Tag Archives: St. James

Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

The Comeback

James 4:10 [widescreen]Who doesn’t enjoy a good comeback story? I, for one, am always encouraged when I witness what I like to call a “redemption in progress.” As the 2015 football season approaches there are no shortages of men trying to make a team, get a second chance or attempt one final push for a Superbowl ring. Among the many athletes playing for a roster spot is Tim Tebow. Yes, the same player who was cut from the Denver Broncos, NY Jets, New England Patriots and, after sitting out a year, has another chance to make it in the NFL with the Philadelphia Eagles. While it still uncertain if he will survive the final cut, to witness him pursuing his dream after so many setbacks greatly encourages me.

In a similar story I was watching a boxing match that featured one fighter who was re-entering the ring after many years of being out of competition. In his youth he was a highly touted fighter with limitless potential; but the combination of poor choices and reckless living had derailed his career with many never giving any thought of his return. Nevertheless, with his past behind him, the boxer rediscovered a new appreciation for second chances and to the amazement of most professionals, and experts, his career continues to prove comebacks are possible.

What do these men reveal aside from focus, determination and tenacity? Humility. Both have been quoted numerous times expressing how thankful and humbled they are to have the opportunity to pursue their calling and dream. Pressing past the doubt, failure, hurt, fear and critics they joined the many who have lived the comeback; and while everyone experiences challenges not everyone desires to press on after defeat. Why? I believe the Apostle James gives us some insight to this question when he writes,

“What causes fights and quarrels among you? Aren’t they caused by the selfish desires that fight to control you? 3 When you pray for things, you don’t get them because you want them for the wrong reason—for your own pleasure….6 But God shows us even more kindness. Scripture says, “God opposes arrogant people, but he is kind to humble people.” 7 So place yourselves under God’s authority. Resist the devil, and he will run away from you. 8 Come close to God, and he will come close to you. 10 Humble yourselves in the Lord’s presence. Then he will give you a high position.”

Selfish desire, the chase of the right things for the wrong reasons and arrogance are three key pursuits that derail even the most willing, talented and eager. The Apostle James refers to these dangerous ingredients as the “perfect mix” for quarrels; and when I take the time to consider how much I have fought with others, myself or God I can’t help but wonder if the humble life, before the Lord, might achieve more than the contentious one?

Clearly James is addressing a hot-tempered attitude that works contrary to a spirit of humility. The powerful disposition of humility not only equips us for a better life but also prepares our hearts as an ideal seedbed where Jesus can deposit His blessing, wisdom and favor. Yet, despite knowing He wants to bless us we still approach God with contentious hearts. Again, I ask why? Could it be we don’t trust Jesus’ goodness and genuine love for us? Could it be we have become so used to fighting we can’t imagine laying “the fight” down for Him? Could it be we have yet to humble ourselves before the Lord so He can redeem our story and invite us to join in the comeback?

Returning to what the football player and boxer both possessed was a life rediscovered through the lens of humility. The mere fact they were grateful for just another chance to pursue their call became a reward in of itself and in the case of Tim Tebow he has often used his opportunities to glorify God through his circumstances.
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While the boxer’s career has been long, successful and financially rewarding, and Tebow’s career been uneven, both men speak with an integrity and refreshing perspective that should encourage us to pursue Jesus, remain humble, resist fighting and allow Him to open doors for us on the “field of life.”

How many of us are missing out on God’s choicest blessings because we are instigating fights when we could be pursuing the path of humility before the Lord? How many more of us are walking through seasons of living humbly, in the Lord’s presence, and now beginning to experience seasons of reward?

We all desire to reach the high places with God where our life story is shared as the comeback tale of redemption. But to begin such a journey starts with living the humble approach before Jesus and allowing Him to exalt you before others for His plans and purposes.

Remember our current circumstances are not inviting us to fight more but rather to love more and trust that the love of Jesus, toward us, is building our story even after we have fallen. When He lifts us up our story of redemption will echo all the louder because it was through His might and not our own; and those are the best comeback stories everyone desires to hear.

