TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 28:3-20
The Lord has done what he predicted through me. - 1 Samuel 28:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Most of us are familiar with the famous story by Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol. One night, Ebenezer Scrooge, a miserable old miser, was confronted by the ghost of his former business partner, Jacob Marley. Marley wore a chain that he forged through a lifetime of selfishness and cruelty. Unless Scrooge could change his ways, his fate would be even worse.

That night, Scrooge was visited by the ghosts of Christmas past, present, and future. Though unwilling and afraid, he was forced to face his true character. He heeded the warning and woke up on Christmas morning determined to walk a new road. From that day forth, he lived by a new code of generosity and love.

If only King Saul had responded in the same way! But when confronted with words of judgment by the ghost of Samuel, Saul retreated further from God into his doom.

In a tight military corner, Saul was desperate, and God was silent (vv. 6, 15). In his fear and sinfulness, the king decided to go to a medium, although he himself had outlawed witchcraft (cf. Deut. 18:9-13). His character sunk even lower. In a sickening irony, he swore by God that it was not a trap (1 Sam. 28:10) and asked the witch to bring up Samuel.

How could she do so? Do witches really have such power over dead saints? No. In this case God permitted the spirit of Samuel to come with a specific message for Saul. Lies and disguises end, as the king's identity is revealed (v. 12). After death, in the same way as when he was alive, Samuel prophesied God's word a judgment. The Israelites would be defeated, and Saul and his sons were to die because of their disobedience (v. 18).

Although he heard this final word from the man he most respected, Saul still did not repent. His only response was fear (v. 20).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
God's words through Samuel came true. God's words always come true. Our faith is in the Word of God, Jesus Christ.

Today, find and claim a promise from Scripture. This is not 'wishful thinking.' God's promises are rock-solid reality. What He says is guaranteed to be true! If you'd like some suggestions about which promise to claim, here are a few of our favorites:

¥ 'He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus' (Phil. 1:6).

¥ 'The Lord Himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged' (Deut. 31:8, cf. Heb. 13:5).

¥ 'We know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him' (Rom. 8:28).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Samuel 31:1-13
O daughters of Israel, weep for Saul.... How the mighty have fallen in battle! - 2 Samuel 1:24-25
TODAY IN THE WORD
At first, Adolf Hitler seemed a successful leader for a new Germany. When he took office as chancellor in 1933, he launched a rapid economic recovery and restored the country's military strength and pride, which had languished after World War I.

But very soon, when Hitler invaded neighboring countries in 1939 and started World War II, however, his evil nature became plain to see. His politics were those of conquest and dictatorship, and his policies were set by a belief in German racial superiority. His plan of Jewish genocide shocked the world.

After D-Day on the beaches of France, German forces retreated across Europe and Hitler's defeat began. When Russian troops advanced into Berlin, Hitler committed suicide in his bunker.

Along similar lines, Saul's career as king turned into a spiritual disaster. In today's reading, we see the conclusion of his tragic story.

God's word of judgment, spoken by Samuel, was fulfilled. The Israelites lost the battle to the Philistines. Saul's sons were killed, including Jonathan. To avoid capture and disgrace, the king fell on his own sword. He had already destroyed himself spiritually, and now he took his own life physically. The aftermath was not pretty, as the gloating Philistines abused the body and fastened it to a city wall as a trophy of victory.

But Saul had been God's anointed, and surely God was displeased that his armor was offered to idols (v. 10). Maybe that's why He spurred the warriors of Jabesh Gilead to rescue the body and cremate it to protect it from further indignities. (Later David would properly rebury Saul's remains in his family tomb, see 2 Sam. 21:12-14.) The warriors of Jabesh Gilead were motivated by their memories of Saul's first military victory, a rescue of their town from the Ammonites (1 Sam. 11). Since that day, what a sad and sinful road Saul walked!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today, we suggest you do something creative in connection with the story of Saul, concluded in today's reading. Show the tragic lessons of his life through a poem, song, painting, or other art form. What you do can show the truth of Saul's life and bring glory to God.

