? Scare you?

What did God lay on your heart about what we learned about Abraham's life?

Were you challenged to go where you've never gone before in your faith?

Where were you challenged to go?

Are you going there?

Read Heb. 11:9-10 – Genesis 13:1-18 for next Sunday

Scary words

2007-10-18T20:40:00.001-06:00

Friday - 10/19 - Read James 5:13-20

I'll be honest verses 19 and 20 are scary words.

I was brought up in family that stressed minding your own business. I was taught that you shouldn't poke around in other people's business. Verses 19,20 confront that mindset.

Do you feel the way I did?

However, James describes how utterly necessary it is at times for Christians to lovingly and humbly rescue other believers when they are wandering away from God.

Has anyone ever had to do this with you?

Have you ever done this to someone?

I was brought up differently than James charge to the Christians in this passage but, we need to ask ourselves which way is God asking us to act, especially in light of how serious the implications are when we wander away from Christ.

May God give us strength and courage to trust His way of doing things instead of our own.

Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday

Just like us!

2007-10-17T19:46:00.001-06:00

Thursday - 10/18- Read James 5:13-20

Do you remember people who were examples of prayer for you?

Most people have grandparents, parents, or friends who set the example for them.

Even if you don't, James gives us one--Elijah!

James says he was "just like us." God is the one who said Elijah was "just like us." You may struggle with this because he was such a "big name" in the Old Testament, but God said he was "just like us." Do you believe that?

His prayer is an example of someone who prays and in the end that prayer is "powerful and effective (v. 16)".

Can you set aside time to pray? If you can you are doing the most important and most powerful thing for yourself, your family, your nation, your world and your church.

There was a tremendous response to the sign-up sheet to find out more about a "Prayer Action Team" in the church. I think God is leading us in the right direction as a church about prayer. Pray that God uses this response to honor and glorify His name as we find a way to saturate our church in prayer.

Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday

sin and sickness

2007-10-16T20:29:00.000-06:00

Wednesday - 10/17 - Read James 5:13-20

James indicates that a healing community of believers is not to just trust the Elders to be the ones praying for the church. We all are to be praying for one another.

James ties sin and sickness together in vv. 15,16. Why do you think he does this?

Could sin affect our health? How so?

Why would it be healthy for Christians to confess their sins to one another?

Why do you think it is so hard for Christians to do so today in our American church culture?

Are you part of a small group of some kind where you are getting to know people so intimately that you feel you can trust them by confessing your sins to them? Ouch! Maybe, maybe not.

Could many Christians be missing out on a whole new and necessary dimension of the Christian life by not being part of a group like this?

Have you thought of being part of a small group?

Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday

In the name of the Lord

2007-10-16T13:36:00.000-06:00

Tuesday - 10/16 - Read James 5:13-20

Last Sunday we discovered that we can overcome the pressure that affliction brings into our lives, first of all, through a healing community.

Every church needs leaders who are setting the example in this area. Leaders must lead.

James recognized this when he instructed elders to be willing to go to the homes of sick people to anoint them with oil and pray for them.

As we discovered, the Greek word for oil was a word that would normally be associated with medicinal application. There is another Greek word that would be more applicable to religious or ceremonial anointing. James purposefully avoided that word for the medicinal word.

I suggested on Sunday that the modern day application of this would be for the Elders to encourage people to go see a doctor. What do you think of this?

Even so, James was very careful to say, "anoint him with oil IN THE NAME OF THE LORD." All healing, whether supernatural or through health care providers is seen from God.

We want to be very careful to ultimately trust God for recovery from sickness, disease or physical injury.

Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday

Why me, God?

2007-10-15T07:59:00.000-06:00

Monday - 10/15 - Read James 5:13-20

Sometimes, when we are afflicted by problems in our lives, we wonder why God has allowed them in our lives.

Are you facing affliction in your life? You might be asking God, "Why?"

Sometimes, as we discovered, God sends affliction our way when we are not walking with the Lord as we should (see Hebrews 12:4-13 cp. 1 Cor. 11:27-32)

Sometimes, there may not be any good reason, as far as we can see, for why God is allowing it.

I want to encourage you, whether you feel the affliction in your life is your fault or not, to look to James 5:13-20 for the answers.

As you continue to meditate on the principles we discovered from James 5:13-20, I trust that God will give you wisdom to look for the answers in the right places.

Read Hebrews 11:8 and Genesis 12:1-4 for next Sunday

path of humility = exaltation

2007-10-11T22:14:00.000-06:00

Friday - 10/12 - Read Philippians 2:1-11

Phil. 2:1-4 describes the difference that this path of humility should make in our lives.

In our relationships are we willing to put others ahead of ourselves?

Are we willing to consider others before ourselves?

If not, we really don't know what the Lord's Supper represents.

If so, we have captured the essence of how our lives should be impacted by the message of the Gospel.

It's ironic, then that this section of Scripture (Phil. 2:1-8) which talks so much about humility and putting others first, concludes talking about exaltation!

It's true, though. The path of humility finally ends on another path--the path of exaltation.

It's true of Jesus and it could be true for you--it's your choice.

Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday

"Wanna be" follower?

2007-10-10T20:26:00.000-06:00

Thursday - 10/11- Read Philippians 2:1-11

Are you willing to obey God even if it means tremendous sacrifice on your part?

This is exactly what obedience cost the Son--tremendous sacrifice!

What happens when most of us are confronted with sacrifice that is costly? We run and hide.

Jesus told us that this is the core of discipleship--"If any man will be my disciple...let him deny himself!

Why is this so unpopular in our day? Why are too many people unwilling to pay this price?

The Lord's Supper is meant to remind us of the tremendous sacrifice Jesus' obedience to his father cost him.

