Tag: James

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Tame Your Tongue

James 3:3-4 (CSB) Now if we put bits into the mouths of horses so that they obey us, we direct their whole bodies. And consider ships: Though very large and driven by fierce winds, they are guided by a very small rudder wherever the will of the pilot directs.

Beloved, though your tongue may seem like a small muscle, it can wield more damage than the fiercest blow another could deliver. Tame it, for you are responsible for every word that departs from it. Just as those who have intentionally or thoughtlessly injured you, so you have done to others. So extend forgiveness even as you yourself need it.

Resist the urge to minimize the potential hurt your words may inflict. Remember that echoes of painful words may repeat and continue their damage for decades to come. So be slow to speak, weighing each word – seeking insight from My Spirit. Let Holy Spirit lead you rightly, and help guard your tongue that you might be known as a fountain of life. Continue reading “Tame Your Tongue”

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Intentionally Sow Words of Life

James 3:2 (CSB) For we all stumble in many ways. If anyone does not stumble in what he says, he is mature, able also to control the whole body.

Beloved, it’s not that you won’t ever say the wrong thing or hurt someone with your words, but rather how you strive to avoid doing so and the humility with which you respond when you do. Choose to be circumspect in your speech. Season it with a liberal dose of love and kindness delivered humbly and with a heart to build up rather than tear down.

Resist the urge to spout off at the mouth when you are angry or frustrated. Instead hold your peace, and find a moment to pour out your heart to Me. Refuse to allow careless words to flow from you, but rather be one who intentionally sows words of life in all around them. You are able. Simply ask for My help. Continue reading “Intentionally Sow Words of Life”

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Cultivate an Atmosphere of Peace

James 3:18 (NLT) And those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.

Beloved, do more than simply walk in godly wisdom – cultivate it in those around you. Encourage them to bear fruit. Work together to walk in unity. Be intentional to inspire one another to pursue righteousness. Allow joy to be your strength, and share one another’s burdens.

For truly the Body of Christ is called to live in peace and love. You are called to strengthen one another and encourage one another towards that which is good. Create an atmosphere of peace. Reflect Me – YHVH Shalom, the Lord your peace. For living in this manner is the greatest testimony you can share and it is achieved without a word. Continue reading “Cultivate an Atmosphere of Peace”

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Simply Reflect Me

James 3:17 (NLT) But the wisdom from above is first of all pure. It is also peace loving, gentle at all times, and willing to yield to others. It is full of mercy and good deeds. It shows no favoritism and is always sincere.

Beloved, the fruit of true wisdom is sweet. It is easily recognizable, and tastes of Me. It is pure and cultivates harmony. It builds up and encourages that which is good. It is founded in truth and My Word. It isn’t self-seeking or unkind. It’s merciful, and encourages goodness.

Those who walk in this wisdom, seek to understand. They listen well – to men and to Me. They embrace that which is right, and inspire righteousness and mercy. They refuse to walk in judgment, but rather from a heart of love they seek to bring all into alignment with Me. They are genuine, and walk in sincerity. Their ultimate goal is to simply reflect Me. Continue reading “Simply Reflect Me”

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Measure By My Standards

James 3:16 (NLT) For wherever there is jealousy and selfish ambition, there you will find disorder and evil of every kind.

Beloved, refuse to open the door for the kingdom of darkness. Those who succumb to jealousy and greed are not operating in My flow. Being obsessed with your own interests is counter to the way I move. If you are not working with Me, you’re working against Me. So refuse to take the bait.

Refuse to be drawn in by the world’s system. Refuse to fall prey to comparisons with others. Seek Me. Seek My plans for you. Be content, and overflow with gratitude. Each person has been given their role – their call, so seek to walk in the fullness of that which I’ve called you to.

Refuse to allow petty jealousies to distract you. Whose standard will you measure by? Mine is the only one that matters. So seek to fulfill what I have ordained for you with excellence and fullness of joy. Refuse to be derailed or drawn offtrack. Continue reading “Measure By My Standards”

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Be Kingdom Minded

James 3:15 (NLT) For jealousy and selfishness are not God’s kind of wisdom. Such things are earthly, unspiritual, and demonic.

Beloved, love those I have placed in your life – both the lovable and the challenging. Encourage them and build them up. Seek out ways to support that which I have called them to. Trust that there is room for all of you in My plans. Refuse to allow your own needs and interests to be your sole focus.

Be Kingdom minded. Think of what is for the greater good. Walk in humble obedience, and speak words of life. Prophesy, beloved. As you show yourself to be an example of godly wisdom, you bring glory and honor to Me. Allow that to be its own reward. Continue reading “Be Kingdom Minded”

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Worldly Judgment is Flawed

James 3:14 (NLT) But if you are bitterly jealous and there is selfish ambition in your heart, don’t cover up the truth with boasting and lying.

Beloved, resist the urge to “keep up with the Joneses,” or feel a need to put on a false front. Trust Me to lead you rightly and meet every need. Refuse to covet that which belongs to another. Instead rejoice with them, and be grateful for all you’ve been given.

There is no need to posture or lie to impress, for who would you seek to please above Me? Rather be singular in your focus. Keep your eyes and heart fixed on Me. Know that the world’s judgment is flawed, so refuse to curry its favor or seek its approval. I AM all you need. Continue reading “Worldly Judgment is Flawed”

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Demonstrate Godly Wisdom

James 3:13 (NLT) If you are wise and understand God’s ways, prove it by living an honorable life, doing good works with the humility that comes from wisdom.

Beloved, lead by example, but do so as one who knows My ways that you may not lead others astray. Walk in righteousness – fully aligned with My Word. Do good and love well. Be a person of humility, and one who walks in honor.

See with My eyes and be lead by My Spirit. Be kind and long suffering. May you extend patience beyond even that which you’d hope to receive. Let all this fruit demonstrate your godly wisdom to choose to walk with Me. Continue reading “Demonstrate Godly Wisdom”

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Listening Heart

James 1:5 (NET) But if anyone is deficient in wisdom, he should ask God, who gives to all generously and without reprimand, and it will be given to him.

Beloved, I will not rebuke you for an earnest request, though I may not choose to answer in the way you hoped. But trust Me to hear and respond in love, for My heart toward you is good and My love for you is unshakable.

So refuse to feel overwhelmed by what you don’t understand, and instead ask My Holy Spirit – the teacher of all things – to show you what you need to know. For I love to share with My children, and a listening heart I will not deny. Continue reading “Listening Heart”

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Obey in Love

Micah 6:8 (ESV) He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?

Beloved, choose daily how you will live. Be known for being a person who is just and walks uprightly. Be kind and walk in humility. Refuse to be waylaid by worldly thinking, for the world’s view is in opposition to My Kingdom. So pursue righteousness. Know My Word that you might understand what true righteousness is. 

Be intentional to seek righteousness moment by moment. This requires ongoing choices as situations present themselves. So choose well, and remember that seeking to walk in My ways doesn’t mean being perfect – for then you would be doomed to failure. Instead, it means choosing that which is right (by My standards), and repenting and moving forward when you fall short. 

So extend grace to yourself, even as I extend grace to you. Keep your heart tender and stay yielded to My leading. Seek to know Me more each day, and do so from a heart of joy, overflowing with love as one who knows how precious they are and how much was sacrificed to set them free. Obey in love from that place. Continue reading “Obey in Love”