Here are a couple of ideas:

(1) Write and perform a dramatic monologue. You are Saul, on the field of battle, about to fall on your sword, reviewing how you got to this point in your life. What will you say?

(2) Draw and write a comic book that illustrates major events from the life of Saul. Your children or Sunday School class may enjoy making this a group project.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 2 Samuel 5:1-5; 1 Chronicles 11:1-3
You will shepherd my people Israel, and you will become their ruler. - 2 Samuel 5:2
TODAY IN THE WORD
On the Sunday opening His Passion Week, Jesus entered the city of Jerusalem riding the colt of a donkey. A large crowd gathered. Excite-ment was in the air. Was this the Messiah for whom they'd been waiting? To show respect, some spread their cloaks on the road, while others cut branches from nearby trees and placed them in front of Jesus.

Shouts rang out. 'Hosanna to the Son of David!' 'Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!' 'Hosanna in the highest!' (Matt. 21:9). 'Blessed is the coming kingdom of our father David!' (Mark 11:10). 'Blessed is the King of Israel!' (John 12:13). In more ways than those present realized, the King had indeed arrived, and He was indeed descended directly from David, the greatest king Israel had ever known.

Have you ever connected Palm Sunday with today's readings? In many ways, the journey to Passion Week started here, as David began his rule over all Israel. Once again, the Word of God delivered by Samuel was fulfilled, though he didn't live to see it. The anointing of David was realized as he assumed the kingship, first of the south and then of the entire nation.

After Saul's death, the southern region of Judah confirmed David as king, but the north continued to try to follow the old dynasty. When Abner, the northern military commander, switched sides and joined David, a turning point was reached that resulted in David's conquest of Jerusalem and rule over all Israel.

David was only 30 years old at the time, but he had already lived an eventful life and waited a long time for God's promise to be fulfilled. His kingship marked a 'golden age' in the history of Israel. More importantly, as we've already seen (July 23rd), his family tree will bring to the world God's gift of His Son, Jesus.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Today, we suggest you do something creative in connection with the story of Saul, concluded in today's reading. Show the tragic lessons of his life through a poem, song, painting, or other art form. What you do can show the truth of Saul's life and bring glory to God.As our study of the life of Samuel and Israel's early history as a kingdom draws to a close, we invite you to look back at the month's accumulation of 'Today Along the Way' activities. Is there one you were planning to do but haven't yet? Is there one you would like to do now that didn't interest you previously? Is there one you know you should do but were hoping to avoid? Ask the Holy Spirit to guide you to an activity that He wants you to do. Then plan to do it with His help.

If you need a suggestion, flip back two days to the 27th and discover the power of the promises of God!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Psalm 99
The King is mighty, he loves justice. - Psalm 99:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
In our culture we have many ways of remembering American history. Of course, American history is studied in schools. Sometimes history is passed on through legends, like the one about little George Washington chopping down the cherry tree. We declare holidays, such as President's Day. We put pictures of famous people on our money or postage stamps. We also play patriotic music, from 'Yankee Doodle' to the 'Battle Hymn of the Republic.' There are museums, historical novels and films, and commemorative celebrations complete with fireworks or reenactments of famous events.

Why do we do such things? We want to remember where we as a nation have been our heritage is part of our identity.

The Israelites felt exactly the same way. One way they memorialized their history was to write psalms of worship, thanking God for all He'd done for them. That was the purpose of Psalm 99. To close this month's study of the ministry of Samuel, we'll take a look at a couple of Bible passages to help us reflect on the meaning of his life.

In Psalm 99, Samuel was remembered as a leader worthy of imitation (v. 6). Moses and Aaron were also specifically mentioned all three were key figures in the period before the kings. Samuel 'called on [God's] name.' This suggested a commitment to worship and prayer, and a relationship with God based on faith and obedience. We've already seen his passion for interceding for Israel (cf. Jer. 15:1).