That reminder should challenge us to ask ourselves if we are authentic followers of Jesus Christ or just "wanna-be" followers.

Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday

Make yourself a nobody?

2007-10-09T20:34:00.000-06:00

Wednesday - 10/10 - Read Philippians 2:1-11

Are you willing to make yourself a nobody to serve others? Are you willing to become insignificant in the world's eyes to help build up and benefit others? Jesus did.

On Sunday, as we met around the Lord's Supper, we came face to face with the most significant being who ever has and ever will exist--God. He became insignificant for you and me.

How far are you willing to go to build up others? Are you willing to become a nobody--perhaps serving in a ministry no one else wants to serve in? Nobody will notice you and maybe nobody will say, "Good job," because they won't know you're doing anything.

This is the path of humility. Are you willing to follow Jesus on this path? It is repugnant for most people.

How does God respond to people who are willing to walk this path? Does this humility produce praise and worship to God?

Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday

Holding onto anything too tightly?

2007-10-08T20:06:00.001-06:00

Tuesday - 10/9 - Read Philippians 2:1-11

Are you holding onto anything too tightly? If anyone deserved to hold onto anything tightly, it was Jesus--to the full use of his deity--BUT HE DIDN'T!!!

That's amazing! If you spend too much time thinking on it, you'll get a headache, because it's overwhelming. Why would Jesus let go of His rights and privileges being God for you and me?

Why did Jesus do this? To serve you and me.

What do you have that you hold onto maybe a little bit too tightly? Time? Talents? Pride? A point of view? A personal preference? Energy? Comfort?

Are you holding onto these things too tightly in your family? Marriage? Workplace? Relationships and friendships? Church?

Would others benefit if you let go of these things for them?

Are you willing to let go of them? Will you?

Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday

On the path of humility

2007-10-07T13:38:00.001-06:00

Monday - 10/8 - Read Philippians 2:1-11

Christians disagree with each other over some pretty weighty matters. We're not talking about fundamentals of the faith that we cannot compromise, but things that, though they are important, should not divide us.

These disagreements are like a minefield. Humility steers us clear of those mines. Are you experiencing disagreement with a brother or sister in Christ?

Ask yourself this: Am I following Christ on the path of humility through this situation?

We gathered around the Lord's Supper Sunday. Jesus' humility was on display. If you were there, did you learn anything new about Jesus' humility and how it applies to your life?

Did you feel challenged in any relationship or situation?

Will you allow the Holy Spirit to move you to the next level of spiritual growth by that challenge? Will you submit, in humility, to the Spirit's work in your life?

Read James 5:13-20 for next Sunday

Yes or No?

2007-09-27T16:41:00.000-06:00

Friday - 9/28 - Read James 5:7-12

OK! Look around you as your read this blog. Is anyone in the room?

Why? Because I want you to be completely honest with yourself. Have you ever become so upset and exasperated that you were not being taken seriously with your words that you let out a swear word or two? It's OK to answer this--it's really between you and God.

That's what James is addressing in v. 12.

Do you feel that a couple of well placed curse words adds weight to what you're saying?

James says they don't, in fact, God condemns it.

James encourages us to simply allow our "Yes" to be "Yes" and our "No" to be "No."

This, again, requires faith. We trust God to use our words as He wishes, not as we wish.

What God wants to validate the truthfulness of your words with is your life being lived out for Christ.

Join the club?

2007-09-26T20:21:00.000-06:00

Thursday - 9/27- Read James 5:7-12

Are you hurting big time? Finances? Marriage problems? Medical or health issues? Relational problems?

Do you feel like you can't bear any more?

James basically says, "Join the club!" It's a pretty exclusive club, though. Charter members are the prophets (v. 10) and Job (v. 11).

Maybe that will help ease the "hurt" you're experiencing, maybe not!

Consider this, though. James states that at the core of everything God allows in our lives is a heart of "compassion and mercy (v. 11)."

Now, this is crucial--do you believe that?

There are times in the Christian life that make or break us spiritually. If you're hurting and you're wondering why God is allowing it, in order to continue persevering in your faith, you absolutely must believe that this is true about God--His compassion and mercy are behind what he's allowing in your life.

Would you like to join the club?

Projects under construction

2007-09-26T08:05:00.000-06:00

Wednesday - 9/26 - James 5:7-12

Probably all of us, from time to time, have grumbled and complained about others.

Does that make it alright?

James tells us in v. 9 that the Lord takes this very seriously because He stands as a judge over this.

Have you ever grown so impatient with someone that you just gave up on them? People can exasperate us, can't they? It seems that God never gives up on us and that's why we shouldn't grumble or complain about others.

We discovered on Sunday that we are all "projects under construction." This requires patience.

Do you want others to be patient with you? Will you be patient with others?

Do you want others to be grumbling and complaining about you? Do you grumble and complain about others?

Grumbling and complaining about others tears apart the progress God is making in another believer's life. I would not want to be charged with spiritual vandalism by the Lord, would you?

Waiting for the harvest!

2007-09-25T08:01:00.000-06:00

Tuesday - 9/25 - James 5:7-12

Did you grow up on a farm? James talks about the farmer's need for patience as he waits for the harvest. Do you remember the anticipation around harvest time?

How does that relate to the Lord's work in your life? Does God mature people as quickly as you'd like?

Ultimately, the harvest we wait for is the Lord's return. Is that worth waiting for?

Could you identify areas of your life that are inconsistent with waiting properly for the Lord's return? What are you willing to do to bring these areas under the soon return of our Lord?

Read vv. 7,8 again. Think about these verses. How does James' illustration of a farmer waiting apply to you today?