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Spiritual Formation
Today’s readings are Jeremiah 22-23,26, Psalm 77 and James 2. We will focus on James 2:14-26.
Most Christians agree the Bible is very clear that works do not get you into Heaven and only the grace of Jesus dying on the cross can (Romans 3:23, 6:23). When you first read James 2, it can be confusing by making it sound like faith alone does not get you into Heaven. So, do works actually get you into Heaven then?
Diving in deeper can help us get a better understanding what James is saying. Check out James 2:19 where James tells us believing Jesus was who He said He was is not enough. Why?
You believe that God is one; you do well. Even the demons believe – and shudder!
James 2:19
Knowing Jesus is the Son of God does not gain you eternal life in Heaven…even the demons know.
We are currently doing an all-church study which is based off the book, Practicing the Way by John Mark Comer. Jesus told us to go and make disciples (Matthew 28:19-20). The word disciple can be confusing because it’s not used much outside the church. John Mark tells us we can gain better perspective for its meaning by looking at the Hebrew word which is talmid, and it can be translated as a student of a teacher. John Mark contends a better word for us to translate talmid into is actually apprentice. As an apprentice, your job is to be with your teacher, become like your teacher, and do as your teacher does.
So, John Mark says Christians should have 3 goals as an apprentice of Jesus.
- Be with Jesus.
- Become like Jesus.
- Do as Jesus did.
He argues spiritual formation is not an option. We are all following someone or something whether we realize it or not, and we are being spiritual formed by whoever or whatever we are following.
This gives us better context for James 2:14 which might initially have us raising our eyebrows when James says…
So also faith by itself, if it does not have works is dead.
James 2:14
To be saved by Jesus, you can’t just believe..the demons believed as James 2:19 says. If you are truly a follower and apprentice of Jesus spending time with Him..then you will become more like Jesus and do as he did. It is by works that your faith becomes active and fully complete. James speaks to this and gives the example of Abraham in James 2:22.
You see that faith was active along with his works, and faith was completed by his works.
James 2:22
He expands as we read on…
For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, so also faith apart from works is dead.
James 2:22
There you have it. You do not really have faith in Jesus if you are not completing works that demonstrate you are becoming more like Jesus and doing like He did.
Who or what are you following most closely that is shaping you?
Are you spending time with Jesus so that you are becoming more like Him and doing as He did?
Are you becoming an apprentice of Jesus?
I pray we will all reflect on these questions and let God speak into our hearts, telling us what He wants us to know.
God’s Grace Is Enough
Today’s Reading: Jeremiah 11-13; 2 Corinthians 12
The quote from Jesus, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9), provides profound encouragement and a new perspective on strength. It teaches us that true strength does not come from self-reliance or the absence of hardship, but from relying on God’s grace in the midst of our struggles. This truth can deeply transform how we face challenges and lead to spiritual growth.
It is only natural for us to ask questions about the presence of God during our worst hardships. I have heard people ask emotional questions like “Why would God let this happen?” “If there is a God, then why would I want to have faith in a God that does not fix or stop awful things.”
First, Jesus’ words remind us that grace—His unearned favor and help—is enough to sustain us, no matter the situation. We often look for strength in our abilities, resources, or circumstances, but Jesus shifts our focus away from self-sufficiency to dependence on His grace. This means that when we feel inadequate or overwhelmed, we can stop striving to do everything on our own. Instead, we can lean on God’s grace, which is available to us in every moment of weakness, doubt, or fear.
The Bible is the voice of God. God does not promise ease in our lives. God never indicated in any verse in the Bible that life on earth would be simple or easy because he would remove all pain and hardship. In fact, scripture tells us quite the opposite. I think this is a very important facet to remember when we witness to non-believers. Non-believers simply have a different expectation of who and what God is, and candidly, He will never meet it.
Second, this passage teaches that God’s power is most evident when we recognize our own limitations. The world often equates strength with independence or self-reliance, but Jesus flips this concept on its head by saying that His power works best in our weakness. This doesn’t mean we should seek out suffering or challenges, but when they come, we don’t have to be defeated by them. In fact, acknowledging our need for God opens the door for His power to work more fully in our lives. When we stop trying to be self-sufficient, we experience more of God’s strength.