The glory goes not to Samuel or any other human leader, however, but to God. He reigns above all nations. He is holy, powerful, just, forgiving, and faithful to hear and answer prayer. These characteristics are prominently on display in the history of 'Jacob' (Psalm 99:4).

The appropriate response is praise and worship! 'Exalt the Lord our God and worship at His holy mountain' (v. 9). The same is true for us, since we worship the same God that Samuel did!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Twice already this month (on the 8th and 14th), we've encouraged you to make a spiritual timeline, a record of spiritual milestones in your walk with God. In essence, that is what Psalm 99 is.

With your spiritual timeline in front of you, write your own 'Psalm 99' a prayer or psalm that recalls your own spiritual history and heritage. Praise God for all that He's done over the years. Your psalm might mention both God's attributes and events from your life. For example, 'Praise the Lord for his faithfulness to me when I was in the hospital' or 'Thank you for your wisdom in guiding me to my present job.'

Our prayer is that this spiritual exercise will encourage you as you walk with God into the future!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 11:32-12:3
God had planned somthing better for us so that only together with us would they be made perfect. - Hebrews 11:40
TODAY IN THE WORD
Audrey Wetherell Johnson spent more than ten years as a missionary in China. Coming to America after the Communist takeover, she yearned to return to overseas missions work.

But God had another plan. She was asked to teach the Bible to five women at her church. Determined not to 'spoon-feed' them, she required careful preparation beforehand the women had to study the Word for themselves! The little seed of that class grew into Bible Study Fellowship, a worldwide, interdenominational organization with about 800 in-depth Bible study classes meeting at any given time.

'Miss J,' as she became known, died in 1984. That day, the nurse on duty heard her say, 'The Lord is coming for me today. He's at the foot of my bed now.' She had finished the race she had kept the faith!

Today we finish our study of another of faith's 'hall of famers' the judge and prophet Samuel. In Hebrews 11, we can see clearly the meaning and foundation of his life. Today's reading is an appendix of sorts, one that says, 'Here are even more examples of faith.' It is in this 'appendix' that Samuel's name is mentioned. He conquered kingdoms, administered justice, and 'gained what was promised' (vv. 32-33), meaning that God spoke truly through him and fulfilled his prophecies.

What a eulogy! God's power flowed through Samuel. His weakness turned to strength. He lived by faith and was willing to suffer because he hoped in resurrection and redemption (vv. 35, 39). 'The world was not worthy of [him]' (v. 38). This is especially true because he and others only looked forward to the person and event we look back on the birth of Jesus Christ.

Samuel shines as a saint in the 'cloud of witnesses' (12:1) who has run before us. Together with us he has been made perfect (11:40). That means we are fellow pilgrims with him! Through Christ we complete and fulfill all that Samuel believed in and lived for. What a heritage! What a motivation for running our own race (12:1-3)!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What principles or lessons have you learned this month in our study of 1 Samuel? Can you summarize them or list them?

You might want to browse through the book of 1 Samuel and this month's devotional readings to refresh your memory. Think carefully about the remarkable life of Samuel, as well as the 'supporting cast,' including Eli, Saul, Jonathan, and David. What is God trying to teach you?

If you wish, turn your findings into a family Bible study, a Sunday School lesson, or an edifying conversation with a friend.

Your goal is to look into the perfect mirror of God's Word and to do what it says (James 1:22-25).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Luke 18:35-19:27
Receive your sight; your faith has healed you. - Luke 18:42
TODAY IN THE WORD
So far in Luke we've seen a variety of approaches for seeking healing from Jesus. The Centurion came with quiet humility. One woman subtly touched Jesus' cloak among a crowd. Some friends boldly lowered a man through a roof. But in today's reading, we meet two men who approached Jesus in unique and memorable ways.

Neither man was able to see. One had gone blind, and the other was just too short. The blind man yelled so loudly that it made people uncomfortable. He shouted even louder when the people around told him to quiet down. He didn't care what people thought. He believed that Jesus was capable of a miracle, and he wasn't afraid to ask for it. The result: he could see, and everyone who witnessed the event glorified God.

