April 29 – Exodus 3; James 4

Exodus 3:14

14God said to Moses, “I am who I am. This is what you are to say to the Israelites: ‘I am has sent me to you.’ ”

James 4:11-12

11Brothers and sisters, do not slander one another. Anyone who speaks against a brother or sister or judges them speaks against the law and judges it. When you judge the law, you are not keeping it, but sitting in judgment on it.

12There is only one Lawgiver and Judge, the one who is able to save and destroy. But you—who are you to judge your neighbor?

Thoughts

God identifies himself as the “I am.” Think about that. “I am.” He doesn’t say “I am a…”. He simply says, “I am who I am.” In other words, there is none compared to God. God is God, because He is God. This is both reassuring and intimidating. It is reassuring, because He sent His son Jesus to save humanity, and intimidating, because at times we proclaim with our actions and words that we are the “I am.”

How do we proclaim that we are the “I am?” I’m glad you asked. We often make judgments, make up our own rules, break relationship with others, and elevate our preferences so much that they come across as God’s law. In our relationships, it is so easy to take the place of the “I am.” 

God is the “I am” – the only lawgiver, the only king. He is the only Savior and Redeemer. God is the only boss, ruler, final authority… He is the “I am who I am.” As our creator, He knows us and can help us. He is the “I am.” Look at what James says about God: “Do not speak evil against one another, brothers. The one who speaks against a brother or judges his brother, speaks evil against the law and judges the law. …But if you judge the law, you are not a doer of the law but a judge. There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy. But who are you to judge your neighbor?” (James 4:11–12, ESV) 

Application

Think about your relationships today. How have you tried to be the “I am?” How have you tried to play God with your friend or spouse or co-worker? How have you tried to be the lawgiver? Think of preferences that you have tried to make into God’s law? Find an area or two that you can repent of by telling God and the person to whom you’ve “laid down the law.” You will never go wrong by recognizing God as God and allowing him (as if he needs to be allowed!) to be the “I am” in your life.

Prayer

God, I acknowledge you as the “I am.” That makes me the “I am not.” Please forgive me for playing God and help me to walk in humility…. (Continue praying.)

We would like to thank Peacemaker Ministries for providing this plan.

April 27 – Matthew 6; Matthew 18; Matthew 5; James 2

Matthew 6:12

12 And forgive us our debts,

as we also have forgiven our debtors.

Matthew 18:34-35

34In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.

35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Matthew 5:7

7 Blessed are the merciful,

for they will be shown mercy.

James 2:13

13because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.

Releasing the Prisoner: You

Forgiveness is not optional; it’s essential. Vertical and horizontal forgiveness are inseparable—two sides of the same coin. As Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).

In the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus described what would happen should we choose not to forgive: “[The servant’s] master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him” (Matthew 18:34).

The word torture carries with it the idea of extreme mental anguish. There is no worse prison than a heart that refuses to extend forgiveness to others. Your thoughts eat away at you. Your life is filled with stress and anxiety. You’ve been handed over to the torturers and become enslaved to your own unforgiveness. But forgiveness sets you free.

Perhaps the best real-life example of this comes from Corrie ten Boom. A couple years after World War II ended, she met a man who had been a guard at the very concentration camp she was imprisoned in for hiding Jews in her home. He had since repented of what he had done and stood before her seeking forgiveness. She wrote:

I stood there with the coldness clutching my heart…. “Jesus, help me!” I prayed silently. “I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.” And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes. “I forgive you, brother!” I cried. “With all my heart!” For a long moment we grasped each other’s hands, the former guard and the former prisoner. I had never known God’s love so intensely as I did then.

As Lewis B. Smedes wrote, “To forgive is to set a prisoner free and discover that the prisoner was you.” God loves you so much; He wants to spare you the prison of unforgiveness. By choosing to forgive from your heart in the same manner you have been forgiven, you can experience the freedom, peace, and joy that comes only by letting go of the offenses of others.

So I pray you would begin dismantling the walls of unforgiveness around you, one brick at a time. Make the choice today to lean into the Lord, reach out to others, and get involved in Heaven’s business of forgiveness.

We would like to thank Connect with Skip Heitzig for providing this plan.