This truth can be incredibly freeing. It means we don’t have to be perfect, have all the answers, or live without difficulties to experience God’s power. Our weaknesses—whether physical, emotional, or spiritual—can become opportunities for God to demonstrate His strength and love in our lives. By humbling ourselves and admitting that we need help, we position ourselves to receive more of God’s grace and power.
We can gain strength from Jesus’ promise by embracing our weaknesses, trusting in His grace, and depending on His power rather than our own. This shifts our perspective on difficulties, showing us that God is at work even in our most vulnerable moments. His grace is always enough, and His power is most clearly seen when we admit that we need Him. This truth brings both peace and strength, allowing us to face life’s challenges with confidence and hope. We will never be able explain or rationalize the sins and pain we experience in this life, but God’s grace will be the profound love that carries us to our next life in Heaven, where all the pain and suffering will be worth it. Oh, I cannot wait to see that day, but not today.
This is my second time writing on this chapter. Here’s was my post from 2023. Enjoy!
Written with the assistance of ChatGPT
Friendship and Faith: Lessons from Paul
What are the characteristics of the people you call best friends?
Here are some of the attributes that I admire the most. People who are:
- Loyal. Not only to me as a friend, but they are loyal in whatever they do, as workers, servants, and leaders.
- Honest. The bold, direct truth-tellers, who clearly say what needs to be said, when it needs to be said. Confrontation with these individuals is healthy.
- Humble. Their mission in life is not about them, it is about a greater purpose. They’re willing to take bumps and bruises as they stand up for what they believe.
- Self-aware. They know what they are capable of and better, they know their weaknesses and are unashamed to admit them.
- Sacrificial givers, expecting nothing in return. They add to the relationship.
- Escape artists. They can get out undetected from a sticky situation at a moment’s notice.
Today’s reading: Jeremiah 8-10; 2 Cor 11
The characteristics listed above are how I’d refer to the Apostle Paul in 2 Corinthians 11. I was just joking about the escape artist thing but how thrilling would it be to escape an enemy via a basket through a window in a city wall?
“When I was in Damascus, the governor under King Aretas kept guards at the city gates to catch me. I had to be lowered in a basket through a window in the city wall to escape from him.” 2 Corinthians 11:32-33 NLT
Paul was loyal to his friends and those whom he served, he told the truth no matter the consequences and humbled himself to the point of many beatings and severe physical pain. He wasn’t out to win hearts for him but for Jesus. Paul knew his strengths and weaknesses and was bold enough to be vulnerable in admitting his inadequacies. He gave and gave, ultimately to the point of death, much like our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Paul’s example is a powerful reminder that true friendship, leadership, and discipleship are not about self-promotion or personal gain. They are about serving others with a pure heart, living with integrity, and standing firm in faith, even when it leads us into challenging or painful situations. Like Paul, we are called to be loyal, honest, humble, self-aware, and sacrificial in our relationships, grounded in the mission of Jesus Christ.
Reflecting on Paul’s life, I also find myself confronted with my imperfections—areas where I’ve allowed worry, fear, and doubt to cloud the peace and joy that come from trusting fully in God. However, through repentance and realignment, I feel His joy beginning to restore me.
What about you? Are there areas in your life where doubt or fear has clouded your vision? What steps can you take to trust more fully in God’s plan and purpose in your life? Reflect on the traits that define your closest and uplifting relationships and how you can become more like the friend, servant, and follower of Christ that Paul exemplified.
Take time over the coming days to let go of anything that may be holding you back, and embrace the freedom that comes from walking in faith in Christ alone.
Return On Investment
Jeremiah 5-7, Psalm 75, 2 Cor 10
4 to 1. That, I am told, is what I should expect as a return on my investment. 4 to 1. That means for every $1.00 that I invest, $4.00 will come back. Not bad. If i had any kind of assurance of that, I would invest every dollar that I have!