Zacchaeus had a similar faith but chose a more discreet tactic. He climbed a tree to see Jesus, but in the end it was Jesus who saw him. It's unclear whether Jesus knew Zacchaeus beforehand, but the most important part of their relationship is not their history but the complete change in Zacchaeus' lifestyle.

Overall, Zacchaeus was one of the exceptions in his understanding of Christ. He believed to the point of repentance, but the other people following Jesus showed a selfish, almost spiteful view. They were looking for a kingdom takeover as Jesus approached Jerusalem, and they scoffed at the beggar's vocal plea for mercy. They grumbled at the relationship between Jesus and a “sinner.” But they were immune to the idea that the kingdom would be ushered in at a later time.

The parable of the ten minas shifted the focus of the kingdom from Jesus and onto His potential followers. People who were expecting to watch the kingdom unfold without repenting were in for a terrible awakening. But the worst punishment was due those who stood opposed to the kingdom entirely.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
What are you willing to do to come closer to Jesus? How do you respond to His message of grace and forgiveness? Zacchaeus changed his ways. The blind beggar followed Jesus. Are you claiming Jesus as Savior but living life as usual, just waiting for the kingdom to be ushered in ahead of you? Make today a turning point both in your pursuit of Jesus and your response to His mercy.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:1; John 7:1-5; Acts 8:1-2
Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother. - Mark 3:35
TODAY IN THE WORD
Jesus' answer in John 7:1-5 must have seemed harsh to those around Him. It was early in the Savior's ministry, and His mother and brothers had come to see Him (Mark 3:31-35). Jesus said His true family was spiritual, made up of those who followed and obeyed Him. He was not being harsh, but simply saying that anyone who wanted to come to Him must recognize Him as Savior and Lord.

Among Jesus' brothers standing there that day was James, later the author of the New Testament book that bears his name. Most conservative Bible scholars believe James was one of Jesus' four half-brothers, born to Joseph and Mary after Jesus' virgin birth (Matt. 13:55). During the Lord's earthly ministry, these men didn't believe that their older brother was also their Messiah.

We know this because the apostle John described an incident in which the brothers urged Jesus to go to Jerusalem and show Himself to the nation. Then John wrote, 'Even His own brothers did not believe in Him' (John 7:5).

James was in that group of 'brotherly doubters.' But then something happened. After Jesus rose from the dead, He appeared to James (1 Cor. 15:7). From that time on, the skeptical sibling became a devoted follower of Christ and the acknowledged leader of the church in Jerusalem (Acts 15:12-21).

We have tremendous insight into the heart of this man through the letter he wrote to his fellow Jewish believers, 'the twelve tribes scattered among the nations' (James 1:1). James' remarkable letter is the focus of our studies this month. That means we are in for thirty-one days of intensely practical Christianity.

The first indication of James' attitude comes in the very first sentence of his letter. Here was the leader of the first church in the Christian world. He was an associate of Peter and Paul. And he was the half-brother of Jesus on top of that. Talk about someone with friends in high places!

But James pushed all that aside and adopted the most humble title possible. He was merely a 'servant' (v. 1). Sounds like his older half-brother, doesn't he (see Mark 10:45)? It's an understatement to say that James understood the role of a believer.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
It's possible some of our Today readers are like James the day he and his brothers expressed their unbelief in Jesus (see John 7:5).

In other words, we may think we are in Jesus' family when in fact, we have never come to Him in repentance and faith and trusted Him as our Savior. If that's the case for you, we urge you to put your faith in Jesus Christ today. And if He is your Savior, join us in praying that the Holy Spirit will draw others to the Lord.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:2-4
Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. - James 1:4
TODAY IN THE WORD
John Akhwari was determined to finish his race. The marathoner from Tanzania was competing at the 1968 Olympics in Mexico City when he fell early in the longest race of the Games. Despite a painful leg injury that needed medical attention, Akhwari refused to quit. An hour after the other runners had finished, Akhwari limped into the nearly empty stadium. A reporter asked the gritty runner why he had persevered. 'My country did not send me 900 miles to start the race,' Akhwari said. 'They sent me to finish the race.'