April 22 – Matthew18; Romans 12; James 1

Matthew 18:21

21Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

Romans 12:19

19Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.

James 1:19-20

19My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry,

20because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.

Forgiveness vs. “Sweet Revenge”

We rarely feel like forgiving those who have wronged us. We usually feel more like evening the score by striking back or even retaliating far beyond the original offense. If someone knocks out our tooth, we want to see the offender outfitted in a whole set of dentures. This is why God established the Old Testament lex talionis, which says, “Eye for eye, tooth for tooth, hand for hand, foot for foot” (Exodus 21:24). Rather than giving us permission to get even, this scriptural law was meant to rein in man’s tendency for vengeance.

Peter’s question to Jesus in Matthew 18 reveals this natural desire to dispense punishment rather than mercy: “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” (v. 21). This honest question is one we’d all like answered. When do I get to stop forgiving and start fighting back?

But notice something: Peter could have asked Jesus, “How often shall my brother forgive me when I sin against him?” Instead, he was quick to assume his brother would require repeated forgiveness and seemed to forget he would need his brother’s mercy as well. This stingy, self-centered view of forgiveness is our default setting. We often notice another’s offense while remaining blind to our own faults. When an acquaintance says something that hurts our feelings, we brand him as cruel and thoughtless. Yet when we speak a painful word against someone, we’re misunderstood.

It’s tough to forgive, which makes it only seem right to set a reasonable limit on our gracious behavior. But the problem behind that reasoning is pride. And whenever you arrogantly refuse to forgive someone who has wronged you or you forget your own need to be forgiven, you are building a wall of bitterness between you and others—and even between you and God.

“Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive,” C.S. Lewis wrote. I think Peter would have agreed. He knew pontificating about forgiveness was a whole lot easier than practicing it. It’s the doing that gets tough. But it’s the doing that should characterize the child of God. To return evil for good is devilish, and to return good for good is human. But to return good for evil is Godlike.

We would like to thank Connect with Skip Heitzig for providing this plan.

April 17 – Mark 7; James 1; Colossians 3

Mark 7:20-23

He went on: “What comes out of a person is what defiles them.

21For it is from within, out of a person’s heart, that evil thoughts come—sexual immorality, theft, murder,

22adultery, greed, malice, deceit, lewdness, envy, slander, arrogance and folly.

23All these evils come from inside and defile a person.”

James 1:14-15

14but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

15Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

Colossians 3:1

Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

The Making Of A Bitter Heart 

We have all heard people talk about the proverbial “line in the sand.” Whatever the context, the point is always the same—you can go this far, but no farther. We have now come to the important point in our study where we honestly face how and when bitterness becomes sinful. This is the line in the sand that God instructs us not to cross. 

The good news is that the Lord is our gracious King who stands ready with strength to help us avoid taking steps that would dishonor him and destroy us. Additionally, He is our merciful Savior who is willing to forgive and cleanse us when we have become sinfully bitter. The hope is that we don’t cross the line into sinful bitterness, but if we do, He provides a way out.

God’s Word paints a comprehensive picture of how human life works. Our behavior, including bitterness, flows out of a fully functioning heart, or inner person. Jesus explained it like this: “That which proceeds out of the man, that is what defiles the man” (Mark 7:20).

The word “heart” is used over seven hundred times in the Bible. It isn’t simply the seat of our emotions or the physical organ in our body. In God’s Word, “heart” encompasses every aspect of our inner person. It is our control center and includes everything about us that is not material. It is so important that King Solomon tells us, “Watch over your heart with all diligence, for from it flow the springs of life” (Proverbs 4:23).

Sinful bitterness in the heart always begins with misplaced desires. Often they come in the form of unreasonable expectations we set up for the people and situations around us. Our children, spouse, coworkers, neighbors, and everyone else must behave in a certain way. Once we go from “I’d like to have” to “I must have,” there’s idolatry in our heart.

We do what we do because we want what we want. One way to watch over our heart with all diligence is to give careful attention at any given moment to the nature of our desires. We should be asking ourselves, What am I wanting right now, and is this a desire God can bless?