Blessings – Pastor JOSHUA

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Christian Apologetics, Christian Living, Inspirational, Motivational

READY? SET? ACTION!

ahc_79194When Jeannette and I were first married I quickly discovered how different we really were. Through three years of dating, and an engagement period, I thought we were just alike in everything; but then after we said I do I realized we weren’t. That’s not to say our differences were bad or in some way we had deceived one another; it just reminds us that there are many ways, in our similarities, we can still be very different. It didn’t take long for me to discover our differences when after our first disagreement (fight) I wanted to patch things up and move on with a quick resolution. Jeannette, on the other hand, needed some time and breathing room to process our disagreement as well as our resolution. For over sixteen years we have managed to deal with conflict, disappointment, failures and hurts in much the same way as our first argument. And over this period of time I have come to appreciate the value of allowing the process of letting a situation breathe so as long as we are allowing the truth of God to act during that time.

As a pastor I have managed to tackle problems, within the church, from a variety of approaches. In some instances I have pressed, head strong, for a quick resolution with disastrous results; and at other times I have waited, too long, to allow people to process a conflict, which has also ended in unsuccessful outcomes. So after reading a variety of leadership books, conflict management articles and advise from my peers I still felt as if there was no “best” way to deal with any single situation better than what the Bible tells us.

St. James writes the early church and encourages them, “So let God work his will in you. Yell a loud no to the Devil and watch him scamper. Say a quiet yes to God and he’ll be there in no time. Quit dabbling in sin. Purify your inner life. Quit playing the field. Hit bottom, and cry your eyes out. The fun and games are over. Get serious, really serious. Get down on your knees before the Master; it’s the only way you’ll get on your feet.” (James 4:7-10 MSG)

“It is essential to give people a chance of acting on the truth of God.” (Chambers) After the pastor, husband, wife, boss or friend has had their say, in any situation or conflict, the responsibility must be left with the individual. You cannot, and are incapable, of acting for him or her and they must be deliberate in responding in a Christlike manner to any situation. Sadly, when we refuse to act, as Jesus would prompt us through His Word, we become paralyzed and end up exactly as we were before. Have you ever met people who live their life stuck? There are some who refuse to grow up, others who dodge responsibility and others still who assign blame, to others, for their misfortune. If you know this type of person or find yourself here today then return to what James tells us and CHANGE IT!  When one acts, he or she is never the same. And when we act upon God’s Word He begins to work His perfect will in our life immediately!

Too many people play games, with their own lives, by wasting precious time living in stalled action. Once you find yourself repeating a failed behavior, negative thinking or destructive speech immediately let go and allow God to get into your circumstance. The moments we will truly live are the moments when we act with our whole will submitted to His plans and purposes.
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FINAL THOUGHT: IT TAKES TIME, SO ALLOW FOR SOME BREATHING ROOM. While most of today’s post has advocated a quick Biblical response to life’s challenges I would be remiss if I didn’t bring some balance to the topic. Like Jeannette’s needing time to process our disagreement most people do require some breathing room. I personally believe all people would benefit from some time to “work it out.” However, this time needs to be well spent seeking Jesus and allowing His truth to walk us toward His resolution. “Never allow a truth of God that is brought home to your soul to pass without acting on it, not necessarily physically, but in will.” (Chambers)

In every part, or role in life, we play we will always be faced with the truth of God. When we confess we are wrong, but go back again; then we come up to it again, and go back; we are hopefully learning the valuable life lesson that tells us we have no business returning to an old failed way of living and thinking. God’s truth is not a negative reality that is meant to hurt or rob you rather His truths are the finest words of redemption in which Jesus transacts the business of drawing us back to Him. The final step we need to take is to go to Him; and everyone who responds to His invitation lives a life where the supernatural power of God invades and changes them instantly. If you truly want to be free from the burdensome power of the world, your weak flesh and your adversary, understand they are not paralyzed by your words or your actions of self! But the stumbling blocks and barriers will always be halted by your action, and will, that is linked to Jesus and His redemptive power!

Grace and Peace

JOSHUA