That's a James-like attitude toward trials. It's the attitude we need, too, because there is much more at stake in our daily Christian race than a medal. If an athlete can finish a race for which he receives no reward except personal satisfaction at doing his job, how much more should we, as Christians, persevere when adversity comes our way!

Here are two reasons to rejoice when God allows a setback or a hard circumstance to come across our path. First, the kinds of trials James is talking about are not signs of God's displeasure. There are times when God disciplines us to bring us back to Himself, but trials are usually opportunities for spiritual growth. God wants to build us up, not break us down.

A second reason we can find joy during tough times is the prize waiting for us at the completion of a trial successfully handled. God intends for tests to make us 'mature and complete' (v. 4). Like a good parent, He wants us to become full-grown, fully functioning children.

The only way to win the prize is to complete the race. We all want perseverance, the ability to keep going strong no matter what the obstacle. Perseverance comes at the price of being faithful in the face of trials. But the payoff at the finish line is tremendous.

The readers of James were encountering 'many kinds' of troubles. We're not told the specifics, but it isn't hard to guess what was happening. These people were 'scattered' or dispersed 'among the nations' (v. 1). They were no doubt suffering persecution for their faith in Christ, as well as undergoing the normal pressures and trials of life.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Maybe today you feel a little like John Akhwari.

If so, we hope you're not alone. It helps to have a friend run alongside with you when you're bruised and tired and feel like giving up. And if you are trying to run your race alone, maybe it's time to call a trusted Christian brother or sister and ask for a helping hand.

Or, perhaps, you are the one to give help. Do you know somebody who needs a word of encouragement from you today?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:5-8
If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault. - James 1:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
'If we want blessings from God,' writes the great nineteenth-century British preacher Charles Spurgeon, 'nothing can pull them down but faith. Prayer cannot draw down answers from God's throne unless it is the earnest prayer of the one who believes.'

That's the most thorough summary of today's lesson you'll read anywhere. We've said that James is an intensely practical book. James is concerned with the ways our faith expresses itself, proving its validity. If we were to outline the book, we could say that our faith is demonstrated by the way we respond to trials, to the Word of God, and to the needs of others (chapters 1-2), and by the way we use our tongues, deal with the world, and pray (chapters 3-5).

Today's verses are a great example of James' practicality. Verse 5 implies that we definitely do lack the wisdom to handle our trials in such a way that they produce spiritual maturity and completeness. So we have God's staggering promise that we can come to Him, admit our need, and receive a measure of His perfect wisdom without being humiliated.

Given a promise like this, it's sinful to draw back and refuse to believe that God will fulfill His Word. Doubts reveal a spiritual character flaw. Wavering doubt in the face of God's promise displays a faith that is as helpless as a canoe floating in a stormy ocean.

But according to James, stubborn doubt is more than just a bad reflection on our faith. It's slandering the character of God, a denial of His very nature as a giving God (see 1:17). A person who doubts must also deal with this important biblical principle: 'Without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him' (Heb. 11:6).

Doubt-filled prayer can expect no answer from God. And worse yet, this 'double-minded' way of thinking carries over into every area of a person's spiritual life. The term literally means to be 'double-souled,' an impossible way to live if you want to grow through trials and please God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Responding to our trials with genuine joy and godly wisdom sometimes requires that we get a new outlook on the situation.

One way you can turn your trial around and look at it in a new way is to take a 'mini-retreat' with the Lord. Today if possible, or as soon as you can, spend some time alone with God, praising Him and praying with a single-minded focus. Above all, don't forget to ask God for the wisdom to see things from His perspective.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:9-12
No one can serve two masters. - Matthew 6:24
TODAY IN THE WORD
Bible teacher Vernon Doerksen says verses 9-11 of James 1 have a close connection to the verses that precede them. 'Just as the Christian is to rejoice in the face of trials, knowing the personal benefits that will come, so also he has grounds to [take pride (v. 9)]. There is also a close relationship between the double-minded man (v. and the rich man (v. 10). As the double-minded man has divided loyalties, so the rich man is torn between his submission to God and his love for earthly possessions.'

