Continuing on with the remainder of James chapter 1… you can find part 1 here.

James 1 is talking about trials and testing of our faith. I will pick up where we left off at verse 13,

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; 14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed. 15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. James 1:13

So, this time we have:
Trials > Temptation > Desire > Sin > Death

Compare that with Verse 2:
Trials > Joy > Testing of Faith > Steadfastness > Perfect & Complete

Our trials can lead us to either sin or life. When you face a trial, whether it is a hardship or a struggle or whatever you’re going through, you have a choice, to
fall prey to the temptation the trial brings or declare God’s goodness and remain joyful and steadfast. Each will lead you to a different path of life.

The word tempt is peirazō meaning:

to try; make trial; test faith, virtue, character; entice to sin, solicit

The same word is used when referring to Satan, the tempter.

Then Jesus was led up by the Spirit into the wilderness to be tempted (peirazō) by the devil. Matthew 4:1

And he was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted (peirazō) by Satan. Mark 1:9

The Pharisees also attempted to test Jesus…

And Pharisees came up to him and tested (peirazō) him by asking… Matthew 19:3

So looking at all of these scriptures that refer to tempting/testing of faith ((peirazō)), we learn that Satan is the tempter, He is the one who tempts us to sin.

Satan tempts because of our lack of self-control (1 Corinthians 7:5). The key to getting through trials and temptations is to have self-control. We encounter a trial, Satan brings temptation, we need to have self-control (along with all the other fruit of the spirit) to get through it without giving into Satan.

The verse in James I want to focus on is verse 13… Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God” for God cannot be tempted with evil and He Himself tempts no one. This clearly says God does not tempt us or cause us to sin (peirazō).

It’s important to note, though, that this word translated “tempt” (peirazō) is also “testing of our faith, virtue, character and this chapter of James is talking about trials and testing of our faith. We get that God doesn’t try to make us sin but we often say “God is testing our faith”. Verse 13 says, “Let no one say…”I am being tempted (tested) by God”. Think about it, our trials and times we are being tested are times the enemy is soliciting us to sin. He is the tempter. He is tempting us to sin. James says God does not tempt us with evil.

Remember Job? The ultimate story of a man’s faith being tested. Who was it that tested Him? Satan! God allowed it because He knew Job’s faith would lead to steadfastness (James 1:2). God did not bring evil or temptation to Job; however, He did allow Satan to tempt him.

We are reminded in 1 Corinthians 10:13:

No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted (peirazō) beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it.

“He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability”… notice it does not say, “He will not tempt you beyond your ability”. He allows it to happen because it will develop our faith and lead to steadfastness. During our trials we need to rebuke the tempter and look to Jesus with unwavering faith.

This also reminds us that God is in control. Even in our trials we know that God is sovereign! There is nothing Satan can do to us that God will not provide a way out. That is comforting to know that God is all-powerful and higher than the enemy who brings attacks. When you’re facing a struggle, trial or attack, remember it’s the enemy and God is providing an escape. He knows what is going on and He is wanting you to seek Him; His gifts are good and perfect (James 1:16)

Lately, I’ve been studying James (my favorite book). If you have read James at all, you know that it is a hard one. It challenges us and brings wisdom and correction in the places we need it most but don’t want to go. I will share from my personal study, much like I did on the book of Joel.

What I find interesting as I read and study James, is that there are many verses we all have memorized and can quote but I think we forget what’s in between these often quoted verses.

James is first bringing up trials and testing of our faith.

² Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, ³for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. ⁴And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. James 1:2

So we have:  Trials > Joy > Testing of Faith > Steadfastness > Perfect & Complete

This means we have hope during our trials because we know it is good for us, that good will come out of it. We may not be jumping up and down and celebrating because of our trials and I don’t think that is what he is saying. But what is your usual response to trials? We might get upset, frustrated, worried; rather, we are to be joyful aka have hope because God is taking us through something that is eventually leading us into perfection and completion.

⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. ⁶But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. ⁷For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; ⁸ he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways. Verses 5-8

Another set of verses we know well. Remember that we are still talking about trials here. So, in your trial, ask God for wisdom. He gives generously! We are warned about asking in faith without doubting. When we doubt, it shows our heart. We know God is faithful, we know He provides, we know He is good and sovereign, so when we doubt, what are we putting our trust and faith in? If you are doubting, then you are double minded and supposing you will not receive what you ask. This isn’t about having enough faith to get something you want… it doesn’t depend on our amount of faith. But God knows our heart. Are we trusting in Him? If you say to God, “Please help me get through this situation,” and then you don’t put your trust and faith in Him to do that, you are double-minded, having faith and then not having faith. That is why James keeps telling us to “remain steadfast” in our trials.

