by George Runyan | Dec 4, 2014 | Devotional, George Runyan
James 4:1 – What is the source of quarrels and conflict among you?
James proceeds to answer his own question by identifying numerous sources of conflict. He begins with “pleasures that wage war in your members” (James 4:1b). Pleasures speak of lust. Lust can be manifested in numerous ways. Sexual sins, material wants manifested in things, and any other worldly possessions that come from fleshly desires. These things produce jealousy, competition, and covetousness. This is contrary to the exhortation of learning to be content in whatever state we are in.
Quarrels and conflicts, for the most part, are rooted in the attitude of insisting on having things my way. It is really the same root that is found in lusts. James continues his thoughts by saying, “You lust and do not have; so you commit murder” (James 4:2a). James is giving a tough message to the church. A familiar saying is, “I would kill for that.” Can you recognize the source of James’ comment in the more modern day expression?
“You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel” (James 4:2b). No wonder James deals with the subject of faith and works. It sounds like those to whom he is writing are not living the life of faith, but still living by the lust of the flesh from which they had been redeemed. The life of the flesh and the life of the Spirit are in direct enmity. James goes on to deal with the subject of wrong motivations of prayer. “You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures” (James 4:3). James likens this motive to “adultery.” He calls it “friendship with the world.” Friendship with the world is hostility toward God. If one wishes to be a friend of the world, then that one becomes an enemy of God.
These are rough Scriptures to wrestle with, but important ones. At this time of the year, the world begins to put pressure on consumers to spend, spend, and spend. The world will make you feel guilty when you don’t spend a lot of money on gifts and other things at Christmas time. TO READ MORE PLEASE CLICK TITLE ABOVE.
by George Runyan | Dec 3, 2014 | Devotional, George Runyan
James 3:13 – Who among you is wise and understanding? Let him show by his good behavior his deeds in the gentleness of wisdom.
As you begin to read the third chapter of James’ letter to the church, you read of comparing the gentleness of God’s wisdom to bitter jealousy and selfish ambition of the heart. The old nature can easily become filled with jealousy and selfish ambition. Both jealousy and ambition are products of the sin nature and represent the old self. They are focused on self-serving as opposed to serving others. Certainly this is a great contrast to the life of Christ, which was filled with gentle wisdom as He served the needs of others around Him.
Through faith in the power of Christ’s resurrection and His life-giving Spirit we too can be filled with gentle wisdom. Conversion, as it relates to Christianity, is about drawing our life from Christ’s life which has been given to the believer by the Holy Spirit. Many Christians continue to live from the old life and habits rather than the new life contained in the new birth. TO READ MORE PLEASE CLICK TITLE ABOVE. TO PURCHASE YOUR OWN COPY PLEASE CLICK THE COVER.
by George Runyan | Dec 2, 2014 | Devotional, George Runyan
James 3:6 – The tongue is a fire, the very world of iniquity; the tongue is set among our members as that which defiles the entire body, and sets on fire the course of our life, and is set on fire by hell.
In this verse, James goes straight to the heart of human problems. James says, “No one can tame the tongue” (James 3:8). Only Jesus was able to control His tongue, He did this by only saying what He heard His Father saying. The Holy Spirit was given to bring forth the life of Christ in each believer. He begins with the heart because the issues of life flow from the heart. Next, He wants to control our tongue. It is profitable for believers to give themselves a personal evaluation. Consider what changes have taken place with your words since you believed. Have there been changes such as cursing, taking the Lord’s name in vain, or harsh comments toward or about others? Then think about what changes still need to take place, such as a soft answer, more positive conversation, and words for encouraging others around you.
The fire of the tongue can be quenched by the “water of the Word of God.” It is through the Holy Spirit that the tongue can be controlled. “Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in Your sight, O Lord, my rock and my Redeemer” (Psalm 19:14). TO READ MORE – PLEASE CLICK TITLE ABOVE.
by George Runyan | Dec 1, 2014 | Devotional, George Runyan
James 2:14 – What use is it, my brethren, if someone says he has faith but he has no works? Can that faith save him?