James was still talking about the 'many kinds' of trials that believers face when he urged his readers to think about their position in life. Problems of any kind can help us get rid of superficial values and look at things from a more balanced viewpoint.

Today's verses are a good example of a reformation of values. Generally, the world elevates the rich and powerful and assigns poor people a lower standing. But when it comes to spiritual standing, the size of a person's bank account doesn't matter. Every Christian enjoys the 'high position' of being God's child.

Because this is true, Christians who are poor can 'take pride,' not in themselves, but in the fact that they are of infinite value to God. In the same way, rich believers can rejoice in the fact that their value to God is not based on their material wealth, which could evaporate at any moment.

James was not against wealth in itself-Ðalthough he later had strong words of condemnation for the rich who use their money in evil ways (2:5-7; 5:1-6). He was simply trying to prevent his prosperous readers from falling in love with their possessions, because the things we can hold in our hands are at best temporary. And at worst, they can be taken away as fast as a fading flower in the hot desert sun.

James' readers included rich and poor Christians. Some had lost everything for following Christ and were dispersed across the world. Others had done very well for themselves. Each group needed to focus on the Lord. That need has never changed.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We often encourage our readers to take stock of their attitudes toward material things so we can avoid the trap of trying to serve two masters.

You can do that today by making one list of your most important or valuable possessions, and another list of the three or four things you want most right now. Now answer this question. If you lost any or every item on the first list and never got anything on the second list, would it dampen your enthusiasm for following Christ and serving Him?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:12-15
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial. - James 1:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
Consider these two scenarios. A Christian woman, deserted by her husband, meets another man who showers her with attention and understanding and then asks her to enter into an illicit relationship. In her loneliness and frustration, the woman feels the lure of temptation.

Scenario number two. A Christian who owns a small business suffers a devastating financial setback because another person reneged on a promise. This businessman has an opportunity to recoup all of his losses by twisting a few numbers on his next contract.

Are these situations trials to be met head on, or temptations to sin to be avoided? They contain elements of both, just like many other circumstances that often confront us. James says God allows adversity to make us mature and complete spiritually. But Satan often rides on the coattails of a trial, trying to turn that situation into a temptation that would lead us into sin.

Verse 12 bridges these two concepts, since in the language of the New Testament the words trial and temptation are the same. The context determines which concept is meant. There are at least three distinct differences between the two.

For instance, James says we are 'blessed,' or happy, if we persevere when we go through trials. But the Bible never tells us to linger when tempted. Instead, we are told to run from temptation as fast as we can (1 Cor. 6:18; 2 Tim. 2:22). We are not to resist and oppose God's trials, but we are commanded to resist the devil (James 4:7).

The second difference between trials and temptations is in their source. Clearly, God either allows or sends trials. But He is never the source of temptation (1:13). The lure to do evil comes from our enemy, Satan, aided and abetted by our own corrupt human nature.

Notice the third difference between trials and temptations: their outcomes. The reward for enduring the test is the 'crown of life,' which consists of abundant, eternal life with God. But the outcome of temptation and the 'life cycle' of sin is spiritual death. Let's not allow setbacks to lead us into sin.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
When you're faced with a trying circumstance, the line between trial and temptation approaches fast. But usually, the difference between the two is still clearly marked.

Maybe you're going through trials you don't think you can handle much longer. You may even be tempted to take a sinful way out. But God's Word promises that when you are being tested, '[God] will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it' (1 Cor. 10:13). Why not memorize this verse today, and claim the promise?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:16-18
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights. - James 1:17
TODAY IN THE WORD
The growing number of cellular phone users is creating a tremendous demand for the antenna towers needed to link all the devices. But the tall towers are often considered an eyesore, and many zoning boards don't want them in their communities. So several companies started to design towers that are camouflaged to look like trees. A 125-foot prototype tower in Atlanta, made to resemble a white pine tree, is a steel pole covered with epoxy-resin bark. The tower's antennas are hidden inside the tree's branches.