Webster defined steadfast as:

1. Fast fixed; firm; firmly fixed or established; as the stedfast globe of earth.
2. Constant; firm; resolute; not fickle or wavering.

Fix your eyes on Him, remain constant, do not be fickle but keep your feet firmly planted in His Word and trust Him!

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life, which God has promised to those who love him. Verse 12

There is a reward at the end of your trial. God promises the crown of life to those who love Him. That would be referring to eternity, right? So, yes, our whole life is a trial but if you remain steadfast…back to verse 2…you will be “perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.”

In this study, we saw that God redeems, restores and empowers us. I will end my study on Joel with this post focusing on Joel 3:10b:

…let the weak say, “I am a warrior.”(ESV)

“Let the weak say, I am strong” Sound familar? The ESV uses the word warrior, other versions might say mighty or valiant. When you are feeling weak, remember that He makes you strong.

When looking at the whole verse, it may be literally referring to physical strength as it refers to beating plows in the passage, however, we cannot ignore the fact that it has a spiritual meaning much like the whole book of Joel. John Wesley comments this verse suggests ” I am strong – Put on strength and valour; let none be absent from this war.”

Spiritually, we are fighting a battle. And you are a warrior in it. Look again at Joel 2. His people will never be put to shame; He has removed your guilt, disgrace and unworthiness. He calls you a worthy warrior and you are a fighting a worthy battle.

We are empowered by His spirit to fight this battle. Put on your armor and fight the good fight!

Behold, God is my salvation;
I will trust, and will not be afraid;
for the LORD GOD is my strength and my song,
and he has become my salvation.

Isaiah 12:2

In my last post on Joel 2, we saw that God redeems and God Restores.
In Joel 2:28-29, we see that God empowers:

28 “And it shall come to pass afterward,
that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh;
your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
your old men shall dream dreams,
and your young men shall see visions.
29 Even on the male and female servants
in those days I will pour out my Spirit.

As much of Joel, I believe this passage is two-fold. He says, “Afterward”. After what? After the destruction of the land, after the call to repentance, after God’s mercy is shown and His restoration comes, He empowers us. And as Peter establishes in Acts 2:17 when he quotes this passage, this is prophetic of Pentecost when He pours out his Spirit upon man. He speaks to us through prophecy, dreams and visions.

So, God first redeems us and then He restores us. Then, He empowers us to live that redeemed and restored life.
These themes in Joel 2 foreshadow Christ, who came to:
set us free (Galatians 5:1)
restore us and make us a new creation (2 Corinthians 5:17)
and lastly to send the Holy Spirit who empowers us with gifts (1 Corinthians 12:4-11).

Christ is in you and you have the power to live that redeemed and restored life! “You are from God and have overcome them, for he who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.”
1 John 4:14

37No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us. 38For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, 39nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. – Romans 8:37-39

Continuing my study of Joel, I would like to share on Joel 2:20-28. This passage begins with Joel comparing the locust swarm to the coming army (or some believe it is a description of an actual army invasion). It could also be referring to the Lord’s army coming in justice. Joel urges repentance and tells them, God wants their hearts.

Following the description of devastation caused by the locust plague, he brings a word of deliverance and hope. The Lord has mercy on the repentant and will freely pardon. He says,

“6 Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near;7 let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” (Isaiah 55:6-7)

The rest of this passage describes God’s character toward His people who are repentant and have given God their hearts.

• HE IS REDEEMER

“I will remove the northerner far from you, and drive him into a parched and desolate land, his vanguard into the eastern sea, and his rear guard into the western sea; the stench and foul smell of him will rise, for he has done great things. (Joel 2:20) “

The Lord redeems us from our enemies. He diverts them from our path and removes them from our land. He has power over the enemy and when we are obedient and repentant, God will protect us.

• HE IS GREAT

Joel 2:21 “Do not fear, O Land, rejoice & be glad, For the Lord has done great things”
Great – gadal meaning great, powerful, important
Yes, God has done good and wonderful things… but this says He is has done POWERFUL things!