Is examining the condition of your heart something you do often? Commit to making this a common habit. Are you able to ask yourself: What am I wanting right now, and is this a desire God can bless?

We would like to thank Baker Publishing for providing this plan.

March 14 – Kings 17:1-7 and James 5:17-18

How can I pray in faith for my country and other nations?

Read It

Kings 17:1-7

Now Elijah the Tishbite, who was of the settlers of Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the LORD, the God of Israel lives, before whom I stand, surely there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.” The word of the LORD came to him, saying, “Go away from here and turn eastward, and hide yourself by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. It shall be that you will drink of the brook, and I have commanded the ravens to provide for you there.” So he went and did according to the word of the LORD, for he went and lived by the brook Cherith, which is east of the Jordan. The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening, and he would drink from the brook. It happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there was no rain in the land.

James 5:17-18

The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.

Meditate On It

Even in the Old Testament narrative of Israel’s history as a nation, there were times that God allowed the nation to undergo severe conditions, such as no rain for several years, that resulted in drought and famine. The Lord divinely supersedes everything that goes on in a country and even among the nations of the world. Knowing this truth gives God’s people the opportunity and assurance to seek Him for world-changing intercessions. As surely as God responded to the prophet Elijah in his prayers, God listens and responds to His people even today.

Consider the following questions:
1. What was God calling on the prophet Elijah to do? List down God’s instructions to him.
2. What did the Lord do in the midst of the nation during this time? How did God provide for and secure Elijah despite the scarcity, persecution, and turmoil he faced?
3. According to the passage in James, how can we emulate the faith and actions of Elijah?

Apply It

1. How can I grow in my faith and reliance on God? What big, bold, and brave prayers do I need to seek the Lord for?

2. In what way can I take part in God’s redemptive work in my own nation and the countries of the world? By faith, I will do my part by…

Set Simple, Measurable, Appropriate, Realistic, and Time-bound (SMART) commitments.

Example: “As a Christ-follower, I will pray and fast every Friday at noon time for my country and a specific country in the world: _____.”

Pray It

• Intercede for the citizens of your nation so that we may all learn to trust God wholeheartedly and live as prayerful and dutiful men and women of Christ. May every citizen turn to Christ for real salvation and transformation.

• Intercede on behalf of our country, including our incumbent leaders, so that we may all seek the Lord and do His will over the issues that continually encroach upon our nation.

• Pray for our political, legislative, and judicial leaders to uphold biblical values and exemplify godly character, competence, justice, accountability, and family; for them to serve with integrity, wisdom, faithfulness, protection, and guidance.

• Pray for major national issues:
– For the COVID-19 pandemic to be over, proper crisis management, and economic sustainability
– Ungodly values, moral decline, materialism, idolatry
– Economic hurdles, high gas prices, inflation, bills, and laws that are against God’s word and will
– That more people from all walks of life be saved, discipled, and for them to develop a genuine love for the Lord

• Lift up a prayer for peace in Ukraine and other conflict-ridden, war-torn, and economically-devastated countries (e.g., Myanmar, Sri Lanka, and the Rohingyan people).

• Pray that every nation would come to know and experience the love of Christ through His Church.

We would like to thank Christ’s Community Fellowship for providing this plan.

November 1 – The Bible – What’s…?

Read James 1:19-27

Write down your answer to these 3 questions:  1) What was the scripture about?  2) What did it say to me?  3) What do I need to do about it?  There are some very practical steps to take in these verses…don’t miss the opportunity to live them out today.  Studying God’s word on a daily basis is crucial for our spiritual lives – Studying it within a group brings another level of encouragement and accountability.  In case you aren’t in a group, this would be a great time to jump in.  You can always text GROUPS to 330-264-9459 to get connected.

September 30 – Tips for Everyday Life – James 5:13-20

As you read today’s passage, consider highlighting or underlining key words and phrases for closer research:

• “Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray.”
• “The prayer or a righteous person is powerful and effective.”
• “…Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from dead and cover over a multitude of sins.”

…

“Is anyone among you in trouble? Let them pray. Is anyone happy? Let them sing songs of praise. Is anyone among you sick? Let them call the elders of the church to pray over them and anoint them with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise them up. If they have sinned, they will be forgiven. Therefore, confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.