Disguising the true purpose of tools can be a positive thing. The tree-like antenna tower looks very natural in its environment.

But hiding the true purpose of a trial is never God's way of dealing with us. Disguising circumstances to fool and tempt us is Satan's specialty. God's purpose in any and all circumstances is to conform us 'to the likeness of his Son' (Rom. 8:29).

That's why James told his readers, who were very dear to him, to stop being deceived. Someone was feeding them false information concerning the nature of God and the nature of temptation. Far from being the source of evil, God is the source of everything that's good in our lives. The fact that all of His gifts are 'good and perfect' emphasizes how completely good God really is. There is no limit to His kindness toward us.

We don't have to worry about God changing, either. God's unchangeable nature is one of His divine attributes (James 1:17). We're inconsistent in our obedience and commitment to the Lord, but He is the one constant in the universe.

In case any of James' readers wanted an example of God's good gifts, the apostle provided the best example of all: eternal salvation.

Whereas sin gives birth to death when it is fully developed, God brings new life to birth in us through His Word. God exercised His will in saving us. He 'chose' to redeem us from our lost condition. His method was the gospel message of the death and resurrection of Christ in payment for sin. Those early Jewish believers were the 'firstfruits' of salvation. We are part of the fuller harvest.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Can you look around and name some of God's good and perfect gifts to you and your family?

We suggest you do this today, maybe over family dinner. We should always come to God with gratitude, thanking Him for our salvation and all the other blessings He showers on us. But be warned: naming your blessings could lead to grateful praise and change your whole outlook on life this weekend!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:19-21
Humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. - James 1:21
TODAY IN THE WORD
Not long ago, a French tightrope walker crossed a thin wire stretched between the two towers of the World Trade Center in New York, 1괾 feet above the ground. Several months later, though, he fell from a thirty-foot wire while practicing and was injured. The man reportedly beat his fist on the ground in frustration while waiting for the ambulance.

That's how we sometimes react to the trials that life presents to us. We may handle the 'big one' successfully, then get tripped up on something relatively small and wind up losing our temper. Like the tightrope walker who thought he would never fall, we slip when we least expect it.

The cure for destructive human anger is patient attention to the Word of God. For the believers in James' day, the exhortation to be 'quick to listen' had an immediate application. People did not have their own copy of the Word, so the Old Testament and the apostles' letters were read aloud in the churches. People had to listen carefully to get the message.

Listening carefully and obediently to God's Word rather than firing back too quickly with our words brings us in line with His will. Anger toward sin is permitted in Scripture, but we are not free to attack the sinner. And when anger does arise in human relationships, the Bible commands us to deal with it quickly (Eph. 4:26).

James doesn't leave us in the dark about the reasons for these three exhortations. Unchecked anger works directly against 'the righteous life that God desires' (James 1:20). James puts the emphasis on doing what is right, which is hard to accomplish when we are seething with anger. Rather than responding out of rage to circumstances and other people, our assignment as Christians is to rid ourselves of the last remnants of the old life. The word picture here is taking off an old, ripped, stained piece of clothing.

When we are rid of ungodly anger and other evil, we are ready to receive the 'implanted' Word, a farming metaphor that suggests a receptive soil in which the planted seed can grow.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Comparing our lives to the three-part outline in verse 19 is a good way to test our spiritual progress.

Try taking this 'James test' two different ways. Rate yourself between one and ten on the qualities of being quick to hear, slow to speak, and slow to get angry, with one being the best and ten the worst. Then ask someone who knows you well--your spouse, a roommate, a close friend--to rate you in the same categories. Comparing notes ought to be enlightening.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 1:22-27
Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says. - James 1:22
TODAY IN THE WORD
This past school year a major university on the East coast tested a new security system at one of its dormitories. Residents gained access to the dorm by placing their palm on a scanner that read their hand print. This growing field of technology includes scanners that read and recognize a person's voice, fingerprints, and even the retina of the eye.