• HE IS RESTORER

“22 Fear not, you beasts of the field, for the pastures of the wilderness are green; the tree bears its fruit; the fig tree and vine give their full yield. 23 Be glad, O children of Zion, and rejoice in the Lord your God, for he has given the early rain for your vindication; he has poured down for you abundant rain, the early and the latter rain, as before. 24 The threshing floors shall be full of grain; the vats shall overflow with wine and oil.25 I will restore to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten, the hopper, the destroyer, and the cutter, my great army, which I sent among you.”Joel 2:22-25

In the above verses, God restores all of the land from its destruction and drought and barrenness. Let’s look at verse 26

“26You shall eat in plenty and be satisfied, and praise the name of the Lord your God, who has dealt wondrously with you. And my people shall never again be put to shame.27 You shall know that I am in the midst of Israel, and that I am the Lord your God and there is none else. And my people shall never again be put to shame.”

Shame - buwsh - meaning: to feel shame, to be ashamed, disconcerted or disappointed by reason of shame.

The definition of shame is:

1) a painful emotion caused by a strong sense of guilt, embarrassment, unworthiness or disgrace

2) One that brings dishonor, disgrace, or condemnation, a great disappointment

When we repent and believe in God, He says we [His people] “will not be put to shame.” He redeems us of our guilt, shame, unworthiness; He redeems us of the fact that we brought dishonor to Him. Where we were once sinners and unworthy, God’s redemptive character takes away all of that and makes you worthy.

He redeems, He is great and He restores!

You are made worthy!

He has done great things.

Rejoice & Be Glad!

Yesterday I began studying the book of Joel. I’ll share with you what I’m journaling as I go through Joel each day; below is from Joel 1-2:13.

Joel begins in midst of terrible devastation caused by a locust plague. Everyone is affected by this devastation: fire devoured the pastures and trees, the water was dried up, cattle wander with no pasture and flocks of sheep suffer, farmers had no crops, storehouses were desolate and grain offering and libation were withheld from the House of God. Verse 12 says, “…indeed, rejoicing dries up from the sons of men.”

In the midst of devastation, will we still praise God or be like the people of Judah and let our rejoicing and gladness dry up? Will we have hope in the Lord or only see the circumstances around us, however terrible they are?

As Joel urges, these situations should cause us to cry out to the Lord. Joel says, “Consecrate a fast; call a solemn assembly. Gather the elders and all the inhabitants of the land to the house of the Lord your God, and cry out to the Lord.” (1:14)  God will create and use situations to discipline His people and bring them back to Him.

Revelation 3:19 ESV, “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.”
Deuteronomy 8:5 ESV “Know then in your heart that, as a man disciplines his son, the Lord your God disciplines you”

Often in the midst of crisis, we blame and rebuke the enemy when it is God correcting us and trying to get our focus on Him.

Chapter two seems to be a two-fold description. One, of the locusts swarming and second, of an army invasion occurring on the “day of the Lord.”  (Verses 4-9 compare the locusts to warhorses and soldiers invading on the city. Verse 11 says, “11 The Lord utters his voice before his army, for his camp is exceedingly great; he who executes his word is powerful. For the day of the Lord is great and very awesome; who can endure it?”, which is plainly a comparison to the army of God.)

During this invasion, God reaches out again with a call to repentance. He says:

“12 Yet even now, declares the Lord, return to me with all your heart, with fasting, with weeping, and with mourning; 13 and rend your hearts and not your garments. Return to the Lord your God, for he is gracious and merciful, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love; and he relents over disaster.”

The Lord is just and holy but also gracious and compassionate. Joel urges them to return to the Lord! The Lord says to rend our hearts not our garments, a traditional outward expression. He says, “Give me your hearts,  stop just serving outwardly. I want your heart!”

This brings me to “what God is saying to me.” I’m currently in a transition ministry-wise; going from women’s ministry to youth ministry to serve with my husband, in addition to other areas I serve. My prayer, as I do this, has been for God to give me a vision of my role(s) and show me exactly where I should be focusing in ministry as I feel drawn to many different areas. To avoid going into long explanations, in short, I was trying to figure out where God wants to use my passion and desires for ministry.

As I read this passage and wrote in my journal, the Lord spoke to my heart and gently and lovingly said, “In this season, I want your heart. Focus on me and I will show you the way and give you vision.”