I could probably draw a parallel for financial returns when giving money to the church, but I will refrain. Don’t get me wrong, God is intensely interested in our financial giving, but it is only a small component of our generosity. He is also very concerned with how we spend our time and our talents. He wants to use each of these to “reap a harvest of righteousness.” To do so, Paul calls for us to sow our seeds.
“But I don’t have any seeds to sow!”
“I am barely making ends meet now.”
“I don’t have time and I certainly don’t have money”
“What talent? I’m just a ________ “
Paul doesn’t want to hear my excuses. Instead, he reminds me that God will supply all of the seeds. Not only will he supply seeds to sustain my own needs, he will multiply them to “increase the harvest of righteousness.” (2 Corinthians 10:10).
What exactly are these seeds we need to sow? Consider the following scriptures. Each of them represents an opportunity for our money, time, or talent.
Ephesians 4:28-29 (ESV).
share with anyone in need.
Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Bear one another’s burdens
Galatians 6:6 (ESV)
Let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches
1 Timothy 6:18 (ESV)
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share
Proverbs 3:27 (ESV)
Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it.
John 9:4 (ESV)
We must work the works of him who sent me while it is day; night is coming, when no one can work.
Acts 10:42-43 (ESV)
And he commanded us to preach to the people and to testify that he is the one
I’m willing to bet that God can do immeasurably better than a 4:1 return.
Spiritual Integrity
I’m thankful for the Scripture teaching us all we need to know about life. How if we decide to listen and follow it can provide answers even in our darkest times.
Do I invest in eternity? Is my stewardship for me or for Him and His Kingdom?
2 Corinthians 8:8 I say this not as a command, but to prove by the earnestness of others that your love also is genuine. 9 For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.
The principles of stewardship with integrity are personal and practical. Is my stewardship voluntary and from my heart? That answer will be between God and I one day and one I can wrestle with now with my personal reflection. How much do you want to be blessed with a peace and richness that only He can provide us.
All my intentions can seem in vain without action. Wherever we are at will we understand the richness to finish strong not knowing when that day will come.
Father,
We thank you for Your Word. Words that instruct us how we should live while we wait for Your return. Lord, help us in our ways that point to eternity in Heaven not because of biblical reasons but through faithful reasons. Lord, I pray to continue to work on our hearts because we desire to stand in peace by Your side. Amen
Today’s Readings: 2 Corinthians 8, Psalm 74, Zephaniah
God Do You Hear Us?
Today’s Reading: Habakkuk ; 2 Corinthians 7
O Lord, how long shall I cry for help,
and you will not hear?
Or cry to you “Violence!”
and you will not save?
3 Why do you make me see iniquity,
and why do you idly look at wrong?
Destruction and violence are before me;
strife and contention arise.
4 So the law is paralyzed,
and justice never goes forth.
For the wicked surround the righteous;
so justice goes forth perverted.
The Lord‘s Answer
5 “Look among the nations, and see; wonder and be astounded.For I am doing a work in your days that you would not believe if told.
Habakkuk : 1:2-5
There are so many feelings and emotions that we have as humans: joy, sadness, anger, disgust, happiness, sorrow, frustration, sadness, and loneliness. One of the hardest and most difficult feelings that I have and has had is loneliness.
When you are lonely, you feel isolated. You feel deserted. You feel separated for everything. The readings from this week echo this loneliness so well. The whole book of Habakkuk is a questioning of God in loneliness. He is screaming his loneliness. He is screaming his distraught. He is witnessing so many things that are going on in the world that he cannot really understand why it is happening.
In each of the responses God is teaching and speaking back. The name Habakkuk in Hebrew is Chavaqqquq which translate into “Embrace.” At the end of book of Habakkuk, there is a song that is recorded. The time from the beginning enough back to the end of the back is not known but can be over several years. But we can see in the transition that God answers.
We are all going through our own valleys and mountains in our journey, and sometimes in our valley, God actually uses people to breathe life into us.