The goal is to develop a foolproof system that identifies the correct user by personal traits that cannot be faked by anyone else. Christians have some traits that authenticate them, too.

One of the unmistakable 'hand prints' of the Christian life is obedience to God's Word. Having received the good seed of the Word in our hearts, we must cultivate that seed so it will grow and produce fruit. As one Bible commentator says, our faith 'must move from the pew to the marketplace.'

That's exactly the kind of Christianity the apostle James advocated. And he was in good company. Jesus pronounced a blessing on 'those who hear the word of God and obey it' (Luke 11:28). Paul wrote, 'It is not those who hear the law who are righteous in God's sight, but it is those who obey the law' (Rom. 2:13).

James' imagery is unmistakably clear. We would all agree that a person is deceiving himself if he thinks just glancing into a mirror will correct his messed-up hair and clean his dirty face. In the same way, we cannot claim our faith is valid if we '[look] intently into the perfect law' of God (James 1:25), and then go away unchanged.

And in keeping with his no-nonsense style, James has plenty of examples for the person who wonders what a genuine faith looks like in action (vv. 26-27). The practices described here are not means of salvation, of course, but visible evidences of an invisible change of heart.

One of the identifying marks of a true believer is a tongue under control. Caring for those who cannot provide for themselves is also a form of service close to God's heart. And avoiding the world's pollution is one of our primary responsibilities as believers (Rom. 12:2).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Having a 'tight rein' on our tongues doesn't mean just saying nothing. There are plenty of people around us who need our words of encouragement and blessing.

At the start of this new week, why not ask God to give you three people who need a word of affirmation from you (your own home is a good place to start)! Be alert for opportunities to offer genuine encouragement, and pray that your words this week will help people along their way.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: James 2:1-4
He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker. - Proverbs 14:31
TODAY IN THE WORD
It may not surprise you to learn that some companies answer calls on their customer service lines, not in the order the calls were received, but based on the caller's buying history. Technology makes it possible for a company to identify a caller and access that person's account to see how much he or she has spent. In this system preferred customers get their calls answered sooner, no matter how many other calls are ahead of them. Those who use this technology say it's perfectly acceptable business practice to give top customers preferential treatment.

That's one reason the church of Jesus Christ can't be run like a business. Preferential treatment doesn't happen in God's family--or does it? We know it does, and the epistle of James reveals that it's not a new epidemic.

This is why the problem of favoritism or partiality was high on the apostle's priority list, right after a discussion of trials and the importance of the Word. Being the practical-minded person, James gave an example of specific life situations to illustrate his point that partiality is wrong for the followers of Christ.

The hypothetical situation described in verses 2-3 doesn't need a lot of explanation. Catering to the rich and influential at the expense of a poor person reveals a serious problem among God's people. This time it isn't the rich man who is at fault, but the congregation he visited.

Showing this kind of favoritism is the result of wrong motives. James calls them 'evil thoughts' (v. 4). What's the problem here? First, responding to people on the basis of their financial status instead of their inner character is a false standard, the exact opposite of God's values. Unlike us, He isn't impressed by outward appearance, but always looks at the heart (1 Sam. 16:7).

Let's remember that although the situation, given by James as an example, may have been hypothetical, the problem was not. In the early church, wealthy masters and their slaves were worshiping side by side. The church was the only place where each of these classes of people could discover their true worth.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Prejudice is one of those faults easy to see in others, but hard to detect in ourselves.

We often overlook our attitudes toward others until we are faced with a situation that calls for a response, like the case described in today's reading. That's why it's important to be determined, with God's help, to treat people with a Christ-like spirit, regardless of who they are. Ask God to help you make that commitment in your heart today.