Prison Ministries

Posts Tagged ‘James 1’

Read James 1, Psalm 103
Forget Not!

“In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thessalonians 5:18

The children of Israel were some of the biggest babies, whiners, and complainers in the history of mankind. In spite of the miraculous deliverance and physical manifestation of God for all to see, they continued to fall back into fear, whining, and idol worship at the slightest whim. Read the rest of this entry »

Read James 1, Psalm 26
Are You Being Pruned or Punished?

“But I know! I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:9 NLT

Whether we are being disciplined by God as punishment for our sins, or pruned by God in order that we become more fruitful, it hurts just the same.

One of the best ways to determine whether we are being disciplined or pruned is through self examination. Read the rest of this entry »

Read James 1, Psalm 107
Is God a Legalist?

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full. I am the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.”

“Those who are wise will take all this to heart; they will see in our history the faithful love of the LORD.” Psalm 107:43 NLT John 10:10, 11

Where does anyone get the idea that God is a kill joy? Nothing could be further from the truth. Rather than rob us of joy and pleasure, God’s moral code is designed to lead us to know joy to the fullest.

In the area of sexuality, university studies show that people who live out their sexuality God’s way report 39% higher sexual enjoyment, far fewer divorces, and far fewer problems with adultery, disease, and guilt.

When it comes to enjoying life to its fullest, Jesus reminds us that He is the way, the truth, and the life. Financial wealth has no real value apart from a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “Yes, a person is a fool to store up earthly wealth but not have a rich relationship with God” (Luke 12:21 NLT).

If we parents, being evil, try to protect our children by setting limits for them, how much more does our Heavenly Father protect us by providing us with a moral code designed to help us live life to the fullest God’s way.

God blesses us when we are meek, humble, and pure in heart, when we thirst after righteousness, and when we are peacemakers.

Would a kill joy come to earth as a man, live a perfect life, and suffer the torments of hell in order that we might escape the torments of hell?

Father, thank you for loving me enough to not only die for me but to show me how to live life to the fullest in Your peace and joy. Amen. In Jesus’ name, Amen

Read James 1, Psalm 26
Are You Being Pruned or Punished?

“But I know! I, the LORD, search all hearts and examine secret motives. I give all people their due rewards, according to what their actions deserve.” Jeremiah 17:9 NLT

Whether we are being disciplined by God as punishment for our sins, or pruned by God in order that we become more fruitful, it hurts just the same.

One of the best ways to determine whether we are being disciplined or pruned is through self examination.

While it is presumptuous to think anyone knows the mind of God, there are certain principles that He has laid down in His Word that can offer a lot of insight.

Just as He loved us enough to send His Son to die for us, He loves us enough to chasten us as severely as it takes to correct us and bring us back into a right relationship with Him when we fall into unrepentant sin.

If, after serious prayer and self examination, we are not convicted of any sins for which we are suffering chastening; we must consider the probability that we are experiencing the pruning of God through which we are being conformed more and more into the image of Christ and being equipped to produce the fruit for which God created us.

We are better equipped to forgive when we have been forgiven much. We are better equipped to comfort and love others when we have been comforted and loved. We are more sensitive to pain and suffering when we have experienced it for ourselves.

As God molds and melds us through the refiners fire, after we have determined that our problem is not an un confessed or unrepentant sin, we need to consider it all joy that God is working in our lives to draw us closer to Him and to believe that God does work all things for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purposes. Easier to say than to do, but nevertheless true.

Father, As you lead me to the green pastures and still waters through the valleys let me

remember that You are the Good Shepherd. In Jesus’ Name, Amen