At that moment I had to repent for not giving Him my heart first and just worrying about serving – an outward expression. As I mentioned yesterday, I had grown into a laziness when it came to having a daily, fruitful time with God yet I have been serving outwardly in various ministry roles. I know it is important as someone in any kind of leadership to maintain a healthy an growing relationship with God. I had gotten so “busy” with life, including ministry, that I was not dedicating an intentional time with Him. Although, we are to serve and He wants us to minister in our roles, serving is not enough; He wants hearts. That is why He told the people of Judah “rend your hearts and not your garments.”

So, I ask you, as I asked myself, Are you surrendered wholeheartedly? Are you rending garments; reaping only outward expressions?

Return to Him now. He is gracious and merciful. Slow to anger and abounding in love.

hmm…ok I like the whole I Am Second thing, it’s a great way to put faith out there. But I was thinking…am I really second? When I study and teach about priorities, the order is not God first, me second.

I strive to make my priorities in the following order:
God
Husband
Home
Children
Private Life
Public Life

Why this order? Well, one it is biblical. When looking at Proverbs 31, and studying the priorities of the woman described, this is the priorities that we find. It is also what is taught in The Home Experience, which I am currently co-leading. It is funny how when you teach something, you are tested or the enemy will attack you in that area.

First is God. That is who we live for and all the other priorities fall under Him because we do everything to glorify and honor him. If at anytime, something goes before God, we have created an idol. Strive for God to be your number one priority!

Second is spouse. God created marriage and the roles of husband and wife. As a wife, I honor my husband. Often times, our children become a priority over our husband…and it’s true sometimes they take a lot of our time and energy. But God created the institution of marriage before children. If we are not honoring our spouse and giving him the priority he needs by putting our children above him, then our children are really not benefiting. They learn the values of marriage and authority by watching us.

Third is home. When we look at Genesis, we see that God set Adam in the garden and gave him the rules establishing the responsibilities of the home.Because of society, this is often towards the bottom of the list…Homes are often neglected despite the fact that home is where the family was created and where it comes back together, it is where our children’s hearts are formed. Children need the stability of the home. Again, we often want to put our children above the priority of keeping our home…and by this I do not mean that we need to do all of our chores before taking care of the kids. What I mean is we need to make it a priority to keep an orderly, well-kept, peaceful home environment for our children. By placing children above our responsibilities at home, maybe by getting them involved in several different sports, school activities, and church and staying busy busy busy, we may be thinking our children are a healthy priority…however, when there is chaos, disorganization in the home or no prepared meals at the dinner table because of the business outside the home, then our children are actually suffering.

Fourth is children. After the home is the children. God gave the institution of home at creation before they had children. Sometimes I can get selfish and want to do something for me before my children. This is one reason, why I do not currently blog as much as I used to, or would like to. I felt that there were things, children being one of them, that I was neglecting while I was working on my blog.

Fifth is private life…me. This is my time… for women, this is often the last on the list and often never gets done. We need to make time to take care of ourselves, physically, emotionally and spiritually.

Sixth is public life. Specifically for me, this means my leadership roles within church small groups and the media work, my blog, our graphic design business, any other public responsibilities I have. If anything above is out of order (not that it is always perfect but it’s something I have to constantly check and correct), then my leadership is not anointed and areas of my life may not have the blessing and grace that it could. That is why it is last on the list…for me to impact others, walk in leadership and have blessing on areas of my life, then everything above needs to be a priority first. If I put a leadership role within my church above my family, then I am not honoring my family or God. By setting our priorities in order, we are honoring our number one priority, God.

Well, this started out as a small facebook note on I Am Second…turned into a whole blog on what we are teaching in my Home Experience Group! I hope it blesses someone who reads this!

Isaiah 53

1 Who has believed what he has heard from us? And to whom has the arm of the Lord been revealed? 2 For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground; he had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. 3 He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

4 Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. 5 But he was wounded for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his stripes we are healed. 6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned–every one–to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.

7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth; like a lamb that is led to the slaughter, and like a sheep that before its shearers is silent, so he opened not his mouth. 8 By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? 9 And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth.

10 Yet it was the will of the Lord to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the Lord shall prosper in his hand. 11 Out of the anguish of his soul he shall see and be satisfied; by his knowledge shall the righteous one, my servant, make many to be accounted righteous, and he shall bear their iniquities. 12 Therefore I will divide him a portion with the many, and he shall divide the spoil with the strong, because he poured out his soul to death and was numbered with the transgressors; yet he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.

What an amazing God we have! What amazing Grace He gives!
Blessings to you this Resurrection Week-end!