Tag: Scripture

James 1

by B Stoermer, posted in Devotional, Thoughts, Video, Youtube

The book of James in known to many for its many well known verses. I also am fond of this book because it is straightforward and to the point, so that those that read its words are able to understand and apply its truths to their lives. It is written simply, yet deeply thought provoking for those that think through the direct applications that are implored to Christian living.

The first truth that we are hit with is joy in the midst of trials. That is not to say that you should be happy or excited that you have difficulties, but rather that you have joy. Joy is a fruit of the spirit. We cannot muster this on our own. It is given to us as we are empowered by the Holy Spirit. We can go through suffering, but endure as God is with us through the difficulties. We can rest assured that He is in Control. As the scripture continues, it implores each Christian to endure, knowing that our faith is tested, and then that we will gain endurance. That endurance will also have a result, as we mature in our Christian faith. Those that have not experienced suffering have not had to put their faith to the test. If everything is going well, we in our human nature can coast and become less reliant on God. I know from my experience that I have not been the most grateful when I did not have a need. We can become entitled. Our flesh can try to muster enough strength to go through the motions of life. When we go though difficulties we need to cling to God to endure- for lots of us without that peace, we can be overcome by feelings of anxiety. In times of need, when we do not rely on God- we can feel alone. Hopeless. But God. He is there for us always. We can grow to know Him and our outlook on life and our Faith in Him can grow. For He loves us, and wants to continually cultivate a relationship with Him.

As we continue to read through the first chapter of James, we are told to ask for wisdom. God is a God who will give us wisdom generously. However, if we ask without Faith, we should not expect to receive. We are called an unstable person. A person that is doubleminded. This makes perfect sense. Why should we expect to get wisdom from God if we’re doubting him?

We then read the next couple verses and are given a comparison between a poor and a rich person. The poor, or rather humble person, does not boast. The rich person is someone who should be seen as humiliated. There is an analogy of a flower that soon withers away; the rich person like this flower withers away. Life and its pleasure is but short.

Once again, we are told about enduring a trial, but this time we are called blessed. In the end, those that endure trials are recipients of the crown of life. That is a good reminder. Our human flesh does not like trials and difficulties. We need constant reminders and encouragement to persevere.

We then read about temptation and there is a clear truth that God does not tempt man. We cannot place this burden upon God, for He does not tempt man. How true that is. Our God is so great. He is only good to us. We are drawn away and enticed by our own evil desires. It becomes a cycle, as it says in the scripture. We have a desire that could be presented to us. We give in. We do not take the way of escape. We give in to sin. Ultimately, if we continue down that path, it can become a lifestyle choice. It could become who we are and what our life revolves around. Ultimately, that life leads to an abandonment from God and will lead us to death.

We are then reminded that everything that is good comes down from God. We are reminded to listen more and to speak less and not to grow angry. Our anger does not line up with God’s righteousness. It is out of place. We all need to listen more to people. It would benefit all our relationships. If we spoke less, and had less anger we would save ourselves and those that we encounter less hurt and heart ache.

In light of all that has been said, we are told to get rid of all the filthiness that we have and instead receive the Word of God that has the ability to save our souls, for it is to be implanted in us. When I think about that, it has to become a part of who we are and we must what it says. Everyone ultimately needs Jesus to save their soul. He will saves us from all our sin and wash us clean of all our filthinesss. Thank you Jesus for cleaning our filth and for continuing to sanctify us. We are not left as orphans. As Christians, we are left with the Holy Spirit to guide and emplower us as we read the Word of God and apply the truth of God’s Word to our lives.

For the next portion, we are told to be doers of the word and not just hearers. Otherwise, we are compared to someone who maybe is dirty, looking at themselves in the mirror and seeing nothing wrong and walking away. How true that is. If we read and don’t apply, it’s almost better if we didn’t read it at all. However, A doer of the word is the one who works and applies. That person is blessed.

Next, we are reminded of is religion. If we call ourselves religious people and yet we can’t control our tongue, what we say, we’re liars. In this case, we are the worst. We fall into the stereotype of what the world would call hypocrites—the religious people who tell others to live a certain way, and yet they can’t live it themselves. They speak and do not repress t God. The most pitied of people. We are then given an explanation of pure religion before God: to look after the orphans and the widows, those that would find themselves in need. For Jesus looked after the needy. If we look at our world today, if Christians only lived by these truths to look after orphans and widows, how different our world would be. We must live our these truths and be the hands and feet of God.