Elijah was a human being, even as we are. He prayed earnestly that it would not rain, and it did not rain on the land for three and a half years. Again, he prayed, and the heavens gave rain, and the earth produced its crops.

My brothers and sisters, if one of you should wander from the truth and someone should bring that person back, remember this: Whoever turns a sinner from the error of their way will save them from death and cover over a multitude of sins.”

1. What does this say?
2. What does this mean?
3. What do I do?

…

In this text, James talks about the power and importance of prayer and spiritual relationships. In order to live a life that honors God, prayer must be at the forefront of your life. We also have read how much Jesus changes us. Having relationships that strengthen our faith is important for the mission of God. How are you keeping yourself accountable? Are you keeping those around you accountable as well?

…

PRAYER POINT: God, thank you for giving us access to you through prayer. Whether its because of sickness or seeking a new perspective, I pray that I would never take this access for granted. While we wait for you to return, I pray that I would use my relationships to strengthen my faith. I pray that both parties would be accountable in our mission to become more like you and bring others to a knowledge of you!

September 29 – Tips for Everyday Life – James 5:7-12

As you read today’s passage, consider highlighting or underlining key words and phrases for closer research:

• “…be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.”
• “…patience in the face of suffering…”
• “All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No’.”

…

“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near. Don’t grumble against one another, brothers and sisters, or you will be judged. The Judge is standing at the door!

Brothers and sisters, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we count as blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.

Above all, my brothers and sisters, do not swear—not by heaven or by earth or by anything else. All you need to say is a simple ‘Yes’ or ‘No.’ Otherwise you will be condemned.”

1. What does this say?
2. What does this mean?
3. What do I do?

…

It’s important to understand our relation to eternity. As the Church is continually being built, we heed the words of Revelation 22 where Jesus says He is coming soon. This isn’t to say that the world will get any better. However, we have hope! Because of that hope, our lives change. How we talk changes. How we view current events change. How we talk about the future changes!

…

PRAYER POINT: God, I pray that I would never waste the waiting. There is still work to do before you return and I pray that I would be diligent in reaching people for you! The hope that you have given us in you is everything and I pray that it would change all aspects of me and that I would be a reflection of you.

September 28 – Tips for Every Day Life – James 5:1-6

As you read today’s passage, consider highlighting or underlining key words and phrases for closer research:

• “Your wealth has rotted…Your gold and silver are corroded.”
• “You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter.”

…

“Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming on you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered the innocent one, who was not opposing you.”

1. What does this say?
2. What does this mean?
3. What do I do?

…

How can you be in tune with the needs of others when you’re consumed with possessions? While there is nothing wrong with acquiring earthly possessions, where is your heart? Is your focus shifting from furthering the Kingdom to relishing on what you have acquired? Earthly possessions won’t last forever. How are you using what God has blessed you for the betterment of others?

…

PRAYER POINT: God, the moment I breathe my last breath, all that I have done for myself here on earth won’t matter. All that will matter is my relationship with you. I pray that I would keep that in perspective. I pray that I would guard myself against greed and would, instead, use what you have blessed me with the benefit others and bring them closer to you. May earthly possessions take a back seat to you!

September 27 – Tips for Everyday Life – James 4:13-17

As you read today’s passage, consider highlighting or underlining key words and phrases for closer research:

• “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow…You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes.”
• “…If it is the Lord’ will…”

…

“Now listen, you who say, ‘Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.’ Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, ‘If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.’ As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.”

1. What does this say?
2. What does this mean?
3. What do I do?

…

It’s helpful to get some perspective. The early church seemed to be a little boastful about their plans so much so that James had to bring them back to earth. The perspective that was offered was that nothing happens without God’s consent. We can be so confident about our future but that means nothing if God’s plans are different. James encouraged them to pull back on their own plans and submit to God’s will for their lives, even if it’s different than their own.

…

PRAYER POINT: God, it’s far too easy to get caught up with what I want to do with my life when I should instead be seeking your will. I pray that I would never get too confident and would seek your counsel before making plans for my life. I know that your plan is the only one that matters and I pray that I would be sensitive to that.