Just the other day I was going through some highs and lows of my own, and a patient was able to free his life to me. As I counseling my patient, he looks at me and tells me about his life journey. As we were talking, the patient stated “when I was a young man, I grew up in Mexico, Texas, and Chicago. I have been all over the country and thought I knew what a “real” man was. The definition of a real man was the leader of the gang or territory, a real macho man. But after 70 years of life, I can see the truth in people and what a real man is… You are the definition of a real man. A person that is comforting and just. A person who genuinely cares about those around him… his patients and his staff. For all the years that I have been here, you [Lynden] have shown nothing but the utmost respect for all you encounter. But I have witnessed you in the pharmacy and all you do and you have been the model of a true man. I am thankful that you have been here in. God placed you here in my life and in the life of others that you serve on a daily basis.” The patient then gave me a name, Papaito, young wise and of knowledge.
He grasped my hands and said the name several more times. He was confirming me and the place that I was in. He was “Embracing”, me in the time of need.
In the midst of our loneliness or in our isolation God will speak to us in the most profound yet gentle ways. Are you ready to listen?
Something For Nothing
2 Chronicles 34-35, 2 Corinthians 6
I often meet with people that are getting their real estate license. As we talk, their eyes gleem with anticipation of the possibilities. Maybe it’s the opportunity to be your own boss. Some talk about helping families find the perfect home and others dream about becoming millionaires. All of these are possible in the world of real estate sales. Unfortunately, most will never make it.
I recently interviewed a young prospect. After our conversation, my colleague asked, “do you think she will make it?” “If she works hard, she will” was my reply.
Christians are like realtors. They want all the rewards without any of the work. Give me health and wealth and security, right? I want to walk the streets paved with gold too. Give me salvation and eternal life. It’s easy to focus on these promises, then become disappointed when they do not arrive.
Not so fast, says Paul. “You are not restricted by us.” Meaning, your misfortune is not because we have not taught you. In fact, we have led the way. The problem is that “you are restricted in your own affections.” In other words, you would rather get in your fancy car and go party then stay here than alter your plans and change your desires.
So, “If your emotional life is off kilter, if you feel far from God, stressed, anxious, and chronically mad, and you’re not becoming more of a person of love, then the odds are that something about the system of your life is poorly designed.” ~ Mark Comer
Conviction and Courage
Today’s readings are 2 Kings 22-23, Psalm 73, and 2 Corinthians 5.
In 2 Kings 22-23, we read about King Josiah who took over as king of the southern kingdom of Judah at just the age of 8. Could you imagine? We don’t know a lot about his first 17 years of ruling, but we do know from these chapters that quite a lot happened in year 18. Not only did Josiah want to reward the laborers who had been working on the temple financially (which seemed to be a very nice gesture), but he then became very convicted about changing many of the terrible and sinful behaviors including worshipping of other idols not only across the land but even within the temple. After hearing the Book of the Law read to him (presumably for the first time after it was found in the temple), he not only became convicted of what was right and wrong, but he also took action to right what was wrong. And boy did he ever! I mean I can’t even hardly list all that he did and how he did, but I would encourage you to read these chapters to see. I’m picturing his words and action with the passion shown by Mel Gibson in the movie Braveheart after reading about what he did and how he went about it. It seems as though he would stop at nothing to fix things and turn Judah back to God which included not only removing the bad things, but also reinstituting the Passover which hadn’t been observed since the days the judges (2 Kings 23:22).
Reading these chapters and what Judah was doing against God’s Word almost makes the US seem like Candyland despite all the things our country is doing to turn away from God and His Word. Reading this also gives me hope that our country can turn back to God at some with the right leadership someday, even when it may seem way too far gone like I’m sure Judah did at the time.
What would you do if you were King Josiah? What would you do if you were the leader of the United States? Most importantly, what do you do now in your current roles at home, at work, and just as you go about your everyday life interacting with others? As a Christ follower, we should all pray for wisdom as to when to speak up and when to take action to point others back to God with the same courage and conviction that pushed King Josiah to do what he did.
