Health Update
Thanks to everyone who has been praying for my health. After last week’s continued adverse reaction to iron infusions my hematologist recommended halting the treatments for now and trying another iron supplement instead. It is a step of faith for me not to do them since they have given so much energy in the past. I trust in you, Jesus. You are my hope and confidence above all else.
A New Series
Since we have completed our Jeremiah 29:11-14a series, I thought we could share in the internalizing some of the book of James that I began soaking in with a few sisters since the turn of the new year. For this new series we will begin with James 2:1.
Verse to Abide In
“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory.” James 2:1 ESV
Digging Deeper
Paul Apple makes an excellent point that a "Proper View of Christ Leads to a Proper View of Others. Once we truly see how "glorious" Christ is, there will be no room for distinctions on the human plane because we all pale in comparison to the glory of Christ. Look at how our Lord (in all of His Majesty) treated others and we will see that there is no room for "personal favoritism" on our part. Surely the disciples are not above the Master when it comes to showing compassion to all men without distinction." (Commentary)
James 2 Commentary | Precept Austin
From the Heart
There is a contrast happening here of Christ’s holiness and glory versus the sin of partiality (favoritism) that makes me want to begin this series in mediation on who the Lord of glory is…
Let's Pray
“Our Father in heaven,
may your name be kept holy.
May your kingdom come soon.
May your will be done on earth,
as it is in heaven.”
Matthew 6:9-10 NLT
“The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Isaiah 40:8 ESV
“He sits enthroned above the circle of the earth, and its people are like grasshoppers. He stretches out the heavens like a canopy, and spreads them out like a tent to live in. He brings princes to naught and reduces the rulers of this world to nothing. No sooner are they planted, no sooner are they sown, no sooner do they take root in the ground, than he blows on them and they wither, and a whirlwind sweeps them away like chaff. “To whom will you compare me? Or who is my equal?” says the Holy One. Lift up your eyes and look to the heavens: Who created all these? He who brings out the starry host one by one and calls forth each of them by name. Because of his great power and mighty strength, not one of them is missing.”
Isaiah 40:22-26 NIV
“For God is Spirit, so those who worship him must worship in spirit and in truth.” The woman said, “I know the Messiah is coming—the one who is called Christ. When he comes, he will explain everything to us.” Then Jesus told her, “I Am the Messiah!””
John 4:24-26 NLT
Abba, we worship you in spirit and in truth. We trust that you sent Jesus the Christ (the Messiah, the divinely appointed redeemer), who paid the price once and for all for our sin (Hebrews 9:12 NIV).
Thank you.
We fix our eyes on Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith (Hebrews 12:2 ESV), that we may walk in love as he loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to you (Ephesians 5:2 ESV).
Show us, Lord of glory.
Open our eyes if we show partiality, if we show any favoritism to the rich or anyone else. May we be so close to you, holding onto the faith in you, knowing you as Lord, knowing you in your holiness and glory so well that any blemish in us would clearly be made known to us.
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us. And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from evil. For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.”
Matthew 6:12-13 NLT (with footnote)
“What God Is Great Like Our God, Psalm 77:11-14”
I love getting this one in my head especially when I need to remember who God is…
The Lord bless you and keep you and make his face shine upon you,
Laura