Some have thought James preached a different Gospel than that of Paul. Paul laid the foundation of believing faith throughout his letters. “For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourself, it is the gift of God; not a result of works, so that no one can boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). How do we reconcile what James says with Paul’s teaching?
There is a difference between saying you have faith and actually demonstrating that faith. I knew a man some years ago that evidenced a knowledge of Scripture. He told me he believed the Bible, but his life did not demonstrate a “believing faith.” Saying “I have faith” is one thing, but living that faith is totally another. The evidence of faith should be expected from one who says “I have faith.” As we grow in faith a greater demonstration of our faith will be evidenced.
Paul taught, “God saved us, not on the basis of works which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy” (Titus 3:5). Redemption came through Jesus Christ and His sacrificial work. We had nothing whatsoever to do with that work. He went to the cross for you and me while we were dead in our trespasses and sins. All that is required of us is to receive what Christ has accomplished. What James is addressing in his letter is the attitude that all I need to do is to say “I have faith.” Saying it and believing it are two totally different spheres. Believing what Christ has done will produce a demonstration of faith. Do others know your faith by what you say or by what you do? TO READ MORE – CLICK TITLE ABOVE.
by George Runyan | Nov 30, 2014 | Devotional, George Runyan
1Timothy 1:15-16 – It is a trustworthy statement, deserving full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost of all. Yet for this reason I found mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Jesus Christ might demonstrate His perfect patience as an example for those who would believe in Him for eternal life.
The Kingdom of God is all about love, acceptance, and forgiveness. In the kingdom of God, we first love, and then move into acquaintance. This is different than the world’s perspective where we get acquainted then we move toward love. Usually people have many acquaintances; they have some friends, but are in need of real love and acceptance.
The love of God is not based on what I do or what I feel. His love is rooted in the Lord Jesus Christ who died freely before anyone sought Him out. God’s love is commitment and is independent of feelings or knowledge of what another has or has not done. By God’s grace, we should be able to love and accept people before we really know them. Once we come to know a person, God wants to supply the necessary grace to love and accept them in spite of what we have come to learn about them. This is not by human effort, but through the grace that God supplies.
Consider how the Lord Jesus spent His time. He hung out with the outcasts of His society. He ate with sinners who had robbed their own people to become rich. He ministered to prostitutes and tax collectors. He was known as a friend of sinners. TO READ MORE PLEASE CLICK TITLE ABOVE.
by George Runyan | Nov 28, 2014 | Devotional, George Runyan
James 1:19 –You know this, my beloved brethren. Everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger.
What a great word from James, the brother of Jesus! Every believer should know this principle of truth, but at the same time we all need to be reminded. The principle of quick hearing and slow speaking is especially needed this season of the year. Most will spend time with close friends and family members as we celebrate the birth of our Lord Jesus Christ. Whenever we spend close time with others, sharing responsibilities and conversation, there is opportunity for misunderstandings to occur.
The saying, “think before you speak” is especially helpful in preserving peace. Listening carefully to another not only provides one with information about their reasoning or opinion, but an opportunity to keep one’s emotions under control. It is important to respond to differing views with respect and as few words as possible. Well thought out responses can provide for interesting and stimulating conversation. I have determined not to be pulled into emotionally driven political talk. If the discussion is not supported by an educated view, I am not interested in plunging into heated emotional opinions.
When I first began secular work, I realized I would see my follow workers daily. I did not need to reveal everything I thought at one setting. I prayed daily for the Holy Spirit to guide me in my conversation with my fellow employees. I can testify that God was faithful. Over the years, I had opportunity to lead some to Christ. Others were interested in what I had to offer and would seek me out in conversation; there are always those who reject your views no matter how you approach the conversation. TO READ MORE CLICK THE TITLE ABOVE.