Lastly, we are told to keep ourselves unstained from the world. That is definitely a high calling. We are told to live in this world but not of this world. That is a daily battle. We can become easily influenced by the world around us—the media, including television and social media, what we read, what music we listen to, the company that we find ourselves with. The enemy is after us. He wants nothing more than for us to run away. However, we need to remain. We need to endure our trials. We need to take the way of escape when we are tempted. We need to seek God and His Word to help us know what to say, know when to speak, know when to let things go, and to know deception versus the truth.

What is your take on some of these scriptures? What thoughts come to mind?

Be Holy, for I Am Holy | 1 Peter 1:15–16

by B Stoermer, posted in Bible, Devotional, Youtube

Today’s culture constantly tells us to fit in, follow our hearts, and define truth for ourselves. But God’s Word gives a different calling.

1 Peter 1:15–16 (NKJV) says:

“But as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy.’

Holiness isn’t about being perfect by our own strength. It’s about living a life that reflects the character of God. As followers of Jesus Christ, we’re called to pursue obedience, reject sin, and be set apart for His purposes.

This passage reminds us that God’s standard has never changed. He calls His people to live differently—not to earn salvation, but because we belong to Him.

Take a moment today to reflect:

  • Does my life reflect God’s holiness?
  • Am I allowing Scripture to shape my decisions?
  • Am I pursuing Christ or simply following the culture around me?

May this passage encourage you to draw closer to the Lord and seek Him in every area of your life.

Thank you for reading. If this Scripture encouraged you, consider sharing it with a friend so more people can hear God’s Word.

Ephesians 4:29

by B Stoermer, posted in Bible, Thoughts

Ephesians 4:29

29 “Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but that which is good to the use of edifying, that it may minister grace unto the hearers.”

This verse in scripture is rather straightforward, but its application is easier said than done. We are each challenged moment by moment to watch the words that come out of our mouths and determine whether or not what we are saying is corrupt. That is a sobering thought. For each of us can look back with regret and second guess many of the things that we have said to other individuals. In the heat of the moment we chose to overreact and say something hurtful or defamatory about someone-in many cases- a person that we deeply care about. We wanted them to hurt. We felt justified in what we said because they deserved it. Our emotions clouded our judgement and we did not realize the gravity of those words, how we conducted ourselves, and how that would impact the other person. In that moment, we blurred the lines of morality and gave in to the corruption of our minds.

Words have deep power. They have the ability to build up or to tear someone down. Hurtful words can destroy relationships, they can lead to wars, or they can have the opposite of mending relationships and leading to peace. However, once words are said they cannot simply be taken back. The person that we spoke with may not easily forget the hurtful words that we said. They may harbor resentment. The only thing that can mend these bonds is a heart of forgiveness. For many of us, this is only possible through the strength and power of God, for it it were up to us, we would hold a grudge until our deathbed. But God is bigger than all of that. He demands better of us. In verse 32 of Ephesians 4 it reads, ” And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” God calls each of us to forgives others as Christ has forgiven all of our faults. Once again another sobering thought. We all have been forgiven much, so we each should forgive just as much.

The second part of verse 29 tells us to not speak unless it is, “Good to the use of edifying.” Reading this, one can tend to think about the verse that James penned down, “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath. (James 1:19). In order for each of us to know whether or not our speech is good and edifying to another person we have to take a step back and be think about what we are going to say. For it is better to listen to someone else and not reply than it is to reply to someone in a rash manner and cause the other person to become offended. That can be disastrous.

The final words of verse 29 calls us to “minister grace unto the hearers.” As a Christ follower, we each should extend grace to others and not allow their words to drive us to retaliate and bark hurtful words back. Rather, we should give people the benefit of the doubt and prayfully speak to others as Christ would have us speak to them. For we do not always have to have a reply if someone says something. In many cases, there is far more wisdom in remaining silent. Speaking kindly and more purposeful is also a living testimony to others. Other individuals would expect a hash word in response to a hurtful jab, they would not expect kind words and a gentle response back. In order to do this we need the help of the Holy Spirit.

All that to say, we need to watch the words that proceed from our mouths for they consequences.