Why? God doesn’t need us to defend Him or His name. But, Paul does state in 2 Corinthians 5:15 that…”He died for all that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised.” If we are living for Him, we can take action because we are not fearful of what may happen or what others may think, and we are called to help lead others back to Him and His Words. Later in 2 Corinthians 5:20, Paul says that Christ followers are “ambassadors for Christ.” As Pastor Brandon Grant stated in discussing these exact verses this past weekend at Eastview Christian Church, an ambassador is a representative in a foreign land. Or another way of saying it is that we are no longer a citizen of this world but a citizen of Heaven where we act on behalf of the leader of where we are truly from and call home and this is God.
How do we do this? I don’t think it is to go to social media with more posts that may be more divisive than anything. And beyond that, I’m not sure. That is up to each of us to figure out in our daily lives, but I pray that each of us will ask God for courage to do so and wisdom as to how to go about it. We are told in 1 John 4:8 that God is love and if we abide in love then we abide in God and God abides in us. Jesus came and spoke truth in love, and when we have the conviction and courage do the same and to live for Him as Paul says we’re called to do we can make an impact in the lives of others to benefit them and His Kingdom.
The Nature of Christian Ministry
2 Corinthians 2 is a chapter in which the Apostle Paul addresses issues of forgiveness, reconciliation, and the nature of Christian ministry. The chapter reflects Paul’s heart for the Corinthian church, encouraging them to embrace forgiveness, healing, and understanding as central components of their faith. The following are key themes and how we can apply them to our Christian walk:
- Forgiveness and Restoration (2 Corinthians 2:5-11)
In this passage, Paul addresses a case of discipline within the church. Someone had caused significant pain, likely referring to an individual previously mentioned in 1 Corinthians, who was involved in sinful behavior. Paul instructs the church to forgive and comfort the individual who repented, rather than to overwhelm him with excessive sorrow.
- Being a Fragrance of Christ (2 Corinthians 2:14-16)
Paul uses the metaphor of fragrance to describe the influence of believers. He says that through us, God spreads the “aroma of the knowledge of Him everywhere.” For those being saved, this aroma is life-giving, but for those who are perishing, it is the smell of death.
- Sincere and Faithful Ministry (2 Corinthians 2:17)
Paul concludes the chapter by contrasting his ministry with those who peddle the Word of God for profit. He emphasizes that his ministry is sincere, carried out with the authority and commission of God.
- Dealing with Conflict and Discipline in Love (2 Corinthians 2:6-8)
Paul speaks about the need for discipline within the church but stresses that discipline should be balanced with love. He encourages the Corinthians not to be too harsh in their correction, lest the person be overwhelmed by sorrow. Instead, they should reaffirm their love for the one who has repented.
2 Corinthians 2 encourages us to live out our faith through forgiveness, sincere service, and love-driven correction. By embracing these principles, we reflect the heart of Christ in our relationships and ministries. In a world that often lacks grace and understanding, applying these teachings can create an environment of healing, unity, and spiritual growth, both within the church and in our everyday lives.
Love always
Today’s reading: Isaiah 56-59, Psalm 70, 1 Corinthians 16
Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love (1 Corinthians 16:13-14).
As Paul was closing out his first letter to the Church at Corinth, he challenged them with instructions on what to do while they awaited his next visit:
- Be on their guard against spiritual dangers
- Stand firm in their faith
- Be courageous
- Be strong
- Do everything in love
Not only were these instructions meant for first century Christfollowers waiting for Paul’s next visit, they are also meant to guide our behavior as we await for Christ’s return. In this list of five, which one is the hardest for you?
The older I get and the more divisive this country gets I must admit it is sometimes hard for me to consistently do everything in love. It isn’t like I usually go around being rude or hateful to others, but being loving in all things requires a different level of intentionality all the time. Even when I’m tired or frustrated, doing everything in love means I am consistently patient, humble, forgiving, and unselfish. How do I know this? Paul devoted the whole chapter of 1 Corinthians 13 to a complete description of what it looks like when we love others like Jesus loves us.
Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres (1 Corinthians 13:4-7).
Love always…protects, trusts, hopes and perseveres.
Doing everything in love means this is how I need to show up all the time.